Jam making help for first timer

billieboy_2

Sunnyday wrote: »

I have a couple of questions to ask, i halved the recipe as i`d not got many strawberries but i only got a big jar and about a quarter of a small jar of jam.
SD

I made the whole recipe and only got four small jars. I don't think you're doing anything wrong.;)

Sunnyday

Thanks
i wondered if i`d made a batch of strawberry concrete because i`ve used preserving sugar when i didn`t need to as well
SD

Valli

Don't add water unless a recipe calls for it.
If I ever get a part filled jar I keep it in the fridge, once cooled, and use it up fairly quickly, because there will be too much air in it - and it probable won't vacuum seal itself. That's a good reason to use a waxed disc on your jam, a part filled jar.

gingerkirsty

Valli jostaberrys are really nice - more vitamin c than blackcurrants as well as the bushes being much more vigourous.

Unfortunately my jostaberry jam didn't set - clearly what comes of making it at 10pm so I had a rescue mission on this morning and now have set jam. Lesson learnt, check for setting and don't guess!

So question - how long do you jam afficinados think my re-boiled jam will last? We will get through it pretty fast (and make plenty of jam tarts I think) so I am not too worried about it not lasting 2 years.

Sunnyday

I have indeed made strawberry concrete :rotfl:
I couldn`t even get the knife through it in the jar so i popped it in the microwave and as soon as it was warmish i was able to spread it.
I`ll do another bit in a few days when the strawberries are ripe and this time i`ll use ordinary sugar:D It tastes lovely:j
SD

Valli

gingerkirsty wrote: »

Valli jostaberrys are really nice - more vitamin c than blackcurrants as well as the bushes being much more vigourous.

Unfortunately my jostaberry jam didn't set - clearly what comes of making it at 10pm so I had a rescue mission on this morning and now have set jam. Lesson learnt, check for setting and don't guess!

So question - how long do you jam afficinados think my re-boiled jam will last? We will get through it pretty fast (and make plenty of jam tarts I think) so I am not too worried about it not lasting 2 years.

And wouldn't you know it - never heard of josterberries/jostaberries and you mention them and then a bush comes up on Freecycle - but too far away really!

Re the reboiled jam - once you've got a set it'll be fine. It's keeping unset jam. ie which didn't reach it's setting point that would be difficult. My recipes recommend a fast boil, for all jams for 5 - 10 mins. Trouble with home made jam is it tastes so good you couldn't keep it if you tried.

One day, when I am feeling lavish I am going to try liqueur jams.

One day!

Valli

I have just spotted these, made by TALA in Dunelm Mill. Also thermometers which aren't necessary but are useful. This one was £2 something - I paid £3+ for mine (Boo)

I think the difference is the handle (and they are metal) - because they get very hot.

Made 5 jars of Rhubarb and Ginger yesterday - just off to label and stash them now.:A

billieboy_2

I'm making blackcurrant jam today. Got some blackcurrants reduced in Waitrose and will use Delia's recipe:p .

parsonswife8

Hello everyone!

Seeing as it is overcast and a bit grim and chilly out, I am making my blackberry jam this afternoon.

My OH is busy syphoning off his blackberry wine that he started off on Tuesday. He's had the elderflower wine on the go for about 2 months ago and will start some elderberry wine when the berries are right.

We should be all nice and stocked up for the winter at this rate.

Enjoy yourselves with whatever moneysavings things you are busy with this weekend.



Edited to say, I'm so pleased he is doing the syphoning outside.

The tube shot out of the bowl that he is syphoning from and he has streaks of blackberry juice trickling down his forehead. He looks like he has been in an accident.

Valli

parsonswife8 wrote: »

Hello everyone!


Edited to say, I'm so pleased he is doing the syphoning outside.

The tube shot out of the bowl that he is syphoning from and he has streaks of blackberry juice trickling down his forehead. He looks like he has been in an accident.

That's a good idea - when I make bramble jelly it looks - in my white kitchen - as though a MURDER has been committed!
The jelly is so fab though it's worth it!

So the blackberries are ripe then? Mmmmm.....looks like it's time for a country walk!;)