Put Those Meyers Lemons to Good Use In This Marmalade Recipe (2024)

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There's no better showcase for mild Meyer lemons than this homemade Meyer lemon marmalade. Make jars to give as gifts or crack open and smear over scones.

By

Elise Bauer

Put Those Meyers Lemons to Good Use In This Marmalade Recipe (1)

Elise Bauer

Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated September 01, 2022

64 Ratings

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In This Recipe

We are blessed here in California to have the perfect weather for growing citrus. We have several Meyer lemon trees which supply us with lemons almost year round. Meyer lemons, if you are unfamiliar with them, are a milder variety of lemon than our standard "Eureka" lemon.

They are a cross between a regular lemon and an orange. They're not quite as sour as regular lemons, and their peels are smooth and not as bitter. They make wonderful marmalade.

Homemade Marmalade: A Winter Ritual

Every winter I make several batches of marmalade from the citrus growing in our yard. This Meyer lemon marmalade recipe is the "master" recipe from which I base all sorts of variations (adding grapefruit, blood oranges, etc.)

You can spice up this basic recipe by adding herbs or spices in the first stage of cooking, such as cinnamon, cardamom, rosemary, or vanilla. (Remove any whole spices or herbs before you add the sugar.)

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I've tried to detail the recipe as well I could, making it easier for first time marmalade makers to be successful. Jam making is tricky; it really helps to do it a bunch of times; the more experience you have with it, the better jams you'll make.

If you are just starting out with jam making, use a candy thermometer! Once you have enough jam making experience, you can more easily judge when the jam is ready without one, but until then, use one.

Tips for Marmalade Success

  • Make sure you are using Meyer lemons: I know this one sounds obvious, but you really cannot swap out Meyer lemons with regular lemons for this recipe. Meyer lemons are less tart and have peels that are less bitter than regular lemons. If you use regular lemons for this recipe, your result may be too sour and bitter.
  • Cook until the peels are very soft in the first stage of cooking: Once you add sugar to the pot, the peels will firm up substantially, so you want to make sure the peels are very soft in the first stage of cooking, before you add the sugar.
  • Know your altitude: These instructions are for cooking at sea-level. When you are at altitude, liquid boils at a lower temperature than 212°F. Look up what the boiling point of water is at your altitude (for example, at 3000 ft, the boiling point of water is 206°F), and aim for a jelly setting temperature of 6 to 8°F higher than that temperature. Otherwise, you may overcook your marmalade.
  • Don't let the marmalade turn brown: If the marmalade is turning brown while you are cooking it, you are likely overcooking it and the sugars are beginning to caramelize. Remove it from the heat immediately if this happens and then next time you make marmalade, aim for a lower setting temperature.
  • Rely more on the wrinkle test than on your thermometer: I use a thermometer just to help me figure out when to start making a wrinkle tests. The wrinkling of a little jelly on a chilled plate is the best indication that the jelly has reached its setting point.

Marvelous Meyer Lemons

Meyer Lemon Sorbet
Preserved Meyer Lemons
Meyer Lemon Risotto

Meyer Lemon Marmalade

Prep Time60 mins

Cook Time60 mins

Total Time2 hrs

Servings96to 128 servings

Yield6to 8 half-pint jars

This recipe calls for Meyer lemons, a hybrid of a regular lemon and an orange, that is thinner skinned and sweeter than a regular lemon. You cannot substitute regular lemons for Meyer lemons in this recipe.

The proportion of lemon segments to water to sugar is 1:1:1. So if you don't have a kitchen scale and don't weigh your lemons to begin with, as you proceed through this recipe keep in mind these proportions. Your 2 1/2 lbs of lemons should yield 6 cups of chopped lemon. 6 cups of chopped lemon will be cooked first with 6 cups of water, and then later 6 cups of sugar are added.

You can also do this recipe with 4 cups of chopped lemons, 4 cups of water, and 4 cups of sugar. Do not double the recipe.

Do not reduce the sugar (if you want a reduced sugar recipe, use a different recipe); the sugar is needed for the jelly to set.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 pounds Meyer lemons (should yield 6 cups when chopped, if not, add more)

  • 6 cups water

  • 6 cups granulated sugar

Special Equipment

  • 6half-pint (8-ounce) canning jars
  • Cheesecloth, enough to double over and form a bag to hold the seeds for making pectin, or a muslin jelly bag
  • Candy thermometer or instant-read thermometer

Method

Preparing the fruit

  1. Scrub the lemons clean:

    Discard any that are moldy or damaged.

  2. Prepare the lemons:

    Cut 1/4 inch off from the ends of the lemons. Working one at a time, stand a lemon on end. Cut the lemon in half lengthwise. Cut each lemon half into several segments, lengthwise.

    Put Those Meyers Lemons to Good Use In This Marmalade Recipe (8)

    Put Those Meyers Lemons to Good Use In This Marmalade Recipe (9)

    As you cut the lemons into segments, if you can, pull off any exposed membranes. Just get the ones that are easy to get to, ignore the rest. When you've cut down to the final segment, cut away the pithy core. Remove all seeds from the segments. Reserve the seeds and any removed membrane or pith. You will need them to make pectin.

    Cut each lemon segment crosswise into even pieces to make little triangles of lemon peel and pulp.

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    Put Those Meyers Lemons to Good Use In This Marmalade Recipe (11)

  3. Put seeds, membranes, and pith into cheesecloth or muslin bag:

    Put all of the seeds, membranes and pith you removed from the lemons into a bag fashioned out of two layers of cheesecloth or a muslin jelly bag.

First stage of cooking

  1. Boil until the peels are soft:

    Place the lemon segments and water into a large, wide pot. Place the pectin bag in the pot with the fruit pulp and tie it to the pot handle.

    Place the pectin bag in the pot with the fruit pulp and secure to the pot handle.

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    Bring to a strong boil on high heat. Let boil, uncovered, for about 25-35 minutes, until the peels are soft and cooked through. (If too much of the water evaporates from the boil and the peels start sticking to the bottom of the pan, add a little more water back in.)

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    Test one of the lemon peel pieces by eating it. It should be very soft. If it is still chewy, keep cooking until soft.

    Remove from heat.

  2. Remove the pectin bag:

    Remove the pectin bag and place it in a bowl. Let cool until it is comfortable to touch.

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Add the pectin and sugar

  1. Squeeze the pectin from the bag:

    Once your pectin bag has cooled to the point you can handle it, if you want, squeeze it like Play-doh to extract any extra pectin. This is not necessary but will help ensure a good set. (I like to wear disposable gloves for this part.) You should be able to get a teaspoon or two more from the bag. It has the consistency of sour cream. Return this pectin to the pan with the lemon mixture.

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  2. Add the sugar:

    Measure out your sugar and add it to the pan.

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Second stage of cooking

  1. Boil and and check the temperature:

    Heat the mixture on medium high and bring it to a rapid boil, stirring occasionally, making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pan.

    After the marmalade first comes to a boil, it will foam up considerably. This is why you need need to use a large pot, and make sure you pay attention and keep your eyes on the whole process. Stir with a wooden spoon to bring the foam back down. If it gets too high, lower the temperature to keep it from overflowing the pot.

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    Put Those Meyers Lemons to Good Use In This Marmalade Recipe (19)

    Secure a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, or check the jelly temperature with an instant read thermometer. The marmalade may take anywhere from 20 to 35 minutes or so to be ready to pour out. After about 15 minutes, start checking the temperature frequently.

  2. Test for the gelling point:

    There are two ways to test that the marmalade is ready to pour out into jars: the mixture reaching a temperature of 218-220°F (6-8°F above the boiling point at your altitude) OR putting a bit of it on a chilled plate "wrinkling up" when you push it with your finger tip. I steer off of the wrinkle test. If the sample of jelly wrinkles, it's ready. I use a thermometer just to help me gauge when to do the wrinkle test.

    For the wrinkle test, place a small plate into the freezer. As the jelly temperature reaches 217°F, start testing it by placing a small amount of the hot jelly on the chilled plate. If the jelly spreads out and thins immediately, it isn't ready. If it holds its shape a bit, like an egg yolk, that's a good sign. Push up against it with your finger tip. If the jelly sample wrinkles at all, it is time to take the jelly off the heat and pour it out into jars.

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    When you use a candy thermometer or an instantread thermometer to test the temperature of your mixture, make sure the probe is NOT touching the bottom of the pan. Make sure that the indentation on the probe (with modern candy thermometers this is about an inch and a half from the bottom of the probe) is actually surrounded by the mixture. This may mean that you have to tilt the pan to one side, to cover the probe sufficiently to get a good reading.

Canning

  1. Sterilize canning jars:

    While the marmalade is in its second cooking stage, sterilize your jars using your preferred method.

    How to Sterilize Canning JarsREAD MORE:

    This not only sterilizes the jars, but it helps to keep them from cracking from the temperature differential when you add the hot marmalade.

    Wash the lids in hot, soapy water.

  2. Ladle the marmalade into the sterilized jars:

    Once the jelly has reached 218-220°F or its "wrinkly" stage, remove the jelly pot from the heat. Carefully ladle the jelly into the jars, leaving 1/4 inch of head space at the top of the jars.

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  3. Clean rims, secure with lids and jar ring:

    Wipe the rims clean with a clean, wet paper towel. Place the clean, dry lids on the jars, securing with jar rings until they are fingertip-tight. Work quickly.

    Simple Tip!

    At this point, for extra assurance of a good seal, you may process the jars in a water bath canner for 5 minutes.

    Current recommendations from the National Center for Home Food Preservation are to process jars of marmalade in a water bath canner for unrefrigerated storage. However, many home canners choose to skip this step for marmalade, as it is high in sugar and acid. The route you choose is up to you.

  4. Allow the jars to cool and seal:

    Allow the jars to sit overnight. You will hear them make a popping sound as a vacuum seal is created.

    Even if the jelly is not firm as it goes into the jar (it shouldn't be), it should firm up as it cools.

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  • Canning and Preserving
  • Lemon
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
39Calories
0g Fat
10g Carbs
0g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 96to 128
Amount per serving
Calories39
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g0%
Saturated Fat 0g0%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 1mg0%
Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
Dietary Fiber 0g1%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 5mg23%
Calcium 3mg0%
Iron 0mg0%
Potassium 12mg0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Put Those Meyers Lemons to Good Use In This Marmalade Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can I use Meyer lemons instead of regular lemons? ›

THE BOTTOM LINE: For applications that don't depend on the bracing acidity of a standard lemon, a Meyer lemon can be a fine substitute. But where a recipe demands bold, bright flavor for balance, reach for a standard lemon.

What is the best use of Meyer lemons? ›

Here are the top 100 things to do with a Meyer lemon.
  • Make Meyer lemonade.
  • Make roasted Cornish game hens with Meyer lemons, olives and fennel (see recipe).
  • Make shrimp piri piri with black rice and chef Marcus Samuelsson's “quick-preserved” Meyer lemons (see recipe). More to Read. The best cookbooks for spring 2024.
Jan 16, 2008

What is special about Meyer lemons? ›

The truth is, they're an entirely different breed. Compared to sour Eureka and Lisbon lemons (the varieties you'll find year-round at most grocery stores), Meyer lemons are sweeter and less acidic, with lovely floral undertones.

Why is my lemon marmalade bitter? ›

Adjust the cooking time: The bitterness in marmalade can come from overcooking the citrus peel. Try reducing the cooking time, or using a lower heat setting to avoid overcooking the peel. Soak the citrus peel: Soaking the citrus peel in water overnight can help to reduce the bitterness.

What is the taste difference between a Meyer lemon and a regular lemon? ›

Taste: Another key difference that makes Meyer lemons stand out is their sweet, slightly floral taste. A regular lemon is acidic by nature and has a sour and tangy taste with some natural sweetness, but a Meyer lemon lacks the sour tang. This is what makes it such a great fruit for sweet desserts or salads.

Why do Meyer lemons taste different? ›

Meyer lemons are a cross between a mandarin orange and a lemon, which makes them smaller, juicier and sweeter than regular lemons. Instead of being bright yellow, their flesh is a golden color and they produce more juice, too.

Should you refrigerate Meyer lemons? ›

Storing lemons in the fridge is a great way to extend their shelf life. And if you want to keep lemons fresh for longer than a week, you'll definitely want to refrigerate them.

Can I freeze Meyer lemons? ›

You can freeze lemon wedges or slices, lemon zest, lemon juice, or whole lemons. Always wash fruit with soap and water or a fruit and vegetable wash before starting the prep work for freezing. Use a microplane to create lemon zest from the peel.

Can you eat the skin of a Meyer lemon? ›

The layer of bitter white pith that makes a thick protective coating for regular lemons is so thin on Meyers that they may be eaten in their entirety, peel included. Cut thin slices, remove the seeds and roast them with root vegetables, chicken or fish.

Why are Meyer lemons so expensive? ›

Their limited window of availability, coupled with their more fragile nature (which makes shipping them more difficult), naturally makes them more expensive than hardier, year-round regular lemons too.

Are Meyers lemons healthy? ›

Citrus fruits have a distinctive nutrition profile, and Meyer lemons are no exception! They are high in vitamin C, folate, and phytonutrients called flavanones, which have antioxidant and anticancer properties.

How long do Meyer lemons last in the refrigerator? ›

Lemons are best kept in the fridge. Stashed in the fridge in the crisper drawer or on a shelf, fresh lemons will keep for two weeks or more. If you really want your lemons to last, keep them in a sealed container (there are even specialty produce keepers for this purpose) or a resealable plastic bag.

Why did my lemon marmalade turn brown? ›

Don't let the marmalade turn brown: If the marmalade is turning brown while you are cooking it, you are likely overcooking it and the sugars are beginning to caramelize. Remove it from the heat immediately if this happens and then next time you make marmalade, aim for a lower setting temperature.

Why won't my lemon marmalade set? ›

It sounds like you have over boiled it. If you cook it for too long at a high temperature, the natural pectin breaks down and no longer acts as a setting agent and the sugar polymerises into toffee. The way to make any set jam or marmalade is to simmer the fruit gently until it develops your desired level of softness.

Why is my lemon marmalade not setting? ›

Insufficient water and too short a cooking time will fail to soften the peel and extract the pectin necessary for a good set. The weight of sugar in a traditional marmalade is twice the weight of fruit for a balanced flavour.

Are Meyer lemons good for baking? ›

Much like standard lemons, Meyer lemons can be used in a variety of ways. The peel can be candied or zested into sweet and savory dishes. The juice can be used to make lemonade, cocktails, or in baking or cooking to brighten up a dish.

Can ReaLemon be substituted for real lemons? ›

When cooking, three tablespoons of ReaLemon (45 mL) equals the juice of one medium lemon. Always shake the bottle well before using, and refrigerate after opening for best taste.

Can you use bottled lemon juice in place of real lemons? ›

However, bottled preserved lemon juice can be used successfully in many recipes. As a general rule, the less fresh juice called for — or the smaller the proportion of juice in the recipe — the better the result will be. ... Bottled organic lemon juice is another alternative to freshly squeezed lemons.

What is the difference between a Meyer lemon tree and a regular lemon tree? ›

The Meyer lemon has orange in its breeding background. As a result, the Meyer produces fruit different from the lemons you see in the supermarket (which are primarily Lisbon lemons). The fruit of Meyer lemons are rounder and slightly sweeter than store-bought lemons.

References

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