Recipes from Scotland 1680s to 1940s

Jams and preserves

Marmalade myths

Legend has it that Mary, Queen of Scots, took marmalade as a cure for sea-sickness.

In this case, she must have brought it back with her when she returned to Scotland from France after the death of her first husband in 1561.

Later in life, Mary is said to have asked for marmalade when taken ill at Jedburgh. From these episodes comes the pun on her name, 'Marmelade pour Marie malade'.

Janet Keiller has been credited with inventing marmalade in Dundee in the 18th century when faced with a large quantity of putrefying oranges.

Given the numerous earlier recipes, this cannot be true.

It is more likely that she was the first to produce and sell shredded orange marmalade on a large scale.

Marmalade has been associated with Scotland as a warming breakfast conserve since Janet Keiller's time.

Marmalade advert

Printed advertisement for John Gray & Co's 'Finest marmalade', Glasgow and London, 19th century. [Library reference: Acc.12222]

For another of Gray's adverts, see the 'John Gray' page.

Jams and preserves