Easy to make Mandarin Orange Jam recipe using quick jam making method. Perfect alternative to a traditional orange marmalade, this jam is great on toast or to swirl into breakfast porridge, on top of pancakes or to sweeten your tea with.
1/2teaspooncinnamonor ground ginger (or other spices)
1teaspoonwhiskyoptional (or rum or vanilla extract)
Instructions
Peel the mandarin oranges and cut them in smaller pieces to make them smaller.
Add the mandarin oranges into large saucepan and add water (about 1/3 cup of water or orange juice, but only enough, so that the mandarins won't catch on to the saucepan and burn). Bring to boil and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the mandarins soften.
Pour the soft mandarins through a sieve into a large bowl (be careful as the jam mixture will be hot) and press down as much liquid as you can. Return the jam mixture back to the saucepan. Discard the mandarin pulp.
Add the sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon or other spices (if using).
Let the sugar dissolve on a low heat first and then bring to boil and carry on simmering gently over medium heat for about 20 minutes. Stir very slowly as the jam mixture boils. If you get a lot of foam on the top, just stir the top or blow on the top to disperse the bubbles.
After 20 minutes or so, the jam mixture will start to thicken. Check the mandarin jam by putting a little bit on a spoon, placing it in the fridge and if the jam mixture sets and it's fairly firm, the rest of the mixture is ready too. If the jam mixture is still runny, carry on simmering for another 5 minutes and then repeat the test again.
If using any extra flavouring, such as whisky, rum or vanilla essence, add it just before you are ready to pour the jam into the jam jars.
When the jam is ready, pour it carefully into your prepared jam jars and screw the lids on straightaway. Leave to cool down in the room temperature first.
Your mandarin orange jam will last good 12 months. Once opened, keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.
Notes
The nutritional information is calculated per one jam jar (based on this recipe making 4 medium size jam jars).