The main distinction between marmalade and preserves is that marmalades contain small pieces of citrus fruits, while preserves consist of large fruit pieces or whole fruit suspended in a jelly-like fruit syrup. Both marmalade and preserves have similar ingredients, including natural acid and pectin, fruits, and sweeteners like corn syrup, beet sugar, and honey. They can be found commercially or made at home, and are often used in toast, desserts, cakes, sandwiches, and biscuits.
Key Takeaways
- Marmalade is made from citrus fruits and has a smooth, thick consistency, whereas preserves have a chunky texture due to the use of large fruit pieces or whole fruit.
- Both marmalade and preserves use similar ingredients and can be made at home or purchased commercially.
- Marmalade and preserves are commonly used in a variety of food items, such as toast, desserts, cakes, sandwiches, and biscuits.
What is Marmalade?
Marmalade is a fruit preserve made from citrus fruit, with a thick, smooth consistency. It is created by boiling citrus fruit, such as oranges, lemons, limes, sweet oranges, mandarin, grapefruits, and bergamots, with water and sugar. Marmalade has a sweet and bitter taste, as the acidity and bitterness soften during cooking. The taste depends on the type of fruit and the proportion of ingredients used, and bitter orange marmalade is particularly popular. Marmalade can be served with bread products, used to fill or decorate baked goods and desserts, or used as a glaze for vegetables or meats. It can be easily made at home and stored in the fridge for months or even years.
What are Preserves?
Preserves are fruits preserved using large chunks or whole fruit with sugar and pectin, an indigestible carbohydrate. They usually contain more fruit than marmalade and have a jam-like consistency. Preserves are used in various ways, such as stuffing pork chops, marinating chicken wings, making barbecue sauce, filling muffins, enhancing brownies and cocktails, and creating homemade pop tarts and fruit spritzers. They can be made at home or bought commercially, and there are low-sugar and sugar-free varieties available.
What is the Difference Between Marmalade and Preserves?
The key difference between marmalade and preserves is that marmalades are jellies containing small pieces of citrus fruit, while preserves consist of large fruit pieces or whole fruit suspended in a jelly-like fruit syrup. Marmalade has a smooth texture, while preserves have a chunky texture.
Summary – Marmalade vs Preserves
In summary, marmalade is a fruit preserve made from citrus fruits with a smooth, thick consistency, while preserves are made using large chunks or whole fruit with sugar and pectin, resulting in a chunky texture. Both marmalade and preserves can be made at home or purchased commercially and are used in a variety of food items.
