Calamondin Orange Marmalade
I’ve made a few marmalade recipes over the years. So far this Calamondin Orange Marmalade is one of my favorites. It’s neck and neck between the Calamondin Orange Marmalade and the Meyer Lemon Marmalade I made last year.
Last year I spotted this cute little orange plant growing in a hanging basket at Lowes. I was intrigued by this little orange tree. I had never heard of a calamondin orange before. So I of course bought one.
After I got home from Lowes I hit the internet running so I could find out all about these tiny little citrus gems called calamondin oranges. What I found out was that they are so tender that the only way you can get your hands on them is pretty much to grow a calamondin tree yourself.
Have no fear though you can grow one yourself and if you don’t live in Florida like I do or another warm climated state you can grown one in a container and bring it indoors during the winter months. When the calamondin tree is in bloom your house will fill with the scent of orange flowers.
Right now my tree is in full bloom and when the wind blows just right and I am sitting on my lanai I can smell that sweet scent.
From what I read they are very easy to grow (here in Florida they bloom all year long) and if you plant one tree in the ground the seeds from the fruit that fall to the ground will sprout and before you know it you will have a calamondin grove growing. I only have my one tree growing in a large pot right now but I may try growing a few more trees from seeds so I can share the calamondin love.
If you just want to buy some calamondin marmalade or baked goods you can head over to the Calamondin Cafe. They have a full line of products made with calamondin oranges. They have a grove of calamondin oranges, make all their products by hand and are gmo free, nut free and toxin free.
I also found them while I was researching the calamondin orange. You know what’s funny? The Calamondin Cafe is a local business right here in my backyard.
They sell at some of our local farmers markets so I had a chance to sample their calamondin marmalade when I saw their booth at my favorite farmers market.
If you’re in the Southwest Florida area during the winter months be sure to check them out at the Lakes Park Farmers Market.
The Calamondin Cafe at the Lakes Park Farmers Market 2014-2015 season
How to make Calamondin Orange Marmalade
Ingredients
- 40 fresh calamondin sour oranges
- juice of the calamondin oranges ( about 3/4 cup)
- equal amounts of sugar
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions
- Cut each calamondin orange in half and remove the seeds.
- Squeeze the juice into a bowl or measuring cup and set aside.
- Flatten each calamondin half and thinly slice the peel into ribbons.
- Measure the calamondin peel, water and calamondin juice before pouring into a large jam pot.
- Measure equal amounts of sugar and add to the pot.
- Add butter to pot.
- Heat on low, stirring occasionally so the sugar doesn’t scorch on the bottom of the pot.
- Once the sugar has dissolved turn the heat up to medium high and bring to a boil.
- Place a saucer in the freezer.
- Cook until marmalade sets.
- Check set by dropping a dollop of marmalade on the cold saucer and push the edge with your fingertip.
- If marmalade wrinkles it has set.
- Process marmalade in a hot water bath 20 minutes.
The calamondin orange is a sour orange that is also perfect to make a cuban mojo marinade.
Print the Calamondin Marmalade Recipe below.
PrintCalamondin Orange Marmalade
The little gems of calamondin oranges make a perfect marmalade. If you are lucky enough to have a calamondin tree growing near by or buy one for your backyard this is a perfect recipe. Calamondin Marmalade makes a wonderful Christmas gift.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 5 half pints
- Category: Canning Recipes
- Method: Hot Water Bath Canning
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 40 fresh calamondin sour oranges
- equal amounts of sugar
- juice of the calamondin oranges ( about 3/4 cup)
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Cut each calamondin orange in half and remove the seeds.
- Squeeze the juice into a bowl or measuring cup and set aside.
- Flatten each calamondin half and thinly slice the peel into ribbons.
- Measure the calamondin peel, water and calamondin juice before pouring into a large jam pot.
- Measure equal amounts of sugar and add to the pot.
- Add butter to pot.
- Heat on low, stirring occasionally so the sugar doesn’t scorch on the bottom of the pot.
- Once the sugar has dissolved turn the heat up to medium high and bring to a boil.
- Place a saucer in the freezer.
- Cook until marmalade sets.
- Check set by dropping a dollop of marmalade on the cold saucer and push the edge with your fingertip.
- If marmalade wrinkles it has set.
- Process marmalade in a hot water bath 20 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Tablespoon
- Calories: 56
For more canning recipes like this Calamondin Marmalade recipe head over to my canning recipes page.
Linda says
This sounds yummy! I can grow Meyer lemons in West Texas. Maybe I can find one of these trees. I made peach marmalade one time. I love it. But a peach pit got in the garbage disposer. My husband said he couldn’t afford for me to save money by my making the marmalade and replacing a dispoerl. He just didn’t understand my need to try new things! 🙂
Wishes for tasty dishes,
Linda
★★★★★
Arlene Mobley says
Linda
If you can grow Meyer Lemons then you can probably grow calamondins. I found mine at Lowes last spring. Check there. Thanks for stopping by!
Jon says
We are growing a Calamondin in a Conservatory in Scotland, in the depths of winter we enclose it in small tent with a small heater to keep it above 5C. It seems to like our long summer days. Its been doing really well many fruit are starting to form, I hope for some marmalade this year 🙂
Arlene Mobley says
Good luck Jon. My little Calamondin is in bloom right now. Can’t wait to make more marmalade this year.
Andrea Pope says
Is there a fruit comparable to the Calamondin? My grandmother lived in St. Petersburg FL and had a tree in her backyard. I can remember the marmalade and would love to make some. Do you have any suggestions? I live in Alabama and I don’t think that I would be able to find a tree in this area or would it be able to survive our winters.
Arlene Mobley says
Andrea
The only thing I can think of that would come close is a sour orange. Which is probably what was growing in your grandmothers yard. I’m not sure if you could find sour oranges either in Alabama. You can learn about them here All About Florida Oranges
Carol says
I live in Mobile and have a Calamondia in a pot. We didn’t even put it on the porch this winter since most nights were so mild. It’s loaded now. Got it at the Botanical Garden Sale – a great source for unique plants that do well in your area.
Arlene Mobley says
Carol
I hope Andrea sees your comment! I know I was excited when I found my Calamondin Tree. It’s fun to grow uncommon citrus fruit trees if your area is warm enough. I have a Pondorosa lemon tree I hope gives me a bunch of huge lemons this year.
Margot says
I really need to try this out!
Arlene Mobley says
Margot
It is so good!
Jane says
What does it mean to “process marmalade in hot water bath for 20 miutes?
Arlene Mobley says
Jane
You should follow safe canning practices by processing any canning recipe in a hot water bath or by pressure canning. Marmalade’s are processed by hot water bath. Please see this documentation on how to hot water bath can before making this or any other canning recipe.
Veronica says
What do you mean by equal amounts of sugar? Is it equal to the juice or the fruit or the water or any combination. This must be a silly question. Thanks
Arlene Mobley says
Step 4: Measure the calamondin peel, water and calamondin juice before pouring into a large jam pot. Step 5: Measure equal amounts of sugar. Use the same amount of sugar that equals the measured ingredients in step 4.