Marmalade is a delicacy loved by both children and adults. However, many people doubt the benefits of this dessert. The composition of the marmalade is very interested in those who cautiously buy it for their children. What is a treat made of, what chemicals does it contain? Of course, the composition of the product, which was made many years ago, is slightly different from today. Even knowing what ingredients marmalade should contain, you should always pay attention to the manufacturer's reputation.
The history of marmalade
Marmalade was brought to Russia from the Mediterranean and eastern countries. But even in ancient Greece, fruit juice was boiled and condensed in the open air in the sun. In the beginning, only some fruits that contain a large amount of pectin were used. These are apricots, apples, quince and some berries. With the invention of artificial gelling products, the range of this delicacy has expanded. The composition of the marmalade has also changed since then. Many manufacturers use low-quality substances, flavors and cheap gelatin. If you don’t want to take risks and buy a “pig in a poke”, you can make marmalade at home, it’s not so difficult.
Marmalade composition
Marmalade is considered a dietary sweet. It is even recommended to be used by those who carefully monitor their figure. It contains a certain amount of sugar. However, it is neutralized by dietary fiber, pectin and agar. These two ingredients improve metabolism and make marmalade use even beneficial. However, modern production includes several more components. Firstly, it is molasses, which is made on the basis of starch. It can be called a natural sweetener. It gives the marmalade a good consistency and fully emphasizes the taste of the fruit. Sugar is also an essential component of marmalade. This carbohydrate can be considered a good source of energy. Pectin removes toxins and heavy metals from the body. It is a natural thickener found in fruits.
Agar is made from algae and used as a gelling agent. It replaces gelatin. According to GOST, this ingredient is part of marmalade . Agar is healthy and contains mineral salts and polysaccharides. And finally, citric acid, which regulates the formation of the necessary consistency. Dyes are also necessarily present in marmalade. Responsible manufacturers add only natural ingredients. It can be paprika extract or curcumin. Flavors add a touch of flavor to the treat. They are natural and identical to them. There is no big difference between the two options. Some are extracts, and the second are raw materials obtained in the laboratory by synthesis.
Calorie content and composition of chewing marmalade
The composition of the marmalade may vary depending on the ingredients used. The technology of its preparation is also different. The basis of this delicacy is the same, and the additives used are different. Depending on the consistency and composition, fruit and jelly, fruit and berry dessert and jelly marmalade are distinguished. Each option has a different calorie level. Therefore, to name the exact figure is not possible.
Chewing marmalade has a dense structure. It is firm and resilient. It is used in cooking, adding to baking and decorating cakes. It does not change its shape during heat treatment. However, such marmalade cannot be called very useful. This species is the most high-calorie. The composition of chewing marmalade is not perfect. Natural thickeners cannot create such a consistency. Therefore, manufacturers use additional ingredients, although they declare the naturalness of the product. Among other things, the composition of such a treat includes many dyes, flavors and a decent proportion of sugar. The calorie content of chewing marmalade reaches 400 kcal.
Jelly marmalade
This product is made on the basis of extracts from animal bones or using agar-agar. This treat melts when the temperature rises. The composition of marmalade according to GOST includes citric acid, pectin, molasses, sugar, flavors and dyes (natural). The caloric content of such a product is about 330 kcal. Jelly marmalade is considered an excellent source of iodine. He is very satisfying. Agar agar in the stomach expands and creates a feeling of fullness. If animal gelatin is used, marmalade becomes useful for bones and joints.
Fruit and berry marmalade
To prepare this type of applesauce is used, which is a source of pectin. Fruit and berry marmalade is very healthy. It normalizes the work of the stomach, liver and pancreas. Its calorie content is the smallest and amounts to 290 kcal. But this statement is true if the manufacturer does not use additional ingredients that are not provided for by GOST. Vitamins are also present in such a product. This acid is ascorbic, folic and some minerals.
Homemade marmalade
How to make marmalade at home? Preparing a treat yourself is very simple. The main thing is that in this case only the best components are used. To prepare, you need to take a glass of sugar, 7 grams of gelatin, 300 grams of jam (any), 120 milliliters of water and a quarter of a small spoonful of citric acid. Before you make marmalade, you need to prepare a form in which the treat will solidify. Lubricate it with oil and set aside. Now mix sugar, water, jam, citric acid and gelatin in a saucepan. We put it on a small fire and constantly stir. All ingredients must be dissolved. This mixture cannot be boiled, otherwise gelatin will lose its properties.
We pour the resulting mass into a mold and send it to the refrigerator for at least three hours. Then put the jelly on a sheet of parchment sprinkled with sugar or powder. Marmalade sweets can be of any shape. Therefore, we cut it into arbitrary pieces and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Such marmalade will surely be appreciated by both adults and children. The treat will be very tasty and healthy. For cooking, you can use fresh fruits, which are boiled until mashed, and then all the necessary ingredients are added.