Winter is the perfect time to celebrate the vibrant flavours of citrus — and at Gertrude Grocer, our fresh, juicy mandarins and other citrus fruits are ideal for making homemade marmalade. Preserving seasonal fruit is a wonderful way to enjoy the sunshine taste of summer all year round, plus it makes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Why Choose Gertrude Grocer for Your Citrus & Preserving Supplies?
We carefully select the freshest mandarins, oranges, lemons, and grapefruits — all bursting with flavour and perfect for marmalade making. Alongside our premium fruit, we stock everything you need to preserve your creations: sugar, pectin, sterilized jars, and labels.
How to Sterilize Jars for Safe Preserving
Before you start cooking, sterilizing your jars is essential to ensure your marmalade keeps safely and lasts. Here’s how:
-
Wash jars and lids in hot soapy water and rinse well.
-
Place jars upside down on a baking tray and bake at 160°C for 10-15 minutes.
-
Boil lids in water for 5 minutes.
-
Handle sterilized jars and lids with clean hands or tongs to avoid contamination.
Winter Citrus Marmalade Recipe Using Mandarins
Ingredients:
-
1 kg mandarins, washed and peeled (reserve the peel separately)
-
1 large lemon (for juice and zest)
-
1.2 kg preserving sugar (available at Gertrude Grocer)
-
2 cups water
Method:
-
Thinly slice the mandarin peels into fine strips.
-
Remove seeds from mandarins and roughly chop the fruit.
-
In a large pot, combine mandarin flesh, peel strips, lemon juice, zest, water, and sugar.
-
Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a rolling boil.
-
Boil vigorously for 15-20 minutes or until the marmalade reaches setting point (test by placing a spoonful on a cold plate — if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready).
-
Carefully pour hot marmalade into sterilized jars, leaving a small gap at the top. Seal immediately.
-
Allow jars to cool completely, then label and store in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Perfect Marmalade
-
Use organic citrus if possible to avoid pesticide residues on the peel.
-
For a smoother marmalade, finely chop the peel or pulse it lightly in a food processor.
-
Don’t rush the boiling step — it’s crucial for the marmalade to set properly.
-
Marmalade improves in flavour if stored for a few weeks before opening.
Shop Gertrude Grocer for Fresh Citrus & Preserving Essentials
Stock up on fresh mandarins, lemons, preserving sugar, and sterilized jars at our Kensington and Carlton stores or conveniently order online for Click & Collect.