How to Choose the Right Jam For You
When it comes to making jams, most home cooks do not consider Jam Maker Pro as an option. This is understandable since most jams are considered by many to be on the “cheap” side. Most store-bought jams are also processed, so the nutritional value is usually minimal and subject to change. When you compare fresh, homemade jams to their store-bought counterparts, there are definitely some big benefits. You know what you’re putting into the jam before you buy it and how fresh your ingredients really are to begin with – without artificial colors, artificial preservatives or possibly harmful pesticides. If you want to start making your own jams at home, learning how to make jam can give you pride in what you’re making and the ability to save money on jams every month.
One of the first steps to successful jam making is keeping the jars on the warmer. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to use a cold jar in your jam making process. The natural juices that fill the jar will not have the same structure to retain heat. Hotter jams will spread out and will take longer to develop the desired texture and flavor. Keeping the jars at room temperature for longer periods of time allows the heat to distribute evenly throughout the contents.
Another important consideration in jam making is keeping the fruit clean. Even though you will not be touching the fruits’ outer coating, there’s still a good chance that pesticides and other chemicals have made their way inside the vegetable or fruit layers. In order to maintain its natural color and flavor, all you need to do is to simply scrub it off with a citrus-based solution or your favorite kitchen cleanser. You’ll also find that high pectin citrus fruits are ideal for preserving since they naturally have high pectin content.
When you’re ready to learn how to thicken your jams, it helps to know that using white grapes is one of the best ways to achieve your goals. White grapes are one of the healthiest types of fruits and are naturally very sweet. They are also very firm which makes them easy to break down into their juice form. Adding strawberries to your jams gives it the tart, tangy taste that you strive for, but without the added sugar.
Pectin is an ingredient found in all natural raw fruits and vegetables. However, there are two types of pectin available in fresh fruits and vegetables, and these are referred to as mucilaginous and polysaccharides. Mucilaginous forms are gel-like and are very sensitive to heat. Polysaccharides are formed when the sugar molecules in a polysaccharide bond with proteins, and can easily diffuse throughout the food product creating a finished product with a firm, gooey texture.
Many different techniques can be used to speed up the process of making jams. However, one of the best tips for getting a nice thick, rich flavor is to add freshly picked fruit to your recipe. Some fruits such as strawberries and blackberries are known to thicken smoothies very nicely, while other fruits such as blackcurrants and prunes will not provide as much complexity in your dish. The key is to experiment with different fruits until you find the consistency and flavor you like, then adjust your cooking temperature to make the thickest and most filling jam possible.
It is important to note that adding pectin at the beginning of the recipe will ensure that the jam will have a lower chance of breaking down into chalky pieces after the process. One way to ensure you achieve this is to soak your selected fruits or berries overnight and allow them to absorb the pectin fully before adding to the mixture. Another option is to purchase natural pectin from a local meat department or produce department of your grocery store. This natural pectin will provide the same benefits as using fruit or berries, but without the added risk of consuming chalky pieces of fiber along with your jam.
While making your jam from scratch is always an enjoyable experience, it can also be quite difficult to come up with a great recipe that has a consistent quality and flavor. The great news is that many of these recipes are available both online and in cookbooks. Jam manufacturers take advantage of the large variety of recipes available today by offering a wide selection of recipes in various sizes, shapes and ingredients to suit every pocketbook and event. How to Choose Jams For Your Health If you have been looking for an easy way to incorporate dried fruits, nuts and dried fruit spreads into your diet, learning how to choose jams will give you the chance to create a delicious and nutritious healthy treat for any meal time. There are many different types of jams to choose from, so it is easy to create a unique new recipe that is just right for you.
