Meyer Lemon Marmalade ~ Home Canning ~ Steam Canning ~ Meyer Lemons ~ How To Make Marmalade

Meyer Lemon Marmalade ~ Home Canning ~ Steam Canning ~ Meyer Lemons ~ How To Make Marmalade is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Carol - Thrifty Chic Housewife on YouTube.

Prep: 50 min | Cook: 2 hrs 55 min | Total: 4 hrs 5 min

Cost: $7.75 total, $1.29 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Meyer Lemons (fresh, about 8 lemons, divided equally for two batches)
  • 6 cups Water (divided 3 cups per pot)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Lemon Juice (juice of about 2 regular lemons, added at final stage)
  • 5 cups Granulated Sugar (for sweetening the marmalade)

Instructions

  1. Simmer Quartered Meyer Lemons (First Batch)

    Quarter 1 lb of Meyer lemons (about 4 lemons) lengthwise, place in a 6‑quart Dutch oven, add 3 cups water, bring to a full boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour 30 minutes, pressing the lemons occasionally to release juice. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand at room temperature overnight.

    Time: PT1H45M

    Temperature: Boiling

  2. Simmer Thin Lemon Slices (Second Batch)

    Quarter the remaining 1 lb of Meyer lemons, remove seeds, trim the hard ends, then slice crosswise into very thin rounds. Place slices in a second 6‑quart Dutch oven, add enough water to just cover (about 3 cups), bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand at room temperature overnight.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: Boiling

  3. Combine, Sweeten, and Cook to Gel

    The next day, pour the syrupy liquid from the first pot into the pot with the lemon slices, using a fine‑mesh sieve and the back of a spoon to press out all juice. Add 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice and 5 cups granulated sugar. Bring to a full rolling boil, then reduce to medium heat and cook, stirring gently, until the mixture reaches 220°F (gel point), about 45 minutes.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 220°F

  4. Prepare Jars and Lids

    Wash half‑pint jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water. Rinse well and keep jars hot (in a warm oven or hot water). Wipe rims with a paper towel dipped in white vinegar to ensure a clean seal.

    Time: PT15M

  5. Fill Jars and Seal

    Using a ladle, fill each hot jar with the marmalade, leaving a 1/4‑inch headspace. Remove air bubbles with a non‑metallic bubble remover or a thin knife. Wipe the rims again, place the lids on, and screw the bands on fingertip‑tight.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Process in Steam Canner

    Place the filled jars in a steam canner (or water‑bath canner) ensuring at least 1 inch of water covers the jars. Bring to a full rolling boil, then start timing for 10 minutes. Maintain a gentle boil throughout the processing time.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Boiling

  7. Cool, Test Seals, and Store

    After processing, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the canner for 5 minutes, then remove and place on a towel to cool undisturbed for 12‑24 hours. Check seals by pressing the center of each lid; it should not flex. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry. Refrigerate opened jars and use within one month.

    Time: PT30M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
0g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
0g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Allergens: None

Last updated: May 20, 2026

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Meyer Lemon Marmalade ~ Home Canning ~ Steam Canning ~ Meyer Lemons ~ How To Make Marmalade

Recipe by Carol - Thrifty Chic Housewife

A bright, slightly sweet marmalade made from Meyer lemons that captures the taste of summer in a jar. This two‑day preserve uses fresh lemon juice, sugar, and a simple stovetop simmer before being safely canned for long‑term storage. Perfect for gifting or spreading on scones, toast, or waffles.

MediumAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
55m
Prep
3h 25m
Cook
31m
Cleanup
4h 51m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.75
Total cost
$1.29
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Simmer Quartered Meyer Lemons (First Batch)
  • Simmer Thin Lemon Slices (Second Batch)
  • Combine, Sweeten, and Cook to Gel
  • Process in Steam Canner

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot syrup and boiling marmalade with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Follow proper canning procedures to prevent botulism; process for the full 10 minutes.
  • Use a calibrated thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches 220°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Meyer Lemon Marmalade in American preserving traditions?

A

Meyer lemon marmalade blends the classic British orange marmalade technique with the uniquely sweet, less acidic Meyer lemon, a hybrid introduced to the U.S. in the early 20th century. It has become a popular spring‑summer preserve in American home‑canning circles, often given as a thoughtful homemade gift.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of lemon marmalade in the United States?

A

In the U.S., traditional lemon marmalade often uses regular lemons and may include orange zest for extra brightness. Some Southern versions add a splash of bourbon or honey, while West Coast cooks sometimes blend Meyer lemons with a hint of ginger for a spicier twist.

cultural
Q

How is Meyer Lemon Marmalade authentically served in American cuisine?

A

It is typically served as a spread on toast, biscuits, scones, or waffles, and paired with tea or coffee at breakfast. It also makes a bright accompaniment to grilled fish or roasted chicken in a summer brunch setting.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Meyer Lemon Marmalade traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Meyer lemon marmalade is a popular gift for Mother’s Day, Easter brunches, and summer picnics because its sunny flavor evokes the season. Home‑canners also make it for holiday gift exchanges and as a pantry staple for winter comfort.

cultural
Q

What makes Meyer Lemon Marmalade special or unique in American preserving cuisine?

A

The Meyer lemon’s natural sweetness and orange‑tinged hue give the marmalade a milder, more fragrant profile than standard lemon preserves. This reduces the amount of added sugar needed and creates a jam that tastes closer to fresh fruit.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Meyer Lemon Marmalade?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the fruit, which can turn the marmalade bitter, not pressing the lemons enough to release juice, and failing to reach the 220°F gel point. Also, forgetting to clean jar rims can cause seal failures.

technical
Q

Why does this Meyer Lemon Marmalade recipe use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice?

A

Fresh lemon juice adds a brighter, more natural flavor that complements the Meyer lemons’ sweetness. While bottled juice guarantees acidity for safety, the recipe’s two‑day simmer already creates a safe pH, allowing fresh juice for superior taste.

technical
Q

Can I make Meyer Lemon Marmalade ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. After processing, let the jars cool completely, then store them in a cool, dark pantry for up to 12 months. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within one month.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Carol - Thrifty Chic Housewife specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Carol - Thrifty Chic Housewife focuses on budget‑friendly home cooking, seasonal recipes, and DIY food projects like canning, all presented with a stylish yet economical approach.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Carol - Thrifty Chic Housewife's approach to preserving differ from other cooking channels?

A

Carol emphasizes a two‑day prep method that spreads effort across days, uses readily available grocery items, and provides clear, step‑by‑step visual cues, making preserving feel less intimidating than the intensive, single‑day methods often shown on other channels.

channel

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