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Jam and jelly are classic foods that have stood the test of time, cherished for their delicious flavors and nutritious qualities when made correctly. These delightful spreads are perfect on a freshly baked loaf of gluten-free or regular bread, atop steel-cut oatmeal, drizzled over sweet rice, or served with a tray of cashew cheese crackers. While you don’t need your grandma’s loving touch to make jam and jelly, you do need patience, specific ingredients, and the right equipment. Today, we’ll guide you through the essentials and reassure you that crafting your own jam and jelly is entirely within your reach!
Key Ingredients for Jam and Jelly
1. Fruit
The most vital ingredient in jam and jelly is, of course, the fruit. Fresh fruit is preferable for its flavor, but frozen fruit works just as well. Typically, 8 cups of raw fruit will yield around 6 cups of prepared jam. For a single berry jam, 8 cups of fresh, unprepared berries is ideal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a triple berry jam with 4 cups of slightly crushed strawberries, 1 cup of raspberries, and 1 cup of blackberries.
2. Pectin
Pectin is what gives jam and jelly their signature thickness; it’s derived from apples. If you prefer a thicker consistency, consider adding 20% more pectin than the recipe calls for. However, if you like a runnier jam, stick to the recommended amount. It’s best to use no-sugar-added pectin and add your own sugar to control the sweetness. Mix the dry pectin with ¼ cup of sugar separately to prevent clumping.
3. Sugar
About 4.5 cups of granulated sugar is typically needed, but this can vary based on the fruit’s natural sugar content. If using 3 cups of sliced strawberries, you can substitute with a cup of coconut sugar. Other sweeteners like honey, molasses, or xylitol can also work, but may require some adjustments to the recipe.
Essential Equipment for Jam and Jelly Making
1. Jar Funnel
A jar funnel is an invaluable tool for pouring the jam mixture into jars without spills, making cleanup easier and reducing waste.
2. Jar Grabber
This handy gadget allows you to safely lift hot jars without burning your fingers. It’s essential for anyone serious about canning.
3. Large Pot
A large pot (16 to 20 quarts) is necessary for cooking down the fruit. A nonstick pot is ideal for preventing sticking and burning.
4. Large Spoons and Ladles
These utensils are perfect for stirring the jam while it cooks and for pouring the mixture into jars.
5. Canner
A canner is used to sterilize the jars after filling them. While they can be pricey, look out for sales to find an affordable option.
6. Glass Jars, Lids, and Rings
Mason or Ball jars are the best choices for canning, as they are glass and safe for food storage. A dozen 8-ounce jars typically costs about $7, which is reasonable. Remember to use the metal lids only once for sanitation purposes.
A Simple Recipe: Strawberry Jam
Making jam is not only rewarding but also allows you to control the sweetness and avoid preservatives. Here’s a straightforward recipe to get you started!
Ingredients:
- 8 cups of strawberries
- 2 boxes of pectin
- 4 ¼ cups of honey
Equipment:
- Fork
- Small spoon
- Jar funnel
- Jar grabber
- Large pot
- Large spoon
- Canner
- 1 dozen mason jars with rings and lids
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water, then sterilize them by boiling for 10 minutes, or use the “sterilize” cycle on your dishwasher.
Step 2: Wash 8 cups of strawberries and set them aside.
Step 3: Soak the lids in hot (not boiling) water for 5 minutes. Keep the jars in the dishwasher on the heated dry cycle until you’re ready to fill them.
Step 4: Crush the washed strawberries with a fork or your hands until you have 6 cups of crushed fruit. Use a food mill for seedless jam if desired.
Step 5: Measure out 4 cups of honey, setting aside ¼ cup to mix with the pectin later.
Step 6: Combine the crushed strawberries with the pectin and bring to a full boil. Mix 1.5 boxes of pectin with the reserved honey to prevent clumping, then stir into the berries in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes until boiling.
Step 7: Prepare the lids in hot water for several minutes to soften the gummed surface.
Step 8: Add the remaining honey and bring the mixture to a boil for 1 minute. Once boiling, remove from heat.
Step 9: Skim off any foam from the surface of the jam.
Step 10: Test the jam for thickness by letting a spoonful cool to room temperature. If it’s too runny, add more pectin, boil for another minute, and retest.
Step 11 Let the jam sit for 5 minutes, stirring gently.
Step 12: Fill the jars using the funnel, leaving ¼ inch at the top. Secure the lids and rings.
Step 13:Place the jars in boiling water using the jar grabber, ensuring they’re covered by at least 2 inches of water. Boil for 10 minutes to prevent spoilage.
Step 14: Remove the jars with the jar grabber and let them cool for about 8 hours, untouched. You can remove the rings if desired, ensuring the lids are sealed.
Step 15: Once cooled, store your jam for up to 12 months. Note that after 6 to 8 months, the jam may become runny and darker but remains safe to consume.
Making your own jam and jelly is a rewarding culinary adventure that allows you to enjoy the fresh flavors of your favorite fruits without any preservatives or artificial ingredients. With just a few essential ingredients and tools, you can create delicious homemade spreads that elevate your breakfast and snacks. So gather your supplies, embrace the process, and savor the sweet rewards of your efforts!
More Recipes:
Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home
Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental well-being, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, and prostate cancer, and has many side effects.
For those of you interested in eating more plant-based we highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 20,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals, and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.
Here are some great resources to get you started:
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