Capture the bright, zesty flavors of citrus with this Small Batch Mandarin Orange or Clementine Marmalade, a delightful homemade preserve that’s both simple and satisfying to create. Perfectly portioned for one jar, this recipe uses whole mandarins—including the fragrant peels—for a rich, tangy-sweet spread bursting with natural citrus essence. With just four ingredients—fresh mandarins, sugar, lemon juice, and water—you'll transform everyday fruit into a golden, glossy marmalade that's perfect for spreading on toast, glazing meats, or adding a touch of sunshine to baked goods. Ready in just about an hour, this easy small-batch recipe is your go-to for homemade marmalade without the commitment of large-scale canning.
Wash the mandarin oranges or clementines thoroughly to remove any wax or dirt from the skin, as you will be using the peel in the recipe.
Cut the mandarins into thin slices, removing any seeds as you go. Chop the slices into small pieces if you prefer a finer texture for the marmalade.
In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped mandarins (with their peel), sugar, water, and fresh lemon juice.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar.
Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue simmering for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the peels become translucent.
To check for doneness, use the plate test: Place a small spoonful of the marmalade onto a chilled plate and let it cool. If it wrinkles slightly when pushed with your finger, it is ready. If it is still too runny, continue cooking and test again after 5 minutes.
Once the marmalade is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Transfer the marmalade to a sterilized jar or container and let it cool completely before sealing. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Calories |
1770 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 6.3 g | 8% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 46 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 443.3 g | 161% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.7 g | 117% | |
| Total Sugars | 392.3 g | ||
| Protein | 14.8 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 690 mg | 53% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 3047 mg | 65% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.