What is the difference between confettura and marmellata?
kwa-LE la dif-fe-REN-tsa tra kon-fet-TU-ra e mar-mel-LA-ta
Asking about the distinction between two Italian jam categories — a question that surprises many non-Italians.
In Italian law (and EU regulation), 'marmellata' can only be made from citrus fruit. All other fruit preserves must be called 'confettura'. This distinction confuses English speakers, who use 'marmalade' for citrus preserves and 'jam' for others. Italian labelling follows the EU directive precisely.
Ha la marmellata di arance amare?
Do you have bitter orange marmalade?
Classic British-style citrus marmalade — also made in Italy, especially Sicily
La confettura di fichi ha molti zuccheri?
Does the fig jam have a lot of sugar?
Checking sugar content in confettura
Ha confettura senza zucchero aggiunto?
Do you have jam with no added sugar?
Asking for reduced-sugar or sugar-free jam
EU Directive 2001/113/EC defines marmellata as a citrus-only product with minimum 20% fruit content. Italy's best-known marmellata is made from Sicilian bitter oranges (arance amare) — similar to British Seville orange marmalade. The Sicilian variety often includes honey and chilli as a modern variation.