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.
Growing a Calamondin Orange Tree
Have no fear though you can grow one yourself and if you don't live in Florida like I do or another warm climate state you can grow 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.
Calamondin Marmalade
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 farmer's 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 ¾ cup)
- equal amounts of sugar
- 1 ¼ 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.
Calamondin Orange Marmalade
Ingredients
- 40 small fresh calamondin sour oranges
- equal amounts of sugar
- juice of the calamondin oranges about ¾ cup
- 1 ¼ 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. Cook until marmalade sets. (SEE NOTES)
- Fill the half pint canning jars with marmalade, wipe the rims and place the flat lid on. Twist a metal band on the jar. Repeat until all jars are filled.
- Process marmalade in a hot water bath for 20 minutes. Uncover and turn off the heat. Wait 5 minutes before removing the jars from the canning pot. Place the hot jars on a towel to cool.
- Cool for 24 hours. Check to make sure all the jars have sealed before removing the metal bands and washing the jars off.
- 5 half-pint jars.
- Store the jars of marmalade in a cool dark cabinet.
Notes
- Check the marmalade setting point: Place a glass saucer in the freezer while you are cooking the marmalade. To check to see if the marmalade has reach the marmalade setting point drop a small dollop of marmalade on the cold saucer. Allow the marmalade a couple of minutes to cool down. Use a finger tip to push the edge of the marmalade with your fingertip. If you can see the marmalade wrinkle it has reach the marmalade setting point.
Nutrition
For more canning recipes like this Calamondin Marmalade recipe head over to my canning recipes page.
