The recipe you’re asking about is “A Fine Marmalade of Cherries.” Marmalade is typically made from citrus fruits, but cherries can also be used to create a delightful variation. Unfortunately, the exact historical origins of cherry marmalade aren’t as well-documented as traditional citrus marmalades. However, marmalades in general have a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans preserving quince fruit.
Here’s the recipe for A Fine Marmalade of Cherries along with its ingredients, instructions, and estimated preparation time:
Ingredients:
- 1 kg cherries, pitted and chopped
- 800 g granulated sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup water
Recipe Instructions:
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Prepare the cherries by washing, pitting, and chopping them. You can leave a few cherries with pits for added flavor, but make sure to inform anyone you’re serving.
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In a large pot, combine the chopped cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and water. Mix well to ensure the sugar dissolves.
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Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Once the mixture starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
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Allow the mixture to simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until it thickens and reaches the desired consistency. You can test the consistency by placing a small amount on a chilled plate – it should set and not be too runny.
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While the marmalade is simmering, prepare sterilized glass jars for storage. Wash the jars and lids in hot soapy water, rinse, and then place them in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 15 minutes to sterilize.
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Once the marmalade has reached the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat.
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Carefully ladle the hot marmalade into the sterilized jars, leaving a small amount of space at the top. Seal the jars with the sterilized lids while the marmalade is still hot.
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Allow the jars to cool at room temperature for a few hours. As they cool, you might hear the lids pop, indicating a proper seal.
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Store the sealed jars of cherry marmalade in a cool, dark place. The marmalade can be enjoyed on toast, scones, pancakes, or as a topping for desserts.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this cherry marmalade recipe is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, including the time for chopping, simmering, and preparing the jars.
Enjoy making and savoring your homemade A Fine Marmalade of Cherries!
I’m sorry, but I don’t have access to real-time data or the ability to browse the internet for specific recipes’ nutrition facts and health information. However, I can provide you with some general information about cherries’ nutritional value and potential health benefits:
Nutrition Facts for Cherries (per 100g serving):
- Calories: 63 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Sugars: 13 g
- Fiber: 2.1 g
- Protein: 1.1 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Vitamin C: 7 mg (12% of recommended daily intake)
- Potassium: 222 mg
- Antioxidants: Cherries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give them their red color and have potential health benefits.
Health Benefits of Cherries:
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Cherries, especially tart cherries, contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects and may help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Rich in Antioxidants: The antioxidants in cherries can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are associated with various chronic diseases.
- Heart Health: Cherries’ antioxidants and potassium content contribute to heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Sleep Improvement: Cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep patterns. Consuming cherries may help improve sleep quality.
- Exercise Recovery: Some studies suggest that cherries’ anti-inflammatory properties could aid in muscle recovery and reduce exercise-induced soreness.
Remember that the nutrition facts and health benefits can vary based on the type of cherries used and how they’re prepared. If you’re looking for precise nutrition information for your specific cherry marmalade recipe, I recommend using a nutrition calculator or consulting a registered dietitian.
