In a bit of a jam

[beavis]

Last year, I made mulberry jam and it came out like this: a little too viscous, stretchy, hard to spread on toast.

In a couple days, my mulberries will be ready to harvest and I would like to try to jam again.

Did I use too much pectin? Or not enough?

 

[Kim_NC]

I'm thinking not enough pectin.

Usually too much pectin causes an overly stiff, almost solid product. The pics look like an ooozy, not-fully-thickened product.

 

[beavis]

The consistency is not oozy though. Perhaps my pic is misleading. This is some sticky stuff, much stiffer than an ordinary jam consistency. Almost like a soft fruit leather.

 

[vfem]

Ok... is it stretchy and candy like? I think its too much sugar. As for the pectin, if its sure-gel, sure-gel does that to some of my jellies and I get sooooooooooooooooo mad when that happens! But ...its edible!

 

[hoodat]

I'd try using a touch of lemon juice and a little less pectin.

 

[beavis]

Not sure which pectin I added last year.

I am thinking about trying this BALL brand no-sugar added pectin and add in some honey instead of sugar.


Hoodat, I'll be sure to add in some lemon juice as well.

 

[boggybranch]

Two years ago, my daughter-in-law made some orange marmalade from oranges off her mom's tree in Florida. It came out so dense that you really had to beat up a piece of toast to spread it.......but, good Lord, it was worth the effort. That was the best tasting orange marmalade I have EVER eaten

 

[journey11]

Maybe cooked a little too long? I did that with my seedless blackberry jam last year. Bummed me out! I was able to add a little water and warm it in a pan and stir (one jar at a time as used, since they were already sealed) and it came back to a spreadable consistency. Pain in the butt though!

 

[lesa]

The only thing that doesn't appeal to me about canning- is that you must be exact! I am a fly by the seat of the pants, kind of cook! If you buy the sure-jel in the box- follow the directions exactly. When I do this, I have perfect jelly/jam. When I don't- well, lets just say I won't do that again!

 

[vfem]

I've made tons of boo boos in jam... trust me when I say... in the long run, if it tastes good? Then you got a winner anyways! LOL