The Seville Orange Season and Homemade Marmalade
The arrival of Seville oranges marks the traditional marmalade-making season. These slightly bitter oranges, originating from Southern Spain, are ideal for marmalade due to their high pectin content, which ensures a good set. Sainsbury’s currently offers Seville oranges at a competitive price of £2 per kilo, enough to produce approximately six jars of this beloved spread. While Seville oranges are the classic choice, regular oranges and other fruits can also be used. The availability of Seville oranges is limited to this time of year, but they can be frozen for later use if not overripe.
Creating Delicious Marmalade at Home
Making basic marmalade is surprisingly simple, requiring only three core ingredients: oranges, lemons, and sugar. Numerous easy-to-follow recipes are readily available online, including the Moreish Marmalade recipe on Sainsbury’s website. Beyond traditional methods, even leftover orange peels can be transformed into marmalade. By boiling the peels to soften them, then simmering them with sugar and water until the desired consistency is reached, a flavorful and resourceful marmalade can be created. Citrus peels from other fruits, such as lemons and grapefruits, can also be incorporated for a unique flavor profile.
Adding Flavor and Extending Shelf Life
For a warming twist, spices like cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, or grated ginger can be added to the marmalade mixture. Remember to remove whole spices before jarring. Properly prepared marmalade can last for up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place, and up to a month in the refrigerator once opened. This makes homemade marmalade an excellent gift idea. Add personalized labels and decorative fabric coverings tied with raffia for a charming touch. However, it’s important to note that some marmalade recipes may have a shorter shelf life, so always refer to your specific recipe for storage guidelines.
Savvy Savings and Budget-Friendly Treats
Asda offers a significant discount on Pampers Baby-Dry nappies, size 3, reducing the price of a 50-pack from £10 to £4 until Wednesday, saving shoppers £6. Morrisons and Seabrook Crisps have collaborated to celebrate Bradford’s designation as the 2025 UK City of Culture with a trio of new crisp flavors: Fish & Chips, Chicken Curry, and Cheddar & Chutney. The 125g sharing bags have a launch price of £1, offering a tasty and affordable treat.
Entertainment, Organization, and Household Essentials
Hollywood Bowl provides an enticing deal for families throughout January. Kids can enjoy a meal for just £1 when pre-booked online at hollywoodbowl.co.uk. Additional offers include a 25% discount on party packages until the end of the month. For cosmetic organization, Wayfair offers the Dineen make-up organizer at £17.99. A budget-friendly alternative is available at Lidl for just £3.99, providing similar functionality at a fraction of the cost.
Bargains and Discounts on Everyday Items
The Original Factory Shop offers substantial savings, both online and in-store, with discounts of up to 50% on various brands. This includes the Hoover Breeze cylinder vacuum, reduced from £79 to £59. Tesco Clubcard holders can save £1.90 on a two-pack of Regina Blitz kitchen roll, bringing the price down from £4.75 to £2.85. For craft enthusiasts, Hobbycraft extends a 15% discount to students with ID this weekend, along with a complimentary goody bag with any purchase. All prices mentioned are accurate at the time of publication, and deals and offers are subject to availability.
