Citrus Carrot Conserve
Citrus Carrot Conserve is a delightful twist on traditional marmalade, combining the tangy zest of Seville oranges and lemons with the natural sweetness of carrots. Originally inspired by a recipe from the 1911 Canadian Farm Cookbook, this conserve epitomizes a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. With a vibrant color and rich taste, it is a versatile preserve that enhances breakfast or tea time. Ideal for citrus lovers looking to explore a unique take on marmalade. It yields three jars but can be easily doubled, making it perfect for gift-giving and sharing.
48
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon
1 (Washed and finely shredded)
Seville orange
1 (Washed and finely shredded)
Water
2 cups (None)
Carrots
2 cups (Washed, peeled, and grated)
Sugar
2 1/2 cups (None)
Instructions
1
Rinse the lemon and the Seville orange thoroughly and finely shred their skins, ensuring to reserve all of their seeds.
2
Place the seeds in a clean, new tea ball or enclose them in a piece of cheesecloth, tying it securely.
3
Prepare your canning jars by placing them in a large pot, adding enough water to cover them at least one inch above the rims. Begin the sterilization process by boiling the jars for 10 minutes.
4
In a large, wide pot, combine the shredded lemon and orange peels, the juice extracted from both fruits, and water. Add the pouch containing the seeds, and bring the mixture to a boil for 10 minutes.
5
While waiting, wash, peel, and grate the carrots finely.
6
Add the grated carrots and sugar to the pot with the citrus mixture. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
7
Continue to boil the mixture on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for approximately 30 minutes or until the marmalade thickens and forms a sheet when it pours off a spoon.
8
Remove the seed pouch, ensuring to extract as much liquid from it as possible.
9
Carefully ladle the thickened marmalade into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace.
10
Seal the jars with their lids and process them in boiling water for an additional 5 minutes to ensure shelf stability.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Carrot Conserve?
Citrus Carrot Conserve is a unique preserve that blends the tangy zest of Seville oranges and lemons with the natural sweetness of carrots, creating a flavor profile similar to a traditional marmalade.
What does Citrus Carrot Conserve taste like?
It offers a perfect harmony of tangy citrus zest and rich, sweet carrot notes, resulting in a vibrant and multifaceted flavor.
How many jars does this recipe yield?
This recipe typically yields three jars of conserve.
Can I double this recipe for gift-giving?
Yes, the recipe can be easily doubled if you need a larger batch for sharing or gifts.
What kind of oranges are recommended for this recipe?
Seville oranges are recommended because their tangy zest provides the best flavor balance for this conserve.
Can I use regular oranges if I cannot find Seville oranges?
While Seville oranges are traditional for marmalades, you can use regular oranges, though the flavor profile may be slightly less tangy.
Why do I need to reserve the citrus seeds?
Citrus seeds contain natural pectin, which helps the conserve thicken and set properly during the boiling process.
How should I prepare the lemon and orange skins?
The skins should be thoroughly rinsed and then finely shredded before cooking.
What is the best way to handle the citrus seeds during cooking?
Place the reserved seeds in a clean tea ball or a tied piece of cheesecloth to allow the pectin to release into the mixture while keeping them easy to remove later.
How long should I sterilize the canning jars?
The jars should be boiled in a large pot of water for 10 minutes to ensure they are completely sterilized.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be washed, peeled, and finely grated before being added to the pot.
What is the initial boiling step for the citrus?
Combine the shredded peels, fruit juice, water, and the seed pouch, and bring them to a boil for 10 minutes.
When do I add the sugar and carrots?
The grated carrots and sugar are added to the pot after the initial 10-minute boil of the citrus mixture.
How long does the mixture need to boil after adding carrots and sugar?
The mixture should boil on medium heat for approximately 30 minutes, or until it reaches the desired thickness.
How can I tell if the conserve is finished cooking?
The conserve is ready when it thickens enough to form a 'sheet' when poured off a spoon.
What should I do with the seed pouch after cooking?
Remove the seed pouch from the pot and squeeze out as much liquid as possible back into the mixture before discarding it.
How much headspace should I leave in the jars?
Leave approximately 1/4-inch of headspace at the top of each jar when filling.
How long do I process the filled jars in a water bath?
Process the sealed jars in boiling water for 5 minutes to ensure shelf stability.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a traditional preparation found in the 1911 Canadian Farm Cookbook.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast?
Yes, it is an excellent spread for toast, muffins, or scones during breakfast or tea time.
What ingredients are needed for Citrus Carrot Conserve?
You will need 1 lemon, 1 Seville orange, 2 cups of water, 2 cups of grated carrots, and 2 1/2 cups of sugar.
Does this recipe require added pectin?
No, it uses the natural pectin found in the citrus seeds and skins to set.
Can this be used as a dessert topping?
Yes, its sweet and tangy flavor makes it a great addition to various desserts.
Is the color of the conserve vibrant?
Yes, the combination of orange peel and carrots gives the conserve a beautiful, vibrant orange hue.
Do I need to peel the lemon and orange?
No, you shred the skins (peels) as they are a primary component of the conserve's texture and flavor.
Is it necessary to use a wide pot?
A large, wide pot is recommended as it allows for better evaporation and faster thickening.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Reducing sugar may affect the set and shelf stability of the preserve, so follow canning safety guidelines if making adjustments.
What categories does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as a preserve, marmalade, conserve, and spread.
How many servings does one batch provide?
Based on typical serving sizes for spreads, one batch provides approximately 48 servings.
Should I stir the mixture while it boils?
Yes, you should stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the sugar and carrots.