When I was younger, my mother used to make lime marmalade every winter. It was one of my favorite spreads, and I loved using it in recipes or just spreading it on toast.
Sadly, my mother passed away a few years ago and I’ve been unable to find a lime marmalade that tastes as good as hers.
I’ve tried a few alternatives, and while they don’t taste exactly the same, they are close enough that I can still enjoy my favorite recipes.
So, if you’re looking for a lime marmalade substitute, here are a few options to try.
Substitutes for Lime Marmalade
- Orange Jam
- Preserves
- Citrus Zest
- Mango Chutney
- Juice
- Lime Method Homemade Marmalade
Orange Jam
Orange jam can be used as a substitute for lime marmalade. Since lime marmalade is made from the peel of the fruit, sugar, water, and pectin, it is not bitter like some other marmalades. The same can be said for orange jam.
The key ingredients for orange jam include fruit, sugar, water, and pectin. The only difference is the flavoring and addition of peels. Since orange jam is readily available at most grocers in the jam aisle, it is the most convenient of the substitutes.
Preserves
Preserves can be used as a lime marmalade substitute because they offer the same sweetness with a fruit-forward flavor.
They have a rough texture due to the fruit chunks, however, they lack the gel-like quality of marmalade. Preserves are also more liquid than marmalade because they consist of fruit chunks in syrup rather than a thick gel.
Both of them can be used in the same way, such as on toast or in a cocktail. The main difference is that preserves will have a more fruity-sweet flavor while lime marmalade will have a sour tart taste.
Citrus Zest
Citrus zest is an excellent lime marmalade substitute because it has a similar flavor profile but without the bitter aftertaste. It is also extra sweet, making it a good choice for baked goods, marinades, and meat rubs.
You can also use it as a sauce or dressing, but it may be too bitter for some people. But for the majority, if you are looking for a lime marmalade substitute, citrus zest is a great option.
Mango Chutney
Chutney is a great substitute for lime marmalade. It’s easy to make with readily available ingredients. You can use it on its own or as a condiment for savory dishes
To make chutney, you will need to boil mangoes, sugar, onion, mustard, vinegar, and savory flavoring. Once the mixture has boiled, let it cool and then store it in a sealed container. So if you’re looking for a lime marmalade substitute, be sure to give the chutney a try.
Juice
Juice can be used as a lime marmalade substitute in limited circumstances as it increases the water content which might affect the consistency. However, it may work well in sauces and marinades. But you can make its texture thick to intensify its flavor.
When choosing a juice to use as a substitute, it’s important to select one that is high in acidity. This will help to replicate the tartness of lime marmalade. Grapefruit juice, lemon juice, or even unripe pineapple juice are all good options. If you’re looking for an exact replacement, however, you may be better off using citrus zest or another type of fruit preserve.
Lime Method Homemade Marmalade
The lime method is a great way to make homemade marmalade. First, you’ll need to juice the limes. You’ll need about 2 cups of lime juice for every 1 cup of marmalade.
Once you have the lime juice, you’ll need to add water to it. The amount of water you’ll need to add will depend on how limited your marmalade is.
If you want a really thick marmalade with an intense flavor, then you’ll want to add less water. On the other hand, if you want a thinner marmalade with a milder flavor, then you’ll want to add more water.
Once you’ve added the desired amount of water, add the amount of sugar you want in your marmalade. Ideally, you can add 3 cups of sugar if you are using 2 and a half pounds of lime.
You’ll need to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, you can reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, you can remove the marmalade from the heat and let it cool.
Once it’s cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. It’s great on toast, as a topping for ice cream, or in sauces and marinades. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lime substitutes?
There are a variety of lime substitutes that can be used depending on the recipe or desired outcome. If you are looking for a lime substitute that offers a similar flavor profile, then citrus zest or mango chutney are good options. If you are looking for a lime substitute with a more intense flavor, then the juice from grapefruit, lemon, or unripe pineapple can be used.
Where can I buy lime marmalade?
Unfortunately, lime marmalade is not a common grocery store item. However, it can be found online or at specialty stores. If you have a local farmer’s market, they may also carry it.
What can I use lime marmalade for?
Lime marmalade is a great condiment for savory dishes. It’s also perfect on toast, as a topping for ice cream, or in sauces and marinades.
What is the difference between lime marmalade and lime preserves?
Lime marmalade is a type of preserve that is made with lime juice and lime zest. It has a tart and tangy flavor that is perfect for condiments or toppings.
Lime preserves, on the other hand, are made with lime juice and sugar. They have a sweeter flavor that is perfect for breakfast or dessert
Is lime marmalade keto-friendly?
Lime marmalade is not keto-friendly because it contains sugar.
What are some recipes that use lime marmalade?
Some recipes that use lime marmalade are Jamaican jerk chicken, lime curd, and lime pie.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a lime marmalade substitute, be sure to give the above-mentioned options a try. All of them, apart from juice, will work in almost any recipe. Since juice has a direct effect on the water content of the recipe it is added to, you might need to be a bit careful about that.
But with a little trial and error, you will understand which substitute to use in which circumstance. Once you have this figured out, the substitution would not be an issue for you any longer. So, try substituting your lime marmalade today with the options available above and enjoy your favorite dishes.