Marmalade is a sweet, thick spread made from citrus fruits, especially oranges, that includes bits of the fruit's peel suspended throughout. Unlike smooth jelly or jam, marmalade has a chunky texture with strips of tangy peel that give it a slightly bitter edge alongside its sweetness.

Traditional British marmalade uses bitter Seville oranges, creating that distinctive sweet-and-sour flavor many people love on their morning toast. You can also find lemon marmalade, grapefruit marmalade, or blends combining different citrus fruits.

Making marmalade requires patience: the fruit must be cooked slowly until the peel softens and the mixture thickens into a spreadable consistency. Because citrus peels are naturally bitter, marmalade tastes more complex than strawberry jam or grape jelly. Some people adore this sophisticated flavor, while others prefer simpler, sweeter spreads.

Marmalade appears frequently in British children's literature. Paddington Bear famously loves marmalade sandwiches and keeps one under his hat for emergencies. You can find marmalade in grocery stores worldwide, usually on the shelf beside jams, jellies, and honey.