Homemade Orange Marmalade Without Pectin (low-sugar)
Homemade orange marmalade is the best way to use up the abundance of oranges when in season. This sweet orange marmalade, with a hint of bitterness, without pectin is low in sugar. Also, it uses the old-fashion method of making marmalade just like mom used to do, all-natural, and wholesome.
If you've never tasted homemade orange marmalade before then you'll be in for a treat with this one. The biggest advantage of making a good homemade marmalade is that you can use less sugar. The disadvantage of making homemade marmalade is that because it's low in sugar it's more delicious and everyone eats it with a spoon, straight from the jar (me), instead of on a slice of bread.
About this orange marmalade without pectin
This is my classic orange marmalade recipe. O
The preparation for oranges does require a little effort but it's worthwhile when you see kids enjoy orange marmalade without complaining that it's bitter.
I do not can my fruit jams or marmalades because I would rather have a few options in the fridge rather than ten jars of one variety in my pantry (plus I have a small pantry). And yet, I have detailed the canning process below that you will find useful if you choose to make a big batch and can this homemade orange marmalade.
The timeline for making marmalade depends on the quatity you make. For this batch
- Prepare orange (zest and juice) - 30 mins
- Cook the zest/membranes - 30 mins
- Cook the marmalade - 30 mins
- The canning process (if you decide to can) - 45 mins
Commercial vs homemade orange marmalade
Sugar is a natural preservative, so most commercial jams are loaded with sugar. They want the jam to have a long shelf life (years not months). In fact, if this jam was made the commercial method you would be adding 6 to 8 cups of sugar instead of 4. Do you see the difference?
With homemade orange marmalade, you want a shelf life of months, or perhaps a year. Often we don't can our jam or marmalade at all. So we don't really need all that sugar for preservation either. Why have all that sugar when you can have a more fruity marmalade. Now you see why you need to make this homemade orange marmalade. It's better than any readymade marmalade you will buy.
Is making marmalade the same as making jam?
Often people perceive making jams as easy and marmalade as difficult. But the truth is that the process is quite similar.
Jam is very straight forward with fruit, sugar, and acid. While marmalade uses the fruit peel instead of the whole fruit, sugar,
Ingredients and a few tips (Save/Pin)
Ideally, the three main ingredients for any jam are fruit, sugar, and acid. Take note of quantities in my jam recipes.
It's all about the orange
The best time to make homemade orange marmalade is when oranges are in season. Fruits in season are always at their best, sweet and juicy. Seville oranges are considered to be sour and juicer which works perfectly for a large amount of sugar in the jams and marmalade. Make sure to use organic oranges that have not been treated with pesticides since we
The best way to take the bitterness out of orange marmalade is to make sure to use the outer zest or rind of the orange. Making sure to not get the white underneath. The white pith is where the bitterness is. This does require a little bit of effort but it will give you the best sweet (with a slight bitterness) homemade orange marmalade.
Sugar
Traditionally people use a ratio of 1:1 for fruit: sugar, just like commercial marmalade. That's too sweet for me. Since I prefer my jams and marmalade more fruity, I use less sugar.
It is recommended to use thick granulated sugar so it cooks slowly with the fruit, but today I'm using regular sugar, which is not very thick.
You can create variations in marmalade by simply using different types of sugar. For example, brown sugar gives a sweet, but warm and dark marmalade with a hint of caramel like flavor.
Lemon juice - It's best to use fresh lemon juice and organic lemons for the zest.
Butter - Now you don't really need butter, and yet if you notice, often there is foam or scum in the marmalade when cooking. Adding butter helps clarify the orange marmalade.
Flavor/spice - Orange marmalade does do well with a few flavors. A hint of ginger adds a nice warmth. So does cinnamon. Other flavors like star anise and nutmeg work too.
Marmalade Done Test
Getting the marmalade off the heat is critical and often we take it off too soon or too late resulting in a runny or too thick marmalade. You can use a candy thermometer and cook the marmalade until the setting point of 105 C/ 220 F. And yet, since not everybody owns a candy thermometer, here is an old mom's method that works great to test any fruit
Place two ceramic plates in the freezer or fridge. These cool while the marmalade is cooking. When you are ready to test - bring the cold plate out. Put a spoonful of marmalade on the plate. The cold plate will instantly cool the marmalade giving you an indication of how much it has set. Simply put the marmalade on the plate from the corner towards the center. If it wrinkles it is set. Time to take
Useful Tips and Tools
- Always use a heavy bottom saucepan. This will prevent the jam from sticking or burning on the bottom.
- Use a clean chopping board and a kitchen knife that has not been used for things like garlic, onion or spices.
- Also, use a clean silicon or wooden spatula that has not been used for food with strong flavors. Wooden spoons can absorb a strong odor from spices. I have a set of spatula and tools that are only used for baking, which works just as well for jams.
- If you are new to making jam, a candy thermometer is a great investment as it takes the guesswork out of when the jam is done (105 C). I use this spatula thermometer (see video) that I love very much.
- There are many brands of canning jars, find one that best suits the quantity of jam you are making. Also, consider the jam consumption in your family. If you use large jars, then you will end up with it for longer in the fridge. For our family of four, small 250 ml jars work best.
- Always use labels and write the date and type of jam. This will prevent any guesswork later.
- And, if you plan to can the bottles, make sure to use a good stockpot and rack that will hold all the bottles comfortably with space between them. If necessary, do it twice but do not crowd the stockpot.
- When canning, always use the right canning equipment such as tongs. Often, you can find similar items at home and you don't have to buy them. What's important is that you be careful when handling the hot stockpot and hot jam jars.
How to make homemade orange marmalade without pectin (Save/Pin)
Prepare
- Zest and juice the lemons - and set aside.
- If you plan to can this orange marmalade sterilize the jar - see instructions below.
- Place two ceramic plates in the fridge for marmalade done test later.
- Thoroughly wash and lightly scrub the oranges as we will be using the peel.
Zest the orange
- Use a sharp vegetable peeler or paring knife and peel the bright orange colored zest making sure not to get the bitter white pith underneath. Julienne or cut the zest into strips.
- Alternatively, you can use the citrus zester that I have used in the video to zest the oranges.
- Zest all oranges and set aside.
Juice the oranges
- Cut the oranges in half and squeeze the juice out.
- Strain the juice to remove any peps or pulp.
- Set aside for later.
Prepare pith and membranes for pectin
- Collect the pulp, peps and remove as many membranes from the orange as possible (see video).
- Tie it all in a cheesecloth.
- Set aside for later.
Cook the zest first
- In a heavy-bottom pan add the orange zest, lemon zest, lemon juice, orange juice, and water.
- Place the cheesecloth with the membranes inside the pot as well.
- Bring to a boil then cook on medium simmer partially covered.
- Cook until the orange zest becomes soft. The liquid will reduce to about one
- third of its original volume.
Add the sugar
- Once the orange zest gets soft add the sugar.
- Stir and cook on medium heat until the sugar has melted.
- Then turn the heat up and let it come to a rolling boil.
- At this time, it is best to remove the cheesecloth with membranes and piths, making to press out as much of the syrup as you can.
- Let boil for a minute or two then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Now cook on medium-low simmer until the orange marmalade thickens and reduces to almost 1/3 its original volume.
- You can now start testing the marmalade using the ceramic plate we kept in the fridge earlier.
- Alternatively, you can use a candy thermometer and cook the marmalade until you reach 105 C/ 220 F which is the setting point for orange marmalade.
Testing the marmalade
- Place a small amount of the mixture on the plate. The cold plate will help cool the mixture instantly and give you a good indication if the marmalade is ready.
- You may need to do this once or a couple of times depending on how soon you start checking.
- If the blob of mixture you placed on the plate wrinkles in 2 to 3 minutes when you touch it with your fingers - it's ready.
- When the marmalade is closer to getting ready add a teaspoon of solid butter and you will notice that all the foam or scum on the top will dissolve and give you that glossy golden shine.
- Let the marmalade cool for about 20 mins before you pour it into warm sterilized jars leaving 1/4 inch space from the top.
- Use a clean sterilized knife or spatula to move the marmalade a bit - this will remove any air pockets.
- Clean the rim of the jar with a clean paper towel.
- Top the lid and screw on rings (that come with the canning jars).
- Place a piece of wax paper on the top before you place the lid on tightly.
If you plan to can the marmalade
Sterilize the jars
- Sterilize four 375 g jars by washing them in hot soapy water or place them in the dishwasher in a gentle cycle.
- Place them in the oven for 20 minutes at 140C, this will dry any excess moisture in the bottles.
- Leave them in the oven until you are ready to use (you can turn the oven off).
- Don't forget to wash and sterilize the bottle lids as well.
Canning process
- Place a rack on the bottom of a large stockpot.
- Fill half the pot with water.
- Pour the marmalade into the hot sterilized jar as explained above and close the lid.
- Bring the water in the pot to a boil on high heat.
- Lower the jars over the rack leaving enough space between the jars.
- The level of water should be at least an inch above the top of the jars. So if necessary pour more boiling water.
- Bring the water to a boil again. Cover the pot and process for 15 minutes.
- Remove the jars from the stockpot and place them on a kitchen towel to absorb any excess moisture.
- Let cool completely.
- Press the top of the lid to ensure the seal is tight - the lid should not move at all.
- Store in a cool dry place.
Storage
- If canning, the canned orange marmalade will stay in a cool dry place in the pantry for up to a year or even longer.
- When not canned, the marmalade will stay at room temperature for a month or more in good weather.
- You can also keep the marmalade in the fridge for 3 to 6 months.
- Label the jar with the name and date so you know what is in and when you made it.
Homemade Orange Marmalade without Pectin
Print Pin RateDescription
Ingredients
- 4.5 lbs (2 kg) orange washed & scrubbed
- 4 cups (800 g) sugar
- 2 lemons
- 3.5 cups (800 ml) water
Instructions
Prepare
- Zest and juice the lemons – and set aside.
- If you plan to can this orange marmalade sterilize the jar – see instructions below.
- Place two ceramic plates in the fridge for marmalade done test later.
- Thoroughly wash and lightly scrub the oranges as we will be using the peel.
Zest the oranges
- Use a sharp vegetable peeler or paring knife and peel the bright orange colored zest making sure not to get the bitter white pith underneath. Julienne or cut the zest into strips.
- Alternatively, if you have the citrus zester that I have used in the video to zest the oranges.
- Zest all oranges and set aside.
Juice the oranges
- Cut the oranges in half and squeeze the juice out.
- Strain the juice to remove any peps or pulp.
- Set aside for later.
Prepare the pith, membranes for pectin
- Collect the pulp, peps and remove as many membranes from the orange as possible (see video).
- Tie it all in a cheesecloth.
- Set aside for later.
Cook the zest/rind first
- In a heavy-bottom, pan add the orange zest, lemon zest, lemon juice, orange juice, and water.
- Place the cheesecloth with the membranes inside the pot as well.
- Bring to a boil then cook on medium simmer partially covered.
- Cook until the orange zest becomes soft, the liquid will reduce to about one-third of its original volume.
Add the sugar
- Once the orange zest gets soft add the sugar.
- Stir and cook on medium until the sugar has melted.
- Then turn the heat up and let come to a rolling boil.
- Let boil for a minute or two then reduce heat to a simmer.
- At this time it is best to remove the cheesecloth with membranes and piths, making to press out as much of the syrup as you can.
- Now cook on medium-low simmer until the orange marmalade thickens and reduces to almost 1/3 its original volume.
- You can now start testing the marmalade using the ceramic plate we kept in the fridge earlier.
- Alternatively, you can use a candy thermometer and cook the marmalade until you reach 105 C/ 220 F which is the setting point for orange marmalade.
Test the marmalade
- Place a small amount of the mixture on the plate. The cold plate will help cool the mixture instantly and give you a good indication if the marmalade is ready.
- You may need to do this once or a couple of times depending on how soon you start checking.
- If the blob of mixture you placed on the plate wrinkles in 2 to 3 minutes when you touch it with your fingers – it’s ready.
- When the marmalade is closer to getting ready add a teaspoon of solid butter and you will notice that all the foam or scum on the top will dissolve and give you that glossy golden shine.
- Let the jam cool for about 20 mins before you pour it into warm sterilized jars leaving 1/4 inch space from the top.
- Use a clean sterilized knife or spatula to move the marmalade a bit – this will remove any air pockets.
- Clean the rim of the jar with a clean paper towel.
- Top the lid and screw on rings (that come with the canning jars).
- Place a piece of wax paper on the top before you place the lid on tightly.
If you plan to can the marmalade
Sterilize the jars
- Sterilize four 375 g jars by washing them in hot soapy water or place them in the dishwasher in a gentle cycle.
- Place them in the oven for 20 minutes at 140C, this will dry any excess moisture in the bottles.
- Leave them in the oven until you are ready to use (you can turn the oven off).
- Don’t forget to wash and sterilize the bottle lids as well.
Canning process
- Place a rack on the bottom of a large stockpot.
- Fill half the pot with water.
- Pour the jam into the hot sterilized jar as explained above and close the lid.
- Bring the water in the pot to a boil on high heat.
- Lower the jars over the rack leaving enough space between the jars.
- The level of water should be at least an inch above the top of the jars. So if necessary pour more boiling water.
- Bring the water to a boil again. Cover the pot and process for 15 minutes.
- Remove the jars from the stockpot and place them on a kitchen towel to absorb any excess moisture.
- Let cool completely.
- Press the top of the lid to ensure the seal is tight – the lid should not move at all.
- Store in a cool dry place.
Recipe Notes
Storage
- If canning, the canned orange marmalade will stay in a cool dry place in the pantry for up to a year or even longer.
- When not canned, the marmalade will stay at room temperature for a month or more in good weather.
- You can also keep the marmalade in the fridge for 3 to 6 months.
- Label the jar with the name and date so you know what is in and when you made it.
Equipment
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use other citrus fruits like blood oranges, lemons, lime, grapefruits, mandarins. Some fruits may be more bitter and tart than others.
All fruits have pectin which is a natural substance. Some fruits have more pectin than others, like blueberries, apples, and other fruits. Oranges have plenty of pectins so you don't really need any more pectin.
Our grandmothers did not use any artificial pectin either. And yet, they've made us some amazing jams and marmalades. Low-heat, slow cooking is the key to making a good marmalade because that's when the pectin is naturally released.
The pith, pips, and membranes are the part of the fruit that is rich in pectin so it is an important ingredient in the process of making marmalade. If you choose to omit the natural process of pectin in this marmalade making process I highly recommend using artificial pectin. You will need about 2 boxes for this recipe - which is about 12 tbsp
Almost all marmalades use lemon juice and so does this orange marmalade. Lemon is a great way to cut down on that sweetness with a citrus edge. It also prevents the sugar from crystallizing. Most importantly the lemon helps prevent any growth of bacteria when canning the marmalade.
Yes, it is possible to overcook marmalade. It is better to undercook rather than overcook. Because undercooked can be cooked again, but once overcooked you have to add water to thin the marmalade. And once you add water you reduce the shelf life of the jam or marmalade
Why is my orange marmalade without pectin not setting?
Often the reason a jam or marmalade does not set though reduced to half is that it has not been boiled enough. The low-heat slow cooking is what makes marmalade reach its setting point. If cooked too fast the liquid is reduced but without going thru the natural process of setting. So, low-heat slow cooking is the key to a perfect marmalade.
How do you know when homemade orange marmalade without pectin is ready?
Getting marmalade off the heat is critical. Often we take it off too soon or too late resulting in a runny or too thick marmalade.
You can use a candy thermometer and cook the jam until the setting point of 105 C/ 220 F. But since not everybody owns a candy thermometer you can use the cold plate method explained above in the recipe and shown in the video.
Do I need a thermometer to make orange marmalade?
No, you don't need a thermometer. The cold plate testing methods have been successfully used for years by our moms and grandmothers. Having said that if you are new to making jams and marmalades then having a thermometer can take the guesswork out. Just take the jam off the heat when it reaches the setting point of 105 C / 22F. I find this thermometer on my spatula so convenient that I use it more often than I did before.
Can I reboil homemade orange marmalade if it is not set?
You want to give the marmalade a good 24 to 48 hours to set. The natural pectin does need time to set. After that, if it is still not set then you can recook the marmalade until the setting point or use the marmalade done test shown above.
Why is my homemade orange marmalade crystalized? How do you prevent crystallization? How do you fix crystallized jam?
An acid like lemon juice is necessary to keep the sugar from crystallizing which is why all jams and marmalade recipes have lemon juice. To fix crystallization, simply heat the marmalade in a microwave or clean a saucepan. Add lemon juice and cook until the sugar has melted again. This should fix it.
What else can you do with orange marmalade?
Oh, plenty.
- Spread it over chicken thighs and bake till done for a simple yet scrumptious orange chicken.
- Spoon over plain homemade yogurt to make a fruity orange yogurt.
- Mix it in a cocktail with gin for an orange marmalade martini
- Spread it in the base of a baked tart and top with vanilla creme patisserie for an orange tartlet.
- Serve it with French toast, waffles, and pancakes.
- Use it as a filling in cupcakes for wonderful orange cupcakes.
- Spread it over Brie and bake wrapped in puff pastry for a delicious baked orange brie.
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Deborah Fialkowski
Tried this with no pectin. About 40 minutes to get the zest sufficiently softened. It took a very long time to get to 220F/105C, over 90 minutes. Just made it today so it hasn't set up yet but the taste was great. I chose this recipe because if uses less sugar (one recipe called for nearly 4# of sugar for smaller amount of oranges) and it didn't have to sit for hours or go through several boilings but maybe that's why it takes so long to get to gel stage. Made 5 pints.
Veena Azmanov
Hey Deborah. Yes, the zest does take long to cook which is why I used that thin zester. If you make a big batch the process will take longer for sure. happy you enjoyed this marmalade
Charms
On average, how long does the whole process take from start to finish? With the boiling stages of the zest to boiling it with sugar? I must make sure I accommodate enough time to make this and I would hate to run out of time or try rush it and it would not set.
Veena Azmanov
It really depends on the quantity you make. For this batch, I'd say about 1.30 hour for jam and another hour for the canning process. The approximate timeline is in the post
Martin Holden
Hi there,
I am Diabetic so I cannot eat too much sugar, I was wondering what other sweeteners I could use without losing the preservative benefits of sugar??????
I was wondering about Erythritol, Xylitol or even Coconut sugar, what are your thoughts and suggestions on this??????
Kindest regards,
Martin.
Veena Azmanov
Hey Martin. I am not so great with information about substituting sugar with sweeteners and I do not want to misdirect you.
I highly recommend looking for a diabetic recipe or reading more about substituting sugar.
Sorry, I can't be more help
Thanks
Shirin Leos
My husband and I made your marmalade together as a way to mark the weekend during the Covid19 Shelter in Place. Easy, delicious — and now we’ve harvested more oranges and lemons to experiment with adding ginger, etc. Thanks for giving us a new hobby as well as a deeelicious marmalade!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Shirin. I am happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe. It sounds like a fun and delicious hobby. Thanks for coming back to write this feedback.
Gaven Fahl
Is it possible to halve this recipe? Thank you!
Veena Azmanov
Yes, of course, Gaven. Make sure to adjust the cooking time and keep stirring often. Keep it on low to prevent burning
Jill Lendrum
I notice you say that "Seville oranges are considered to be more sweet and juicer" - they are not! That is the whole point. They are very sour and full of pips which is what makes them of use only for making marmalade. I think your recipe is for dessert oranges - quite different and probably very good, but not using Seville oranges.
Veena Azmanov
Hey Jill, Actually, Seville oranges are best for marmalade. True they are sour and juicier so it works perfectly with the amount of sugar in jams. This recipe is very delicious and I hope you try it.
Aleksandra
I like your very detailed recipe! I just want to substitute the sugar with honey, for paleo use. Could you tell me what the orange- honey ratio would be in that case?
Thanks in advance!
Veena Azmanov
Hey Aleksandra. I have not tried it with honey yet but I'd say 1 1/2 cup honey would be just right for this recipe with 4 lbs oranges.
I highly recommend making half the recipe first to see if it's what you like.
Alexandra
Thank you Veena! I was thinking of making a half recipe any ways. I will come back to you with the results. Have a nice day!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Alexandra. yes, please, let m know how it was
Sam
This looks soo good! I love jams and marmalade! I didn’t realize how easy it is to make... just 4 ingredients! Can’t wait to try this
Veena Azmanov
Yes, very easy Sam. You must try. Thanks
Cathleen
My mom used to make marmalade at home, and she would always end up burning it!! I always associate homemade marmalade with a burnt taste. Maybe I should try it myself and remedy that!
Veena Azmanov
Ah.. you must try it yourself, Cathleen. It's so simple and easy. You will wonder why you never tried it yet.
Karyl Henry
I don't have space in my pantry for canning either! My mom loves marmalade, and when she comes to visit she always buys some. I think this is a great opportunity to have a jar of yours ready and waiting when she gets here later this summer!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Karyl. This is so good, your mom will love it.
Jenni LeBaron
I LOVE orange marmalade! I am also guilty of eating it by the spoonful as well. This recipe looks lovely!
Veena Azmanov
Me too Jenni. I can devour the whole jar in one sitting by the spoon.
Natalie
Perfect I have like tons of unused oranges in my kitchen. I now know what I'll do with them. This will be perfect to spread over pancakes that my family loves having for breakfast. Making this asap.
Veena Azmanov
Oh, then you must make marmalade Natalie. You will love this.
Anne Lawton
I have not had orange marmalade in a long time. Thank you for sharing such detailed information to make this recipe, it's very helpful!
Veena Azmanov
Then you must make this one soon. Thanks, Anne. Glad you like all the extra information.
Elena
I love zesty jams but I've never tried to make my own orange jam! It looks easier than I thought. Your instructions are very helpful - I didn't know you can add butter for clarity!
Veena Azmanov
It's so easy Elena. You must try. Glad you like my detailed post.
Amanda Mason
I had no idea about the sugar being a natural preservative! And the fact that you just add more sugar to make it last longer. I've never made my own jam/jelly, much less a marmalade! I love orange marmalade. I can't wait to try this! And you're post details are super helpful!!
Veena Azmanov
Yes, Amanda. Sugar and salt both are great preservatives used in jams and pickles. I hope you give this a try.
Sharon
This homemade orange marmalade looks so good! I love to spread this on toasted ham and cheese sandwiches. So good!
Veena Azmanov
Me too, ain't nothing like marmalade on toast.
SHANIKA
This Homemade Marmalade looks so great! I love how easy it id to make!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Shanika. yes, very easy to make.
Sara Welch
This is so sweet and tangy; it's perfect to have on hand! It's great on toast in the morning with my cup of coffee; love it!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Sara. Love marmalade for breakfast.
Krissy Allori
Such a great take on a classic! Yum!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Krissy.
Matt Ivan
I’ve done canning a few times with jams and curious to give this a try!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Matt.
Bintu
We love marmalade in our house. I really should give it a try, making my own!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Bintu.
Adrianne
I am a huge marmalade fan and this looks fabulous!! I also love your step by step photos along the way as it is so clear. It has such a great taste and isn't as sweet as other jams I find. Thanks for sharing!!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Adrianne. Happy you enjoy the progress pictures.
Heather
I always have avoided orange marmalade because of I find the store bought ones too bitter so I am going to have to try your tips and tricks! Thanks for the step by step photos too!!
Veena Azmanov
This is not bitter like store-bought Heather. It does have that slight bitterness but still delicious.