A Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for any occasion. This bold, zesty marmalade made with fresh ginger is not only great on toast but also works well as a glaze or a thoughtful gift from your pantry. Its unique taste and simple preparation make it a must-try for both novice and experienced cooks alike.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Ginger Marmalade
- How to Make Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe
- Step 1: Prepare the Ginger
- Step 2: Simmer the Ginger
- Step 3: Chill the Mixture
- Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Step 5: Add Pectin
- Step 6: Sterilize Jars
- Step 7: Fill Jars
- Step 8: Water Bath Process
- Step 9: Cool and Store
- How to Serve Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe
- On Toast
- As a Glaze
- In Baking
- With Cheese
- As a Gift
- How to Perfect Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe
- Best Side Dishes for Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe
- Reheating Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh?
- How do I adjust sweetness in Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe?
- What if my marmalade doesn’t set?
- Can I add other flavors to my Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor: The fresh ginger delivers a punchy kick that elevates your breakfast routine.
- Versatile Uses: Enjoy it on toast, as a glaze for meats, or even as an ingredient in desserts.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few accessible ingredients, it’s easy to whip up at home.
- Perfect for Gifting: Beautifully jarred, this ginger marmalade makes a charming gift for friends and family.
- Health Benefits: Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making this marmalade not just tasty but also beneficial.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe, gather the essential tools to ensure smooth sailing through the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Canning jars
- Pot
- Knife
- Grater
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Canning jars: These are vital for storing your marmalade safely and keeping it fresh.
- Pot: A sturdy pot ensures even cooking and prevents sticking while simmering the ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp knife helps in easily cutting the ginger into the required sizes.
- Grater: Perfect for shredding half of the ginger, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.

Ingredients
A bold, zesty marmalade made with fresh ginger and sugar — sweet, spicy, and perfect for toast, glazes, or gifting straight from your pantry.
For the Ginger Marmalade
- 3 ½ cups peeled fresh ginger
- 4 cups water
- 5 cups white sugar
- 1 (3 oz) pouch liquid pectin
- 5 half pint canning jars with lids and rings
How to Make Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ginger
- Cut the ginger in half.
- Cube one half while shredding the other half to create different textures.
Step 2: Simmer the Ginger
- In a pot, combine the cubed ginger with water.
- Simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Drain the mixture but reserve ½ cup of liquid for later use.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
- Place the cooked ginger in the fridge to chill for about 4 hours.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- In a large pot, mix the chilled ginger, reserved water from earlier, and sugar.
- Bring this mixture to a boil for about 1 minute.
Step 5: Add Pectin
- Stir in the pectin, then let it simmer for an additional 7 minutes.
- Skim off any foam that forms on top during this time.
Step 6: Sterilize Jars
- Boil your canning jars and lids to sterilize them before filling.
Step 7: Fill Jars
- Carefully fill each jar with the hot marmalade, leaving a ¼ inch space at the top.
- Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping or using a utensil along the sides.
- Wipe down the rims before sealing them with lids.
Step 8: Water Bath Process
- Place filled jars in boiling water bath and process them for about 15 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
Step 9: Cool and Store
- After processing, let jars cool completely before checking seals.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to enjoy your homemade ginger marmalade!
How to Serve Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe
Delia Ginger Marmalade is a delightful spread that adds a zesty kick to your meals. Whether you enjoy it on toast for breakfast or use it as a glaze for meats, this marmalade offers flexibility in serving.
On Toast
- A classic choice, spread the ginger marmalade on warm, buttered toast for a sweet and spicy start to your day.
As a Glaze
- Brush the marmalade over chicken or turkey before roasting. It caramelizes beautifully, adding flavor and shine.
In Baking
- Incorporate the marmalade into cake batters or quick breads for an unexpected burst of ginger flavor.
With Cheese
- Pair it with soft cheeses like cream cheese or goat cheese. The sweetness of the marmalade balances nicely with savory flavors.
As a Gift
- Jar your homemade ginger marmalade and decorate with a ribbon. It makes for a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends and family.
How to Perfect Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe
To ensure your Delia Ginger Marmalade turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips.
- Choose fresh ginger: Fresh ginger root gives the best flavor; avoid dried or pre-packaged options.
- Chill properly: Allowing the cooked ginger to chill for four hours enhances its texture and flavor in the final product.
- Monitor boiling time: Be precise when boiling after adding sugar and pectin. This step affects the setting process of your marmalade.
- Skim foam carefully: Removing foam helps achieve a clear and visually appealing marmalade.
- Check jar seals: After cooling, make sure all jars are sealed properly to ensure longevity and prevent spoilage.
Best Side Dishes for Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe
Delia Ginger Marmalade pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its sweet-spicy profile. Here are some suggestions:
- Savory Scones: Fluffy scones made with cheese or herbs complement the sweetness of the marmalade beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized carrots or parsnips can be drizzled with ginger marmalade for extra flavor.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A touch of marmalade stirred into mashed potatoes adds a surprising depth of flavor.
- Grilled Asparagus: The slight bitterness of grilled asparagus contrasts well with the sweetness of the ginger spread.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw with ginger marmalade dressing provides freshness alongside rich dishes.
- Rice Pilaf: Lightly seasoned rice pilaf can be enhanced with a spoonful of marmalade mixed in just before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Delia Ginger Marmalade can be delightful, but a few common mistakes can hinder your success. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Bold preparation: Not properly preparing the ginger can lead to uneven flavor. Ensure you cube and shred the ginger as specified for the best results.
- Bold timing issues: Skipping the chilling time may affect the consistency of your marmalade. Always chill the cooked ginger for at least 4 hours before proceeding.
- Bold mismeasuring ingredients: Accurate measurements are crucial in marmalade recipes. Use a proper measuring cup for both sugar and liquid pectin.
- Bold neglecting jar sterilization: Failing to sterilize jars can lead to spoilage. Always boil jars and lids before filling them with your ginger marmalade.
- Bold rushing the boiling process: Boiling for insufficient time can prevent proper gelling. Follow the cooking times precisely, especially after adding the pectin.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Delia Ginger Marmalade in airtight jars or containers.
- It can last up to 3 months in the fridge once opened.
Freezing Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe
- For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers.
- The marmalade will maintain quality for about 6 months in the freezer.
Reheating Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe
- Bold stovetop: Gently heat in a saucepan over low heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
- Bold microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container and heat in short intervals (15-30 seconds), stirring between each interval.
- Bold oven: If using jars, place them in a preheated oven at low temperature until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Delia Ginger Marmalade:
Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh?
Using dried ginger is not recommended, as it alters the texture and flavor. Fresh ginger provides the necessary zest and aroma.
How do I adjust sweetness in Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe?
If you prefer a less sweet marmalade, reduce sugar by up to one cup without affecting gelling properties.
What if my marmalade doesn’t set?
If your marmalade remains runny after cooling, reheat and add more pectin according to package instructions.
Can I add other flavors to my Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe?
Absolutely! Experiment with citrus zest or spices like cinnamon for unique variations.
Final Thoughts
The Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe offers a wonderful blend of sweet and spicy flavors that elevate any breakfast or snack. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it on toast, as a glaze, or even as a gift from your pantry. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
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Delia Ginger Marmalade Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
Description
Delia Ginger Marmalade is a vibrant and zesty spread that infuses your breakfast with a delightful punch of flavor. Made with fresh ginger, this marmalade is perfect for spreading on warm toast, glazing roasted chicken or turkey, or even incorporating into baked goods for a unique twist. Its sweet and spicy profile makes it an ideal gift for friends and family, beautifully jarred and ready to share. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is accessible for cooks of any skill level. Unleash your creativity in the kitchen and enjoy the health benefits of ginger while savoring every bite of this delicious homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups peeled fresh ginger
- 4 cups water
- 5 cups white sugar
- 1 (3 oz) pouch liquid pectin
- 5 half pint canning jars with lids and rings
Instructions
- Cut the fresh ginger in half; cube one half and shred the other.
- In a pot, combine cubed ginger with water; simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Drain, reserving ½ cup of liquid.
- Chill the cooked ginger in the fridge for about 4 hours.
- In a large pot, mix chilled ginger, reserved water, and sugar; bring to a boil for about 1 minute.
- Stir in pectin; simmer for an additional 7 minutes while skimming off foam.
- Sterilize canning jars by boiling them.
- Fill each jar with hot marmalade, leaving a ¼ inch space at the top; remove air bubbles.
- Process jars in a boiling water bath for about 15 minutes.
- Cool jars completely before checking seals; store sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Category: Preserve
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (20g)
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg





