Marmalade Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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marmalade

[หˆmษ‘หmษ™leษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sweet spread

A sweet spread made from sugar, citrus fruit juice, and peel. It is often used as a topping for toast or scones.

Synonyms

jam, preserves.

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Word Description / Examples
marmalade

Typically used to describe a fruit preserve made from citrus fruits like oranges or lemons, often with a slightly bitter taste. Commonly used on toast or as a glaze for meats.

  • I spread some orange marmalade on my toast this morning.
  • The chicken was glazed with a delicious lemon marmalade.
jam

Generally used for a sweet spread made from fruit and sugar, often used on bread or in desserts. It does not have the slightly bitter taste that marmalade does.

  • She likes to put strawberry jam on her pancakes.
  • I baked a pie with homemade raspberry jam.
preserves

A broader term that can refer to fruit cooked with sugar resulting in a spread, often containing larger fruit pieces or whole fruits. It can be used similarly to jam, but the fruit pieces are usually more intact.

  • He prefers apricot preserves because of the larger fruit pieces.
  • For breakfast, I spread some blueberry preserves on my bagel.

Examples of usage

  • It's delicious to spread marmalade on freshly baked bread.
  • She likes to have her tea with a dollop of marmalade on the side.
Context #2 | Noun

citrus fruit preserve

A preserve made from citrus fruit, especially oranges, cooked with sugar and sometimes water until the fruit is soft and has a jelly-like consistency.

Synonyms

citrus preserve, orange preserve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
marmalade

This term is broadly used to refer to a fruit preserve made from the juice and peel of citrus fruits. It is usually used in everyday conversations and cooking contexts.

  • I spread some marmalade on my toast this morning.
  • Do you have any marmalade to go with these scones?
citrus preserve

This phrase is more descriptive and formal. It emphasizes that the preserve is made from citrus fruits, and can be used in specialty food shops, recipes, and gourmet contexts.

  • The chef recommended using a citrus preserve to complement the duck.
  • We offer a variety of citrus preserves, including lemon and grapefruit.
orange preserve

Use this phrase when you want to specifically highlight that the preserve is made from oranges. Itโ€™s an accurate and more specific way to describe the product.

  • My grandmother makes the best orange preserve from fresh oranges.
  • The recipe calls for orange preserve to add a sweet and tangy flavor.

Examples of usage

  • My grandmother makes the best homemade marmalade with oranges from her garden.
  • The store-bought marmalade is too sweet for my taste.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary

  • Marmalade is unique because it contains pieces of fruit peel, giving it a chunky texture not typically found in other jams and preserves.
  • In addition to toast, marmalade is often used in baking, marinades, and even glazes for meats to add a sweet and tangy flavor.
  • A classic British breakfast item, marmalade is often paired with tea and served with scones or crumpets.

Pop Culture

  • The beloved children's character Paddington Bear is famously known for his love of marmalade sandwiches.
  • Marmalade has been referenced in various songs, including 'Marmalade, Molasses' by the band 'The Blenders'.
  • In literature, marmalade has often been associated with comfort and nostalgia, bringing to mind warm breakfasts and childhood memories.

Health

  • While delicious, marmalade can be high in sugar, so it's enjoyed best in moderation for a healthy diet.
  • Citrus fruits used in marmalade provide a good source of vitamin C, which helps to bolster the immune system.
  • Some studies suggest that the fiber from fruit peels in marmalade can aid digestion and contribute to overall gut health.

Traditions

  • In Britain, 'Seville orange marmalade' is a traditional variety that became a staple in British households.
  • February 28th is celebrated as National Marmalade Day in Britain, encouraging people to enjoy or make their own preserves.
  • Many people enjoy creating homemade marmalade as a way to preserve oranges, honoring family recipes passed down through generations.

Origin of 'marmalade'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French 'marmelade', which means 'quince.' It's derived from the Portuguese word 'marmelada,' referring to a soft, sweet preserve.
  • Before it was made with oranges, marmalade was originally made from quinces, a fruit that looks a bit like an apple.
  • In the 18th century, 'marmalade' became popular in Britain, where it evolved to what many people know today, primarily from oranges.

The word 'marmalade' originated from the Portuguese word 'marmelada', which means quince jam. It was later adapted by the English to refer to a citrus fruit preserve. Marmalade became popular in Britain in the 18th century and is now enjoyed worldwide as a sweet spread.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,365, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.