Orange Thyme Jam Recipe

Orange Thyme Jam Recipe

This Orange Thyme Jam Recipe is a sweet and aromatic recipe, which is made with sweet oranges and fresh thyme. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in about an hour.

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Orange Thyme Jam Recipe Ingredients

  • 5 cups sweet orange segments (about 8 medium-sized navel oranges, peeled and quartered)
  • 1 Tbsp fresh orange zest
  • 1 cup raw, natural cane sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 medium lemon, juiced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (chopped, yields ~1 Tbsp)
  • 1 pinch sea salt

How To Make Orange Thyme Jam Recipe

  1. Start the Jam Base: In a large saucepan over medium to medium-high heat, combine the orange segments, orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir frequently and bring the mixture to a low boil.
  2. Simmer and Infuse: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add a pinch of salt and stir. Let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes, then stir in the chopped fresh thyme and orange zest.
  3. Thicken the Jam: Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has reduced by about a third and is thick and syrupy. This process can take up to an hour in total. If it’s not thickening, you can add a little more sugar.
  4. Cool and Store: Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Transfer the cooled jam to clean, sterilized jars and store in the refrigerator.
Orange Thyme Jam Recipe
Orange Thyme Jam Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • How do I know when the jam is set? Before you start, place a small plate in the freezer. To test for doneness, spoon a small amount of jam onto the cold plate and return it to the freezer for a minute. If the jam wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready.
  • Can I use other herbs? Yes, this recipe is wonderful with other woody herbs. Rosemary would be a fantastic substitute for a more piney, robust flavor, or you could try a small amount of lavender for a floral note.
  • Why isn’t my jam thickening? Jam needs the right ratio of sugar to fruit pectin to set properly. If it’s too loose, it likely needs to be cooked longer to evaporate more liquid, or you may need to add a bit more sugar. Be patient, as it can take time.
  • Do I need to remove the pith from the orange segments? For the best flavor, it’s a good idea to remove as much of the white pith as possible from the orange segments, as it can be quite bitter.

What To Serve With Orange Thyme Jam

This unique jam is incredibly versatile and pairs well with both sweet and savory foods.

  • On toast, scones, or English muffins
  • As part of a cheese board with creamy and sharp cheeses
  • Swirled into plain yogurt or oatmeal
  • As a glaze for roasted chicken or pork

How To Store Orange Thyme Jam

  • Refrigerate: Store the jam in a clean, airtight jar in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
  • Freeze: To store for longer, transfer the cooled jam to freezer-safe canning jars, leaving about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Orange Thyme Jam Nutrition Facts

  • Serving: 1 (two-Tbsp serving)
  • Calories: 50 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Protein: 0.5 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Sodium: 19 mg
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 11 g

Nutrition information is a rough estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

FAQs

What’s the difference between this jam and marmalade?

The main difference is the use of the peel. Traditional marmalade includes the peel and pith, which are boiled to release pectin and give it its characteristic bitter notes. This jam uses only the fruit segments for a sweeter, less bitter flavor.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar?

You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar acts as a preservative and is crucial for helping the jam to thicken and set properly. Reducing it too much will result in a runnier, sauce-like consistency with a shorter shelf life.

Can I use a different type of orange?

Yes, you can experiment with other sweet, low-seed oranges like Cara Cara or blood oranges for a different color and flavor profile.

Try More Recipes:

Orange Thyme Jam Recipe

Recipe by MarryCourse: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

64

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 
Calories

50

kcal

A bright, aromatic jam combining sweet oranges with the subtle, earthy flavor of fresh thyme for a unique and delicious condiment.

Ingredients

  • 5 cups sweet orange segments

  • 1 Tbsp fresh orange zest

  • 1 cup raw cane sugar

  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice

  • 1/2 medium lemon, juiced

  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped

  • 1 pinch sea salt

Directions

  • Bring orange segments, juices, and sugar to a low boil in a large saucepan.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Stir in the fresh thyme and orange zest.
  • Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and syrupy (up to 30 more minutes).
  • Remove from heat, let cool, and transfer to clean jars for storage.

Notes

  • Be patient while the jam thickens; it can take up to an hour of simmering to reach the right consistency.
  • Use the cold plate test (placing a spoonful of jam on a frozen plate) to check if it has set properly.
  • For the best flavor, remove as much of the white pith from the orange segments as possible to avoid bitterness.
  • This jam is delicious with both sweet (scones) and savory (cheese boards, roasted meats) foods.

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