What is the origin of the word marmalade?

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What is the origin of the word marmalade?

Question #149453. Asked by riverboatqueen.
Last updated Jun 24 2023.
Originally posted Jun 24 2023 1:14 PM.

pehinhota

Answer has 6 votes

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pehinhota

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Answer has 6 votes.

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The word 'marmalade' comes into English through Old French 'marmelade' from Portuguese 'marmelada', a conserve of quince (Portuguese 'marmelo').

https://www.theguardian.com/notesandqueries/query/0,5753,-3153,00.html#:~:text=The%20word%20'marmalade'%20comes%20into,quince%20(Portuguese%20'marmelo').

Jun 24 2023, 1:15 PM

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Answer 1

In the 16th century, the French "marmelade" meant

"preserve or confection of pulpy consistence made from quince"

https://www.etymonline.com/word/marmalade

In turn, "marmelada" was a Portuguese word for quince jelly, from "marmelo" meaning quince. Seems that back then, people would graft various fruits onto quince stock, including apples and citrus fruits. The marmalade term broadened to include preserves made from citrus.

What is the origin of the word marmalade?

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