Virgin Jam maker

You all seem to be such proficient chefs. Well here is a place to share some of that cooking knowledge. Or do you have a cooking problem? Ask away. Jams and chutneys go here too.
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Juddy in the Charente
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Virgin Jam maker

Post: # 155548Post Juddy in the Charente »

First time at jam making, thought it was going good so how come the strawberries have floated to the top of my jam? Mass escape bid? Synchronised strawberries?
Surely it is better to have grown it and eaten it than never to have grown it all?

Ellendra
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Re: Virgin Jam maker

Post: # 155565Post Ellendra »

Simmer them a bit longer before adding the pectin. If the berries aren't cooked all the way through they'll float.

That or there might be foam caught under the berries and its pushing them upward. But if that's the case you'd see lots of tiny bubbles in the jar.

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Re: Virgin Jam maker

Post: # 155570Post Mylovelyhorse »

I think with strawberry jam, there's a real risk of that happening. So you're advised to leave it to cool for 10 minutes before bottling it, then give it a very good stir to redistribute all the fruit...

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Re: Virgin Jam maker

Post: # 155591Post oldfella »

Where do I find Virgins to make jam, and when do you know they are ripe enough, how much sugar do you need and how long do you cook them for before they reach the setting stage :scratch:
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frozenthunderbolt
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Re: Virgin Jam maker

Post: # 155598Post frozenthunderbolt »

oldfella wrote:Where do I find Virgins to make jam, and when do you know they are ripe enough, how much sugar do you need and how long do you cook them for before they reach the setting stage :scratch:
I was thinking along much the same lines but you beat me to it and said it better! :cheers:
Jeremy Daniel Meadows. (Jed).

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Peggy Sue
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Re: Virgin Jam maker

Post: # 158435Post Peggy Sue »

Yes why else would the boys be looking at a jam making thread I wonder :lol:
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Odsox
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Re: Virgin Jam maker

Post: # 158445Post Odsox »

Peggy Sue wrote:Yes why else would the boys be looking at a jam making thread I wonder :lol:
Maybe because this "boy" does all the jam making in this household, along with breadmaking and most of the cooking.
Mind you, a virgin or two might slow me down a bit :roll:

Yes you're right Mylovelyhorse, when you get to setting temperature, switch off and leave to cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
Then the jam has started to set and the strawberries are "stuck" and can't float to the surface.
Tony

Disclaimer: I almost certainly haven't a clue what I'm talking about.

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Re: Virgin Jam maker

Post: # 158447Post Peggy Sue »

Ah my OH will do all the household stuff but not jam making....way too messy, at least the way I do it :lol: He just comes back and tears his hair out at sticky jam everywhere where I was testing it, putting the stiring spoon down, putting the thermometer down, then the biggie...pouring it into the pots- mega mess :cheers:

Not a virgin but not that experienced as you can see!
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ina
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Re: Virgin Jam maker

Post: # 158455Post ina »

frozenthunderbolt wrote:
oldfella wrote:Where do I find Virgins to make jam, and when do you know they are ripe enough, how much sugar do you need and how long do you cook them for before they reach the setting stage :scratch:
I was thinking along much the same lines but you beat me to it and said it better! :cheers:
And I was thinking - you don't really need to be a virgin to make jam... :oops:

My father started making jam after my mum died - and he was over 70 then.
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frozenthunderbolt
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Re: Virgin Jam maker

Post: # 158604Post frozenthunderbolt »

Peggy Sue wrote:Yes why else would the boys be looking at a jam making thread I wonder :lol:
I made 6-8 kg each of blackberry jam and damson jam this year :cheers:
Jeremy Daniel Meadows. (Jed).

Those who walk in truth and love grow in honour and strength

Peggy Sue
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Re: Virgin Jam maker

Post: # 158613Post Peggy Sue »

frozenthunderbolt wrote:
Peggy Sue wrote:Yes why else would the boys be looking at a jam making thread I wonder :lol:
I made 6-8 kg each of blackberry jam and damson jam this year :cheers:
This year! Ah you're from down under....well perhaps thats where boys make jam and girls dig? :lol: No my theory is flawed again...I dig and make jam :?

I do hope there's damsons about this year I'd planned to raid my friends tree but there were none last year :(
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