How long does homemade jam last?

MrsE_2

How long does homemade jam last?

Made some yesterday from this recipe, tastes great http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/mumsknowbest/recipefairs/ep2_bridget.pdf

Did half the quantity & it made 5 jars

Its just fruit, water & sugar.

How long will it last in those special jam jars?

Is it cupboard till open & then fridge?

How long in cupboard & how long after opening in fridge do you think?

No instructions with the recipe & its my first time making preserves:o

Alison_Funnell

So long as no mould develops - YEARS. The flavour does alter but beyond that not a problem. I have eaten jam from mine/my mums/my grans/my MILs stocks that have been easily 3-4 years old. I think maybe even one or two that were older.
The trick for storing them longer is to ensure everything is properly sterile first.

Buddingblonde

Well I just opened a jar of my mums home made rasp jam this week and she made it over a year ago.
Cupboard and then fridge is the way to go!

rosalie-lavender

If it is properly sealed and the jars were sterilized jam will last for years. It is best to use it up though and not keep it that long because it can start to go thick and sometimes starts to crystalize. It is safe to eat though, just not so nice.

Agapanthus

If it's got a good high ratio of sugar to fruit (at least equal by weight) it can keep for years unopened. If it's gone off, you'll know - it'll either ferment and be fizzy, or it'll dry up if the lids haven't sealed properly or it'll get mould on top. If you boiled it well, put it into the jars and sealed them firmly with an airtight lid while it's still really hot, then none of that is at all likely to happen. Keep the jars in a cool dark place - mine are in the garage - as the light may cause it to lose colour. None of the things that can go wrong with jam are likely to make you ill.

Once it's been opened you can keep it in the fridge if you like, though I never do. If it gets any hint of mould on top I scrape it off and pour in a splash of spirits (brandy, whisky, vodka - anything really alcoholic) then put the lid on again. This works a treat: I regularly leave jars of opened jam for months at a time without a fridge in our holiday house, but a little dab of something very alcoholic on the top before I leave stops them from going mouldy. Can make for an interesting flavour too!;)

None of this applies to jam which is low in sugar - that really does need to be kept in the fridge and won't last long.

MrsE_2

Brilliant, I steralised in the dishwasher (Nigella says this is ok).

I think I will still keep one & give them out, I just wanted an idea of how long it would last, so I could tell people.

floyd

A guy I used to work with came into work one day last year to make his lunch with an enormous jar of damson jam that his dad had made in 1982 :eek:
There was nothing wrong with it because it hadn't been opened, just a little bit dark because of it aging but other than that it was perfect

jammy_dodger

it doesnt last long in my house, especially the wild raspberry one Mmmmmmmmmmmmm

CAPMguy

i think it depends on the ingredients you use and the kind of jar where you are keeping the jam!

misskool

sugar is the preservative so if you make if with half fruit half sugar (or thereabouts) it will keep for ages.

low sugar preserves will need to be stored in the fridge as the fruit will spoil.

we're still eating chutneys and jams from 2 years ago. I just need to learn to stop making them...

GrowsOnTrees_2

So long as fill and put the lids on while the jam and jars are hot then as it cools it will create a vacuum. As it's been said, sugar is a preservative so all should be well.

We've opened jars that are many years old and they have been find. Sometimes get a bit of mould if using the wax discs and cellophane covers but the mould is obvious and easily spooned out.

Once opened we just keep it in the fridge or pantry duirng the cooler months, or just eat it!