Prickly Pear and Orange Delight Marmalade
This delightful and vibrant marmalade combines the unique flavor of prickly pear cactus with the bright citrus notes of fresh oranges. Passed down from a charming little old lady, this recipe captures the essence of traditional canning with an unexpected twist. The process requires a little patience, as the oranges soak overnight for deeper flavor, but the result is a beautifully thickened, fruit-forward marmalade that's perfect for spreading on toast or using in desserts. Ideal for those looking to experiment with new flavors, this preserve is sure to impress friends and family alike.
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
prickly pear cactus
1 cup (thinly sliced)
sugar
3/8 cup (none)
orange
1/4 cup (thinly sliced and cut into quarters)
orange juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Begin by carefully removing the skins from the prickly pears. Slice the fruit thinly, discarding any hard seeds.
2
Prepare the oranges by washing them thoroughly. Cut into thin slices and then quarter each slice. Place the orange pieces in a bowl and cover them with water. Let the oranges soak overnight in the refrigerator to enhance their flavor.
3
The next day, drain the oranges and reserve the soaking water. In a large saucepan, combine the orange juice, the thinly sliced prickly pear, and the soaked orange pieces along with the reserved water.
4
Add the sugar into the saucepan and heat the mixture slowly over low heat, stirring continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved.
5
Once dissolved, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, and allow it to cook for about 30 minutes or until it thickens and the fruit becomes clear.
6
To test for thickness, you can place a small amount on a cold plate; if it sets, it's ready.
7
Prepare your jars by sterilizing them and keeping them hot in the oven. Pour the thickened marmalade into the hot, dry, sterilized jars, filling them to within 1/4 inch of the top if you plan to use paraffin wax; otherwise, fill them to the brim for canning.
8
Seal the jars immediately and let them cool completely. Store in a cool, dark place and enjoy this unique marmalade in the months to come.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
65g
Carbs
1g
Protein
2g
Fiber
59g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prickly Pear and Orange Delight Marmalade?
It is a vibrant preserve that combines the unique flavor of prickly pear cactus with the bright citrus notes of fresh oranges.
How do I prepare the prickly pear?
Carefully remove the skins, slice the fruit thinly, and discard any hard seeds.
How should I prepare the oranges?
Wash the oranges thoroughly, cut them into thin slices, and then quarter each slice.
Why must the oranges soak overnight?
Soaking the oranges overnight in the refrigerator helps to enhance and deepen their flavor.
Should I discard the orange soaking water?
No, you should reserve the soaking water and add it to the saucepan with the fruit and juice.
How much sugar is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3/8 cup of sugar.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
After soaking the fruit, combine the orange juice, prickly pear, and orange pieces with the reserved water in a saucepan.
At what temperature should I dissolve the sugar?
Dissolve the sugar slowly over low heat while stirring continuously.
How long should the marmalade boil?
Once the sugar is dissolved, bring it to a gentle boil and cook for about 30 minutes.
How do I know when the marmalade is ready?
It is ready when it thickens and the fruit becomes clear, or when it passes the cold plate test.
What is the cold plate test?
Place a small amount of marmalade on a cold plate; if it sets, the marmalade is ready.
How should the jars be prepared?
Jars should be sterilized and kept hot in the oven until they are ready to be filled.
How much headspace should I leave in the jars?
Leave 1/4 inch of space if using paraffin wax, or fill to the brim for standard canning.
Where should the marmalade be stored?
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
How many calories are in this marmalade?
There are 250 calories per serving.
What is the fat content?
This recipe contains 0g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 65g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in one serving?
Each serving contains 59g of sugar.
Does the marmalade contain fiber?
Yes, there are 2g of fiber per serving.
How much protein is in the recipe?
The marmalade contains 1g of protein per serving.
How much prickly pear is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of thinly sliced prickly pear cactus.
How much orange juice is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
What quantity of fresh orange is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of thinly sliced and quartered orange.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is a traditional canning recipe passed down from a charming little old lady.
What is the main flavor profile?
It is a fruit-forward marmalade that combines sweet prickly pear with bright citrus.
Can this be used for anything other than toast?
Yes, besides toast, it is excellent for use in various desserts.
Why should I stir the mixture frequently?
Frequent stirring is necessary to prevent the mixture from sticking to the saucepan.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are a total of 4 main ingredients in this recipe.
What are the suggested tags for this recipe?
Tags include marmalade, prickly pear, orange, fruit preserve, and canning.
What should I do with the prickly pear seeds?
Any hard seeds found in the prickly pear should be discarded during preparation.