Dragon fruit, with its vibrant pink skin and striking white flesh speckled with tiny black seeds, has become an increasingly popular fruit in recent years. While dragon fruit is delicious when eaten fresh, its unique flavor and texture also lend themselves well to being made into marmalade.
Dragon fruit marmalade is a delightful sweet-tart preserve that can be enjoyed on toast, scones, or even as a glaze for meats. The process of making it is similar to making traditional citrus marmalades, with a few key differences to account for the specific properties of the dragon fruit.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs ripe dragon fruit, peeled and diced
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 packet powdered pectin
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, combine the diced dragon fruit, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
- Once boiling, stir in the powdered pectin. Continue to boil hard for 1 minute, continuing to stir constantly.
- Remove the pan from heat and skim off any foam that has risen to the top.
- Carefully ladle the hot marmalade into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal the lids.
- Allow the sealed jars to cool completely before storing. The marmalade will thicken as it cools.
- Once cooled, store the dragon fruit marmalade in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Refrigerate after opening.
The bright pink color and unique flavor of dragon fruit make this marmalade a real stand-out. The sweetness is balanced by the fruit’s natural tartness, resulting in a preserve that’s perfect for spreading on breakfast breads or using in baked goods. Give this easy recipe a try for a taste of the tropics!
My Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dragon Fruit Marmalade
As a lover of exotic fruits, I’ve always been fascinated by the vibrant colors and unique flavors they offer. One fruit that has captured my attention is the dragon fruit, with its striking appearance and delicate taste. Today, I’m excited to share with you my step-by-step guide on how to make delicious dragon fruit marmalade right in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
To start, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 cups of diced dragon fruit
2 cups of granulated sugar
1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 packet of powdered pectin
Water
Step 2: Prepare the Dragon Fruit
Begin by peeling the dragon fruit and dicing it into small, uniform pieces. The vibrant pink or white flesh of the dragon fruit will add a beautiful color to your marmalade.
Step 3: Cook the Dragon Fruit
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the diced dragon fruit with the granulated sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir the mixture well and let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the fruit to release its natural juices.
Step 4: Cook the Mixture
After the fruit has released its juices, place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir the mixture frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Add the Pectin
Once the fruit mixture is boiling, add the packet of powdered pectin and continue to stir the mixture for an additional 1-2 minutes. The pectin will help the marmalade achieve its desired gel-like consistency.
Step 6: Test for Doneness
To test if the marmalade has reached the desired consistency, place a small amount on a chilled plate and let it cool for a minute. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready.
Step 7: Can the Marmalade
Once the marmalade has reached the desired consistency, carefully ladle it into clean, sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top. Seal the jars tightly and process them in a water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper preservation.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Dragon Fruit Marmalade
After the jars have cooled, store them in a cool, dark place. Your homemade dragon fruit marmalade is now ready to be enjoyed! Spread it on toast, use it as a topping for yogurt, or get creative with how you incorporate this exotic treat into your meals.
I hope this step-by-step guide inspires you to create your own batch of dragon fruit marmalade. The process may take some time, but the end result is definitely worth it. Happy cooking!
