
What is Pectin?
Lets discuss this at the beginning. You may prefer to not add pectin to their jams and jellies. All fruit contains pectin in some amount. Adding the commercial pectin makes the gelling more predictable. In some cases, adding some chopped apple to the fruit will add enough pectin to cause gelling. There are various types of pectin available where canning supplies are sold. Look for Ball Canning brand, Sure-Jel, and Pomonas brand. (I included some links for your convenience) You can try to make a classic jam without adding pectin, but the results may be unpredictable and gelling may not happen.
Long cooking classic jams
Preserves
Preserves are a softer set version of jam and often contain larger chunks of the fresh fruit. Sugar and pectin may be added to gel the ingredients. The cooking time when using sugar and pectin is less than when only using the cut up fruit. Preserves do not hold their shape when spooned from the jar. The fruit’s natural flavor may be more intense in preserves.
Freezer Jam
How long does homemade jam last?
Canning Homemade Fruit Jams Using the Hot Water Bath Canner
Keep reading! There’s more goodness coming up!
Try this Jam and Jelly Recipe Book!
Recipes for Homemade Jam
One of my favorite recipes for homemade jam is made with apple and pear. You can vary this recipe, too, such as adding a touch of bourbon or vanilla if you like that sort of yumminess. You will love the recipe even just the way it is written. You can check out Pear Apple Jam here.
There’s a recipe in this post from Commonsensehomestead, that I just have to try. Do you love a strawberry banana combination as much as I do? This recipe for Strawberry Banana Jam had my mouth watering at the thought. I was going to pull another recipe from her site, but really, this whole link takes you to some amazing jam and jelly recipes plus tips on jam and jelly making. Homemade Jams and Jellies
Freezer Jam that uses no sugar but gets it sweetness from the fruit and honey! Yes! Be sure to try
15 minute Strawberry Freezer Jam from Livin, Lovin, Farmin.
Another low sugar added recipe for Peach Jam from Learning and Yearning. Low sugar peach jam is one of my favorites!
and Sunshine Strawberry Jam is on my must try list from Reformation Acres. Boy I am going to be busy after collecting all of these recipes!
Why make plain blueberry jam when you can make it Vanilla Blueberry Jam like Idlewilde Alaska did. And don’t miss her recipe for Strawberry, Rhubard, Balsamic Jam too. I have used the Ball Fresh Tech Jam and Jelly Maker that she used for these recipes and highly recommend it. If stirring jam and jelly over a hot stove is more than you can bear to think about, this is your answer! pssst I also noticed that this machine has come down A LOT in price since I bought mine.
Want to Try Making Jam Without Pectin?
Preparednesss Mama has a wonderful post on Making Jam without Pectin
How about a few Jelly Recipes?
GrowForageCookFerment is ever so creative! Can’t wait to try this Making Jelly with Hard Apple Cider
Reformation Acres and Homestead Honey each have delicious ideas for making jelly from peach peels.
I love this one for Spiced Apple Jelly from Reformation Acres too. Because Apple Spice anything is going to be tasty!
If you have a crabapple tree maybe you will like this recipe for Crab Apple Jelly from Learning and Yearning.
Most intriguing type of jelly to me is Lilikoi or Passion Fruit Jelly. Kris from Attainable Sustainable sent this recipe my way. Guess I need a tropical vacation to go with my jelly!
Check back! I will be adding recipe links to this post from time to time.
Are you a jam and jelly maker? Do you use them as gifts? Let me know in the comments and don’t forget to enter to win a copy of DIY Guide to Jams, Jellies and Fruit Butters
Oh my goodness!! What perfect timing! If the stars align, I will be canning peach jelly tomorrow !
happy to be helpful!
What a great book to have!! I would put it to good use’
I would love to have this book. Love to make jam and jelly.
Thank you for your post and the chance to win the book. I started canning a couple years ago, but never made jams or jellies yet. My mom used to, and I am looking forward to starting!
I haven’t made any jam or jelly for quite a while. You’ve inspired me to give it another try!
I would like to make homemade jam or jelly and like that you offered a low-sugar version.