Simple Mandarin Jam With Peel: Old-Fashioned Georgian Recipe
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Ever tried mandarin jam? If not, get ready for a tasty surprise! Our mandarin jam canning recipe comes all the way from the country of Georgia, where they’re experts in growing citrus fruits and making delicious recipes that stand the test of time. Our version is a twist on tradition. We’ve cut down on the sugar and added pectin to make it just right for today’s tastes. Curious how? Read on to find out the secret!
Mandarins to use in this mandarin jam recipe
To begin with, “mandarin” is often a catch-all term for small, easy-to-peel citrus fruits. However, there are many different varieties of mandarin oranges hiding behind this term, each with its own unique flavor profile. We specifically chose Cuties mandarins to make our jam recipe because Cuties have no seeds and bring just the right mix of sweet and tangy flavors, making our jam stand out.
For those outside of North America, Cuties are a brand of small mandarin hybrids from California, sometimes called clementines or tangerines. Besides their great taste, Cuties are also quite affordable, especially during their peak season in February. If you can’t get Cuties, don’t worry! You can use any clementines, mandarins, or tangerines you can find, except for Satsuma mandarins – they’re not the best fit for this recipe.
Yield:
The specified in this jam recipe quantity of ingredients should yield enough of jam to fill four 8 oz. (250 ml.) mason jars. The final yield may vary based on your preferred level of jam doneness.
This is a jam recipe for blender or mixer. Make sure to have your blender ready!
These are some of the blenders to consider
Whole Fruit Mandarin Oranges Jam Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lb. 900 g. of mandarins
- 1 ¼ lb. 600 g. sugar
- 1 tsp. fruit pectin
- Water as needed
Instructions
Prepare the fruit
- Begin by thoroughly washing the mandarins and removing the fruit crown (calyx).
- Place the washed mandarins in a suitably sized pot and cover them with cold water.
- Set the pot on the stove over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, let mandarins boil in water for 1 minute, then remove the pot from the heat.
- Drain the water while keeping the mandarins in the pot. Cover them with cold water again and repeat the boil and drain process two more times.
- For the final round of preparing the fruit, cover the mandarins with cold water and bring them to a boil.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and continue boiling the mandarins in the water for 1 hour. Then, drain them and set aside to cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
Cooking the mandarin jam with peel:
- Using an immersion blender or a regular mixer, carefully blend the mandarins until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.
- Mix the sugar with the pectin. Then, combine the pectin-sugar mixture with freshly blended mandarins.
- Place the pot back on the stove. Bring the jam mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
- Once the mandarin jam mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
- Perform a chilled plate test to check the jam’s consistency and adjust if necessary.
- Once satisfied, pour jam into the jars and process according to your preferred canning method.
Choose your preferred canning method to preserve your jam
For those processing this preserve using water bath or steam canner, the processing time guidelines at various altitudes are as follows:
0 – 1,000 ft: 5 mins
1,001 – 6,000 ft: 10 mins
Altitudes Above 6,000 ft: 15 mins
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to adjust the batch size of this jam recipe?
Scaling up or down the batch size is a simple process. To scale up, proportionally increase the ingredients. To scale down, proportionally increase the ingredients. Additionally, keep in mind that you’ll also need a larger pot to accommodate the increased quantity of ingredients. Another key point is that the cooking time will be a bit longer due to the larger batch size.
Should I strain the mandarin jam with peel?
Whether or not to strain your mandarin jam depends on your jam texture preferences. If you prefer a smoother jam without any pieces of peel, then we recommend straining it. However, if you enjoy the texture and appearance of small fruit pieces in your jam, then you can skip straining it.
Can I freeze this mandarin jam?
Freezing mandarin jam that’s meant for canning might seem strange, as canning itself is a way to keep food fresh. But if you’ve made mandarin jam using a canning recipe and later decide to freeze it instead, it’s totally okay. Just use containers made for freezing with lids that stop freezer burn. This way, you can save your yummy jam without having to go through the whole canning process again.
How long does mandarin jam last?
The shelf life of mandarin jam depends on various factors, including how it’s stored and whether it’s been opened or not. Here’s a general guideline:
- Unopened Jar: If properly canned and stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry, unopened mandarin jam can last for about 1 to 2 years.
- Opened Jar: Once opened, mandarin jam should be refrigerated to maintain its quality. It can typically last for about 6 months to 1 year in the refrigerator. However, always check for any signs of spoilage, such as mold growth or off odors, before consuming it.
How to use mandarin jam?
Mandarin jam with peel is a versatile preserve that can be used in various sweet and savory dishes. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy mandarin jam:
- Top Yogurt or Oatmeal: Swirl jam into plain yogurt or oatmeal for a naturally sweet and tangy flavor boost. This is by far our favorite way to use it.
- Glaze for Meat or Fish: Use this jam as a glaze for roasted chicken, pork, or fish to add a citrusy twist to your main course.
- Mix into Desserts: Incorporate mandarin jam into desserts like cakes, cupcakes, or thumbprint cookies for a burst of flavor.
- Fillings for Pastries: Use it as a filling for pastries, turnovers, or crepes for a delicious treat.
- Marinades and Sauces: Mix mandarin jam with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to create a flavorful marinade or dipping sauce for meats or tofu.
- Baked goods topping: Enjoy this Cuties jam on croissants, or muffins for an outstanding breakfast treat.
Related Recipe:
How To Make and Preserve Italian Style Orange Marmalade
This Italian-style zesty orange marmalade stands out from other orange jams due to its emphasis on preserving the natural flavors of the fruits. With plenty of pulp, a moderate amount of zest, and just enough sugar to sweeten without overpowering, it delivers a vibrant burst of citrusy goodness in every spoonful. The reduced sugar content allows the true essence of the citrus fruit to shine through, resulting in an orange marmalade that’s bright, tangy, and irresistibly zesty.
