Meyer Lemon Sunshine Marmalade a Taste of California on Your Toast

Put Those Meyers Lemons to Good Use Sunshine Marmalade

By Emma PrescottSeptember 20, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered what to do with a glut of lemons? Let's Put Those Meyers Lemons to brilliant use with a vibrant lemon marmalade .

It's like sunshine in a jar, perfect for brightening up your morning toast!

Brief Overview

Marmalade , especially homemade marmalade , has a long history. It's a classic British preserve, but this version uses the uniquely sweet Meyer lemon.

It's a medium difficulty recipe that takes about 2 hours to make, yielding around 4 jars. Perfect for gifting or stocking your own pantry.

Main Benefits

This citrus marmalade recipe is packed with vitamin C. Making your own marmalade is so rewarding. It's especially delicious served with scones and clotted cream.

What's the Big Deal About Meyer Lemons Anyway?

Meyer lemons are a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange. This means they have a sweeter, less acidic flavor than regular lemons.

Honestly, they're just delicious . If you're looking for Meyer lemon recipes , you've hit the jackpot.

Marmalade Recipe : Let’s Get Started

Ready to try some Canning Jams ? I always get a little nervous canning jam , but it's easier than you think.

This Easy marmalade recipe is actually quite straightforward. I'll walk you through it step-by-step, even if you are into Marmalade for beginners .

The Secret Ingredient (Okay, Not Really a Secret)

The key to this recipe is giving the lemons time to macerate. It helps soften the peels and release their lovely flavor.

What You’ll Need (The Shopping List)

You'll need Meyer lemons, sugar, water, honey, and a little lemon juice. I like to use local wildflower honey, but any kind will do. Also sterilised jars and lids.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this Meyer Lemon Sunshine Marmalade . Honestly, getting your ingredients right is half the battle.

Trust me, I've had my fair share of culinary oopsies!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, so for this marmalade recipe , you'll need:

2 lbs (907g) Meyer lemons , thinly sliced, seeds removed. Look for firm lemons with a bright, fragrant zest. Bruised or dull lemons won't do.
8 cups (1920ml) Water, divided.
4 cups (800g) Granulated sugar. Regular white sugar is fine.
1/4 cup (80ml) Honey. Local wildflower honey is awesome, but any good quality honey will work. It really adds a special depth to this homemade marmalade .
1 tbsp Lemon Juice (optional), for a pectin boost.

For the Meyer lemons, really Put Those Meyers Lemons to work! Their unique sweetness and floral notes are key. Think of them as the stars of our show.

Seasoning Notes

For this particular citrus marmalade recipe , it's all about the lemons.

We're not going overboard with spices. A touch of honey enhances the natural flavor.
If you are feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of sea salt can heighten the sweetness. Seriously, just a pinch!
Vanilla extract is a good idea if you want a bit of warmth in your final product.

Don't overthink it. The best marmalade for beginners focuses on the quality of the fruit.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple. You probably have most of this stuff already.

Large, heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Prevents scorching.
Candy thermometer. Essential for hitting that 220° F ( 104° C) setting point!
Sterilized jars and lids (4 x 8-ounce). Cleanliness is key! Especially if you plan on canning jam .
Slotted spoon. To skim off any foam.
Small plates, chilled in the freezer. For testing the set.
Jar lifter (optional). But saves you from burning your fingers.

For my first attempt at canning jams , I tried to use a regular pot instead of a heavy bottomed one.

Total disaster! The marmalade scorched, and I had to start all over. Lesson learned!. And that's why I only use the best equipment now.

Cooking Method: Transforming Lemons into Liquid Gold

So, you've got a pile of Meyer lemons looking all sunny and inviting? Fantastic! Let's Put Those Meyers Lemons to delicious use by making the most incredible Homemade Marmalade you've ever tasted.

Seriously, forget that shop bought stuff. This is next level. Think sunshine in a jar. We're diving headfirst into a Marmalade Recipe that's going to knock your socks off.

Prep Steps for Citrus Nirvana

Essential mise en place: Get everything prepped. We're talking thinly sliced lemons (remove those pesky seeds!), sugar measured, and your jars sterilised. Honestly, sterilising is a MUST. Nobody wants mouldy Canning Jam .
Time saving organization tips: Slice those lemons while catching up on The Great British Bake Off . Multitasking, innit?
Safety reminders: Hot sugar is like molten lava. Handle with care! Oven gloves are your best friend.

step-by-step: Your Easy Marmalade Recipe

Here's the breakdown for making this Marmalade for beginners :

Slice 2 lbs (907g) Meyer lemons thinly. Remove any seeds.
Soak sliced lemons in 4 cups (960ml) water for at least 12 hours . Overnight works best.
Simmer the lemon mixture in the pot for 30- 45 minutes . Peels must be translucent.
Stir in 4 cups (800g) sugar and 1/4 cup (80ml) honey. Dissolve completely.
Boil until the temperature reaches 220° F ( 104° C) . Use a candy thermometer.
Skim off any foam. Foam is no bueno.
Ladle into sterilised jars. Leave 1/4 inch headspace.
Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes or cool completely.

Pro Tips for Meyer lemon recipes

Pro Tip 1: Use a chilled plate from the freezer to test if the marmalade is ready. A wrinkle means success.
Pro Tip 2: Don't overcrowd the pan! This recipe makes approximately 4 x 8-ounce jars, use a pot large enough so that the water can evaporate quickly.
Pro Tip 3: Be patient. Reaching the setting point takes time.

And just like that, you've mastered the art of canning jams . The aroma alone will have you craving a scone and a cuppa. Enjoy your slice of sunshine!

Recipe Notes: Marmalade Masterclass

Alright, before you dive in, let's chat about a few key things. Making marmalade, even this Easy marmalade recipe , is a bit like a science experiment...but with delicious results!

Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy

Okay, picture this: a slice of crusty sourdough, slathered with this Meyer lemon marmalade , and a dollop of clotted cream.

Oh my gosh! Or, you know, keep it simple with scones and a cuppa. For a grown-up twist, try glazing roasted chicken or pork with it.

Trust me, it’s a game changer. The bright citrus perfectly cuts through the richness of the meat.

Presentation wise? A pretty jar of this Homemade marmalade makes a fab gift. Tie a ribbon around it, add a cute label, and boom instant happiness.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Once you’ve made your batch of sunshine, here's the lowdown on storing it. Properly sealed jars can chill in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Unsealed ones need to hang out in the fridge, and they're good for a few weeks. Refrigerate after opening.

Freezing is not recommended , as it can alter the texture of the Citrus marmalade recipe . No one wants a watery marmalade, right?

Reheating isn’t really a thing with marmalade. Just grab a spoonful straight from the jar and enjoy.

Variations: Spice It Up!

Fancy a bit of a twist? Add a cinnamon stick and a star anise while the Canning jams simmers. Just remember to take them out before jarring! Put Those Meyers Lemons to good use by experimenting with other citruses!

You can swap the sugar for a Honey Forward Marmalade , cup for cup swap of honey or maple syrup if you're feeling adventurous.

If you want to make it low-sugar, grab your sugar-free alternative. Just follow the package instructions for pectin adjustments.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Sunshine

Okay, so Lemon Marmalade is basically sunshine in a jar, but let's be real: it's got sugar. But hey, everything in moderation, right? Each serving (about a tablespoon) clocks in around 200 calories, almost no fat or protein.

The good news? The lemon peel does offer some fiber and antioxidants, but the main benefit is the flavour boost!

Ultimately, making Marmalade for beginners can seem daunting, but it’s totally doable. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create something special.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. Happy marmalade making, loves!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Meyer lemons so special for marmalade? Can't I just use regular lemons?

Meyer lemons are a bit of a "diamond geezer" in the citrus world because they're sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons. This gives the marmalade a smoother, more floral flavor that's less likely to make your face pucker like you’ve just been told you have to wait another year for the new series of Doctor Who!

While you can use regular lemons, the marmalade will be tarter. You might want to add a bit more sugar to compensate.

How do I know when my Meyer Lemon Sunshine Marmalade is ready? It's been bubbling away for ages!

Patience, my friend, patience! Reaching that perfect "set" is a bit like waiting for a proper summer in Britain. Use a candy thermometer: 220°F (104°C) is the magic number. But the cold plate test is your best mate: put a spoonful of marmalade on a chilled plate from the freezer.

If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, bingo! It's ready to spread some sunshine.

Help! My marmalade didn't set. What did I do wrong and how can I fix it?

Don't panic! A runny marmalade is a common kitchen calamity, a bit like a soggy bottom on a bake off. It usually means you didn't cook it long enough or the lemons weren't naturally high enough in pectin.

Try adding a tablespoon of lemon juice and boiling it for a few more minutes, testing again every couple of minutes until it reaches that magical gel set. If it doesn't set after a while, use it as a glaze!

How long does Meyer Lemon Sunshine Marmalade last, and how should I store it?

If you've properly sterilized your jars and processed them in a boiling water bath, your marmalade should last up to a year in a cool, dark place think cupboard, not greenhouse. Once opened, keep it in the fridge like any other jam or marmalade. An open jar should be used up within a few weeks.

If you see any mold, it's time to chuck it, even if it's heartbreaking!

Can I Put Those Meyers Lemons to good use with other spices or flavorings?

Absolutely! Get creative, like a modern artist with a blank canvas. A cinnamon stick and a star anise during cooking add a warm, spiced note remove them before jarring. A splash of Cointreau or Grand Marnier just before jarring gives it a sophisticated kick, perfect for impressing the vicar at tea time.

Just don't go overboard; you want the Meyer lemon flavor to still shine through.

Is this marmalade recipe healthy? What's the nutritional information like?

Let's be honest, marmalade isn't exactly a kale smoothie. It's mostly sugar, so enjoy it in moderation. A tablespoon or two is a delightful treat with your toast, and with a serving size as described, a single serving amounts to around 200 calories and about 50g of sugar.

Remember, a little bit of sunshine can go a long way towards brightening your day!