He who gathers in summer is a prudent son,
but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.
It is berry season! Let’s keep our daughters (and sons) busy making the most of the harvest season for berries. Jams and jellies are one of the easiest things to preserve. Not only will your pantry be stocked with some sweetness they made themselves, but they will also be learning to be diligent with the work that God has given for today.
Jams and jellies also make great gifts to give at the holiday season or even as a little cottage industry.
Jams, Jellies and Preserves – What’s the Difference?
Jam, jelly and preserves are made with fruit, sugar and pectin. What makes them different is the way the fruit is used which gives each of them a in difference texture.
- Jam – the fruit is crushed and is less stiff and less smooth than jelly. It will usually have small clumps of fruit in it.
- Jelly – the juice of the fruit is used, which gives a smooth, thick texture.
- Preserves – the fruit has large chucks and a syrup (sugar and water) is used.
- Pectin is used to give thickness and to help in the preserving.
Is canning really worth it? In my opinion, YES! For many reasons.
Here are some video tutorials and some recipes to help you stock your pantry:
Dandelion Jelly – Video
Grape Jelly – Video
Red Pepper Jelly – Video
My favorite site for preserving anything!
List of edible flowers to make jelly from.
Planning for the Pantry
Basic Canning Supplies
How to Make Cheap Jar Labels
