Thursday, February 28, 2008

Marma-what ?

I’ve had a few inquiries from the deprived and uninitiated as to: “What is Marmalade?”
So here is more than you’ll ever want to know about the said subject …read on and discover to what lengths some folks can take our daily spread.

Marmalade, part I
“Back in Day” mid 1500-ish, Henry VIII ..... Mary Queen of Scots

..were reported to have enjoyed marmalade. Probably not quite the same as we enjoy today. Supposedly Mary used it to ease her sea-sickness while bouncing between Scotland and France. (Some things never change)..
Marmalade, part II Marmalade as we now know it is generally credited to the Scots. (a nod of the head as in “Your most welcome”) In Dundee, the Keiller family built the first marmalade factory in 1797. The rest they say is History. Dundee marmalade has a jelly consistency and contains shredded peel. Or, if you prefer a darker, thicker variety, then you are enjoying marmalade Oxford-style.
The word 'marmalade' applies to fruit preserves made from citrus fruits. Homemade marmalade, mid- to late winter is the best time, when the bitter Seville oranges are available in abundance from Spain. (A very Brit centric view of world orange sources)

Marmalade that costs £76 to cover one slice of toast.
F Duerr & Son has marked its 125th anniversary by producing the world's most expensive marmalade.
The Fine Cut Seville Orange Marmalade with Whisky, Champagne and Gold mixes the finest Seville fruit with vintage Dalmore 62 whisky from Whyte & Mackay (valued at £32,000 per bottle), topped off with a splash of Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 1996 vintage champagne and garnished with flakes of 24-carat gold leaf.
The resulting spread, encased in a custom-made crystal jar valued at £1,100, would cost £76 to cover a single slice of toast.

No comments: