The bitter orange trees that line the streets of Antalya draw attention from visitors to the region. Beyond adding visual charm to the city, the marmalade made from these fruits is often the very first thing visitors bring home as a gift for loved ones. Bitter orange marmalade ranks among the top delicacies of Antalya.
We prepare our marmalade from bitter oranges grown in our own garden, so that this beloved flavor isn't lost, and so that our guests at Belconti Resort Hotel can taste it for themselves.
For our curious guests, here is our traditional recipe for bitter orange marmalade:
Ingredients
30 medium-sized ripe bitter oranges
2 kg sugar
2 liters water
1 cinnamon stick or 5 cloves (optional)
Preparation
After washing the bitter oranges, peel the skins thinly, removing the bitter outer layer. Cut the peeled oranges into 6–8 wedge-shaped slices. Scrape off the thick, fibrous white part from the sliced peels. Roll the peel strips, pierce them with a needle and thread, and string them onto cotton thread.
Boil the strung peels for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to cold water. Change the water every day until the peel's taste turns sweet, which can take 4 to 6 days.
Cover the peels with sugar and let rest for 12 hours. Add 2 liters of water and boil for about 40-50 minutes, skimming off any foam. In the last 10 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of citric acid.
Once cooled, remove the peels from the threads, transfer to jars, and serve.
