Capture the zestful spirit of oranges with a homemade jam that radiates the freshness of the fruit without any artificial preservatives. This delightful orange jam recipe, a tradition I cherish and recreate yearly, brings a vibrant touch to breakfast spreads and pastries alike. Let’s dive into the preparation of this citrusy delight.
Ingredients:
3 kg oranges (yielding approximately 2 kg of both pulp and peel)
800 g sugar
Juice from 1 large lemon (or 5 tablespoons of lemon juice)
1/4 teaspoon citric acid
5 cloves (optional, for an extra layer of flavor)
Required Utensils:
Grater
Large pot
Clean towel for drying oranges
Jars for preserving
Preparation Overview:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Boiling Time: About 1 hour
Step-by-Step Guide:
Preparing the Oranges:
Begin by thoroughly washing the oranges to remove any contaminants. Dry them with a clean towel.
Shred the Peel: Use a grater to shred the orange peel, taking care to avoid the bitter white pith underneath.
Boil the Peel: Boil the grated peel for 5-7 minutes in water, then drain. This step helps in reducing bitterness.
Prepare the Pulp: Peel the oranges and meticulously remove all the white pith. Chop the pulp into small pieces, discarding any seeds.
Crafting the Jam:
Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, mix the pulp and peel. Add the lemon juice, citric acid, and cloves (if using) for enhanced flavor.
Add Sugar: Stir the sugar into the orange mixture until well combined.
