You get a special satisfaction when you make and preserve your own jams and jellies. Of course, you can head to the store and buy pre-made preserves, but making your own using the freshest berries and sweeteners makes the tastiest and longest-lasting jams and jellies. Let’s learn just how easy and fun it is to make your own preserves!
Ingredients and Equipment
One of the best parts about making jams and preserves is that you don’t need many ingredients or equipment to get a delicious final product!
Main Ingredients
There are a few things you’ll need to have on hand before diving into preparing your preserves.
- Fresh ripe fruit or berries. (Peaches, strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries).
- (Granulated sugar, monk fruit, stevia, maple syrup, you choose what sweetener or alternative to use)!
- Pectin comes in commercial or natural forms, allowing the jams and preserves to be set.
- Mainly lemon. This aids in balancing all the sweet flavors and helps with the preservation process.
Equipment Needed
If you want to make a large batch of jelly, jam, or preserves and keep them shelf-stable, you’ll need simple canning equipment. You can also follow the following recipe and only make small batches at a time.
Here is the equipment needed for cooking and canning:
- Canning jars and lids.
- Medium to large pot for cooking.
- Canning tools. (Jar lifters, funnels, ladels).
- Thermometer for checking temperatures.
Essential Steps for Making Jams
Prepare the Fruit
Depending on the type of jam you’re making, you’ll always want to thoroughly wash your fruit, peel it, and cut it if applicable.
Cook The Jam
When cooking, you want to add all of your ingredients to the pot together. Place the fruit, sugar, and pectin in the pot and allow it to come to a boil. Once it is boiling, turn it down to a slow simmer. Skim the top of any impurities or large seeds.
Testing
To test whether your jam has reached the desired consistency, stick a small plate in the freezer and allow it to chill for 5 minutes. Using a small spoon, dip into the jam and smear it across the plate. If it sets instantly, the jam is done. If it is still runny, it will need some extra cooking time.
Creative Uses and Storage
Use your jam, your morning toast, in Greek yogurt, in desserts, on top of parfaits, or anything at all! Jam is super versatile and perfect for a healthier option to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Jam also makes perfect gifts for the holidays, birthdays, or housewarming parties. Everyone loves a homemade gift—it’s inexpensive and more meaningful than store-bought options.
To properly store your jams and preserves, be sure to store them in a cool and dark location. Once opened, store in the refrigerator to preserve the best flavor.
Wrapping Up Making Your Own Jams and Preserves
Making jams and preserves is a great way to get into the kitchen and become more self-sufficient. Not only are you learning a new skill, but they also taste great, can be used in many recipes, and even given as thoughtful gifts! So go ahead and get jamming!
