Pamela L. Brady , Extension Foods Specialist Introduction Conserves and marmalades are preserved by sugar and are jellied or thickened much like jams and jellies. They are also handled and processed like jellies and jams.
Conserves are jam-like products that are usually made with a mixture of fruit.
They frequently contain a citrus fruit and often contain nuts, coconut, or raisins. Conserves should be thick but not sticky or gummy. They should be soft enough to spread easily. Marmalades are tender, clear jellies with small pieces or slivers of fruit. Although small, fruit pieces are large enough to be identified.