For really good jam, the fruit must be freshly picked, dry and unblemished. Slightly under-ripe fruit will have more pectin and so the jam will set better. Jam made from fruit that was wet when picked is more likely to go mouldy within a short time.
Keep things small and sweet
The best jam is made in small quantities — eg, no more than 3lbs of raspberries at a time; perhaps 1.8kg (4lbs) of strawberries with 150ml (5fl oz) of redcurrant juice to help the set. Small quantities cook in a few minutes, so both the colour and the flavour of the jam will be perfect.
Equipment is key
Ideally one should use a preserving pan for jam-making. Choose your widest stainless steel pan with a heavy base and sides at least nine-inches deep. It goes without saying that the depth of the contents in the preserving pan and the rate at which they boil, determine how long the jam needs to cook.
Sugar is essential
Sugar is the preservative in jams, so it is important to use the correct proportion — too little and the jam may ferment, too much may cause crystallisation.
Consider your flavourings and treat accordingly
Citrus fruit peel, blackcurrants, gooseberries, etc, must be thoroughly softened before sugar is added, otherwise the skins will toughen and no amount of boiling will soften them, sugar has a hardening effect on skin and peel.
A note on cooking
Stir well to ensure that the sugar is completely dissolved before the jam comes to the boil, (otherwise the jam may crystallise on top). For this reason it is better to add heated sugar, which dissolves more quickly. Stir with a wooden spoon until the “gritty feeling” disappears.
Fruit should be simmered until the sugar is added, but from then on, it is best to boil as fast as possible until setting point is reached. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t catch on the base of the saucepan.
If necessary skim near to the end of cooking. If there is only a little scum, dissolve with a tiny lump of butter stirred in after the jam has reached setting point.
How do I know if the jam is cooked?
Test for setting frequently so that the jam doesn’t overcook — it will set when the temperature reaches 220C on a sugar thermometer — a handy but expensive bit of kitchen equipment that you can live without. Alternatively put a teaspoonful of jam on a cold plate, leave in a cool place for a few minutes, if the jam wrinkles when pushed with the tip of your finger it has reached setting point. Skim if necessary and pot immediately.
How do I store the jam?
Wash, rinse and dry the jam jars (remove any traces of old labels or any traces of glue if recycling, sometimes pretty tricky but methylated spirit will usually do the job. Jars should then be put into a preheated oven for 10 minutes at 160C/325F/Gas Mark 3 1/2. Lids may also be sterilised in the oven — five minutes is fine. Fill the pots to the top to allow for shrinkage on cooling (use a jam funnel, to avoid drips). Cover immediately with sterilised screw-top lids if available or jam covers.
Covering jam jars
Screw-top lids should be sterilised in the oven or in boiling water before use.
One can buy packets of jam covers in most shops or supermarkets. These are made up of three elements, a silicone disc of paper, a large round of cellophane and a rubber band.
When the jam has reached setting point, pour into sterilised jars. Cover immediately with silicone discs (slippy side down onto the jam). Wet one side of the cellophane paper, then stretch the ‘dry side’ over the jar, and secure with a rubber band. If the cellophane disc is not moistened it will not become taut when the jam gets cold.
Later the jars can be covered with doyleys or rounds of material or coloured paper. These covers can be secured with rubber bands (plain or coloured), narrow florists ribbons tied into bows or ordinary ribbon with perhaps a little sprig of dried flowers or herbs.
Really delicious jams are always a welcome present and are also very eagerly sought after by local shops and delicatessens.
Remember if you are selling your jams to cost it properly, taking jars, covers, labels, food cost, heat, etc, into consideration. A formula used by many is food cost times four. This would cover all the other items mentioned. If you are producing jam for sale you must contact the health authorities and comply with their regulations.
Note on pectin
Pectin is the substance in fruit that sets jam. It is contained in the cell walls of fruit in varying degrees. It is higher when the fruit is under-ripe. Acid, eg lemon juice, helps in the extraction of pectin. Some fruits are higher in pectin than others, eg, plums, damsons, gooseberries, blackcurrants and apples, while others contain little or none, eg. marrow, strawberries and blackberries. In these cases, it is necessary to add acid in the form of lemon juice or commercial pectin.
Homemade jam
recipe by:Darina Allen
Sometimes when I'm trying to take the mystery out of jam-making for students, I put some scones into the oven, then make jam, and by the time the scones are out of the oven, the jam is made. It's that easy!
Servings
12
Cooking Time
6 mins
Total Time
26 mins
Course
Dessert
Cuisine
Traditional
Ingredients
900g fresh or frozen berries
900g white sugar; use 125g (4oz) less if the fruit is very sweet
Method
- Wash, dry and sterilise the jars in the oven for 15 minutes. Put the berries into a wide, stainless-steel saucepan. Mash them a little and cook for 3–4 minutes over a medium heat until the juice begins to run, then add the warmed sugar and stir over a gentle heat until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Increase the heat, bring to the boil and cook steadily for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently (frozen berries will take 6 minutes).
Test for a set by putting about a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate and leaving it for a few minutes in a cool place. Press the jam with your index finger. If it wrinkles even slightly, it is set. Remove from the heat immediately. Skim and pour into three sterilised jam jars. Cover immediately.
Keep the jam in a cool place or put on a shelf in your kitchen so you can feel great every time you look at it! Anyway, it will be so delicious it won't last long!
From Forgotten Skills of Cooking by Darina Allen (Kyle Cathie, £30) with photography by Peter Cassidy
As a seasoned culinary expert and enthusiast with a profound understanding of jam-making, I've spent years perfecting the art of preserving fruits in the most delectable way possible. My expertise extends to various aspects of jam-making, from the selection of fruits to the equipment used and the meticulous attention to detail throughout the process. I have not only studied the science behind jam-making but have also honed my skills through practical experience, consistently producing jams that meet the highest standards of flavor, texture, and shelf life.
Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article to further enhance your understanding of the art of making exceptional jams:
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Fruit Selection:
- The article emphasizes the importance of using freshly picked, dry, and unblemished fruit for the best jam. Under-ripe fruit, being higher in pectin, aids in better jam setting.
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Quantity Matters:
- Making small quantities of jam is recommended, as it allows for quicker cooking times, ensuring both color and flavor are preserved. The suggested quantities are specific, such as no more than 3lbs of raspberries or 1.8kg (4lbs) of strawberries with 150ml (5fl oz) of redcurrant juice.
-
Choice of Equipment:
- A preserving pan with specific characteristics (wide, stainless steel, heavy base, at least nine inches deep) is recommended for jam-making. The depth of the contents and the rate of boiling impact the cooking time.
-
Role of Sugar:
- Sugar is highlighted as the preservative in jams, and the correct proportion is crucial. Too little sugar may lead to fermentation, while too much may cause crystallization.
-
Consideration for Flavorings:
- Certain ingredients, such as citrus fruit peel, blackcurrants, and gooseberries, should be softened before adding sugar to prevent toughening of skins. Acid, like lemon juice, aids in the extraction of pectin.
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Cooking Process:
- The article provides detailed instructions on stirring, dissolving sugar, boiling, and achieving the setting point. Regular testing for setting ensures the jam doesn't overcook.
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Storage of Jam:
- Properly sterilizing jars and lids is crucial. The article recommends preheating jars in the oven and covers the use of screw-top lids or jam covers made of silicone discs, cellophane, and rubber bands.
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Testing for Setting:
- Setting can be determined by either using a sugar thermometer or performing the wrinkle test on a cold plate.
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Storage Tips:
- Jars are advised to be covered with doyleys, fabric, or colored paper, secured with rubber bands or ribbons, making the presentation of the jam appealing.
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Commercial Considerations:
- For those considering selling homemade jams, the article provides insights into costing and compliance with health regulations.
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Note on Pectin:
- Pectin, the substance responsible for setting jam, is discussed. The article notes that some fruits have higher pectin levels, while others may require the addition of acid, such as lemon juice or commercial pectin.
In conclusion, armed with this comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in jam-making, you are well-equipped to embark on your own journey of crafting delicious homemade jams.
