Sweet and Tangy Tangerine Preserve
Transforming Less-Than-Perfect Tangerines into Delicious Tangerine Preserve!
I received two boxes of tangerines as a gift, but one box had a rather bland flavor, neither sweet nor sour, which left me wondering what to do with them. So, I decided to turn them into a delightfully sweet and tangy tangerine preserve! It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the natural taste of tangerines.
Ingredients for Tangerine Preserve
- Fresh Tangerines: 1.3 kg
- White Sugar: 800g (Ratio of tangerines to sugar can be adjusted from 1.5:1 to 1:1 based on your preference)
- Lemon Juice: 1/2 paper cup (approx. 100ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the tangerines thoroughly and then peel them completely. If you find any seeds, remove them for a smoother preserve. Prepare the peeled tangerines.
Step 2
Place the peeled tangerines into a blender and blend until they are as smooth as possible. Aim for a consistency where large chunks are barely noticeable.
Step 3
Now it’s time to add the sugar to the blended tangerines. Typically, about 2/3 of the weight of the tangerines is used for sugar. However, you can adjust this ratio to 1:1 (equal parts tangerines and sugar) if you prefer a sweeter preserve. I used 2/3 to avoid making it overly sweet.
Step 4
To enhance the tanginess and flavor, we’ll add some store-bought lemon juice. Lemon juice will boost the citrusy notes and add a refreshing aroma. Adjust the amount based on how tart the tangerines are naturally.
Step 5
Stir the mixture well to ensure the sugar dissolves completely into the tangerine pulp. Then, carefully transfer the preserve into a sterilized glass jar that has been boiled and completely dried. Ensuring the jar is dry is crucial for proper preservation.
Step 6
Let the sealed jar sit at room temperature for one day to allow the sugar to fully dissolve. After that, refrigerate it for 3-4 days to let the flavors meld. Your delicious tangerine preserve will be ready to enjoy! It’s best to consume it within a reasonable time. You can enjoy it as a warm tea, a refreshing ade, or even mix it into salad dressings for an extra special flavor.
