Sure Jell is a popular fruit pectin used in making jams and jellies. Whether you’re a seasoned home canner or a beginner looking to try your hand at preserving, Sure Jell recipes can help you create delicious spreads with ease. In this guide, we’ll explore various Sure Jell recipes, tips for success, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Why Use Sure Jell?
Sure Jell offers several benefits that make it a go-to choice for jam and jelly making:
- Consistency: Ensures your jams and jellies set properly.
- Flavor Preservation: Maintains the natural flavor of the fruit.
- Convenience: Easy to use, even for beginners.
Classic Sure Jell Recipes
Strawberry Jam
Strawberry jam is a favorite for many and a great way to use fresh strawberries. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups crushed strawberries
- 4 cups sugar
- 1 packet of Sure Jell fruit pectin
- ¾ cup water
Instructions:
- Prepare the fruit: Wash, hull, and crush the strawberries.
- Mix ingredients: Combine strawberries and sugar in a large pot. Stir well.
- Dissolve Sure Jell: Mix the pectin with water in a separate saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute.
- Combine: Add the boiling pectin mixture to the fruit and sugar mixture. Stir for 3 minutes.
- Jar the jam: Pour into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Seal and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Grape Jelly
Grape jelly is a pantry staple, perfect for spreading on toast or adding to recipes.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups grape juice (about 3 ½ lbs of grapes)
- 7 cups sugar
- 1 packet of Sure Jell fruit pectin
Instructions:
- Extract juice: Crush grapes and simmer until soft. Strain through a jelly bag to extract juice.
- Prepare the jelly: Combine grape juice and Sure Jell in a large pot. Bring to a boil.
- Add sugar: Stir in sugar. Return to a full rolling boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Jar the jelly: Pour into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Seal and process in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.
Peach Preserves
Peach preserves capture the essence of summer in a jar.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups peeled, pitted, and chopped peaches
- 7 cups sugar
- 1 packet of Sure Jell fruit pectin
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the fruit: Peel, pit, and chop the peaches.
- Combine ingredients: Mix peaches, lemon juice, and Sure Jell in a large pot. Bring to a boil.
- Add sugar: Stir in sugar. Return to a rolling boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Jar the preserves: Pour into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Seal and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Sure Jell Jams and Jellies
- Use fresh, ripe fruit: The quality of your fruit affects the taste and set of your jam or jelly.
- Measure accurately: Precise measurements are crucial for proper setting.
- Follow processing times: Ensures your preserves are safe and shelf-stable.
- Check the set: Test the set by placing a small amount on a chilled plate; it should wrinkle when pushed with a finger.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Sure Jell?
Sure Jell is a fruit pectin product used to thicken and set jams, jellies, and preserves. It helps achieve the desired consistency without the need for long boiling times.
Can I use less sugar in Sure Jell recipes?
Sure Jell recipes are formulated for specific sugar amounts to ensure proper setting. Reducing sugar may result in a runny consistency. However, Sure Jell also offers a low-sugar version for those looking to cut down on sugar.
How long do Sure Jell preserves last?
When properly processed and sealed, Sure Jell jams and jellies can last up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and used within a month.
Can I double the recipe?
It’s not recommended to double Sure Jell recipes, as this can affect the setting process. It’s best to make multiple batches if you need a larger quantity.
What if my jam or jelly doesn’t set?
If your jam or jelly doesn’t set, you can try re-cooking it with additional pectin. Follow the instructions on the Sure Jell package for remaking unset preserves.
By following these recipes and tips, you can enjoy delicious homemade jams and jellies made with Sure Jell. Happy preserving! Also Read more…