What equipment do I need to make jams and jellies?

 

Having grown up on Long Island, New York, we weren't keen on canning. It wasn't until I moved to Virginia and met Miss Lola that I learned how to can and preserve veggies, fruits and to make jams and jellies. This is a gift given to me by an old southern woman who took me under her wing and taught me the old ways of preserving food for the winter months. 

Much of the equipment needed to make jams and jellies you should already have, if you began building up your equipment for canning for the season, with a few exceptions. Here is what you need to add to your canning equipment. 

First off I suggest you invest in the Book published by the Ball Company on how to make jams and jellies. It is a precise recipe book that teaches you everything and answers all those pesky questions I could never answer via the internet. 

You should already own the following Canning pot, Jar holder or grabber, and a jar funnel.

Now you need to add a few other items to your equipment list. 

Kitchen gloves to ensure you don't burn your hands while handling hot jelly or jam liquids.

Fruit sieve to ensure your jams and jellies have no pits or rocks in the final product. 

Candy thermometer to ensure temps are accurate. 

Liquid funnels to ensure consistency is correct. 

You can make jams and jellies in any pot, but to have one specifically dedicated to the making of such delicacies, is the best. 

Then of course the ultimate presentation jars. Jelly and jam jars come in a variety of sizes. I would also use small jars to ensure use without spoiling. Plus they make great Christmas Gifts in case you stop by a friend's house without an actual gift. Homemade goods are always a great gift to give around the holidays. 

Now all you need is the fruit. Check out your local farmers' market or farms in your area to see what they have to offer. 

Blueberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, and Strawberries are the best to start off with when making jams and jellies. Then you can move onto the more difficult fruits such as Apple Butter, and Marmalades. 

Apple bushel

Oranges or Grapefruit Marmelade produce

Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, journalist. business professional, and creative artist, and life coach consultant. Ms. Kilbride holds a Masters in Criminology and a BS in Business Management who stepped out of the loop for a while but is now back with a powerful opinion and voice in the direction of this country and our economy. As a life coach, she is available to counsel individuals to enjoy their dreams and a better life. Ms. Kilbride loves to travel, photograph her surroundings and is also a gourmet cook who loves to garden and preserve food for the winter months.