jelly

Blackberry Jam
Blue Italian Plum Jam
Blueberry Jam
Peach Jam
Santa Rosa Jam
Red Plum Jam
Strawberry Jalapeno Jam
Raspberry Peach Melba Jam
Strawberry Jam
Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
White Nectarine Jam
Red Tart Cherry Jam
Sweet Cherry Jam
Jalapeno Pepper Sauce
Concord Grape Jelly
Grape Jelly

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Q:  What is the difference between jam and jelly?

A:  Jelly is made by cooking the fruit in a sugar and water mixture.  The juice-fruit mixture is then strained to remove the fruit pulp.  Jelly is clear and firm enough to hold its shape when turned out of its container.  

Jam is also cooked in a sugar and water mixture, but it is not strained so there are pieces of crushed fruit in the jam.  Jam will hold its shape, but it is less firm than jelly.  

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Four ingredients are essential in the making of jams & jellies: 
Fruit provides the flavor and at least part of the essential pectin and acid needed to gel the product.

Pectin is contained in many fruits, some more than others. Under ripe fruits contain more than fully ripe. Extra pectin is often needed, especially for firmer jellies, and can be added in the form of commercial pectin. 

Acid is necessary for gel and flavor. Some fruits are low in acid and need additional acid, usually added as lemon juice. There is more acid in under ripe fruit.

Sugar helps to gel the product, as well as helping to preserve it and adding flavor. 

Here are 3 simple tips to make sure your jelly lasts....

1) Avoid double dipping:  use a clean knife or spoon every time you scoop out of the jelly jar.  Bits of butter or peanut butter in the jelly is not desireable and may lead to spoilage.

2) Keep the jar rim is clean of jelly or crumbs.

3) Securely tighten the jelly jar lid after each use.  Make sure the rubber lip is sealed tightly again the glass rim. 

And always refrigerate your jelly after breaking the seal. 

Try some of Kuhn Orchards jams & jellies with these different ideas! 

Instead of buying seven different varieties of flavored yogurt and having to do a balancing act to get them stacked in the fridge - go the more economical route.  Buy a big container of plain or vanilla yogurt and blend in a heaping tablespoon of your favorite jelly variety to add flavor and a little sweetness to your yogurt. 

There are also muffin recipes that call for a dollup of jelly in each muffin.  You can even mix & match the varieties so it will be a flavorful surprise every time!

Try the Apricot or Peach Jam as a glaze on your next pork roast.

Add a spoonfull of jelly to your oatmeal in the morning. 

Blend some jam with olive oil and vinegar for a unique vinaigrette.

Share your favorite jam & jelly uses with us!