Some of the most delightful ways to enjoy a preserved summer’s day are in a spoonful of jam or jelly. From crunchy raspberry preserves to spicy pepper jelly, there’s a world of jams and jellies to choose from local producers – have a jamboree!
The Difference Between Jam and Jelly, and Preserves
It’s all about the texture when it comes to distinguishing between each different style of canned deliciousness! Here’s a quick rundown:
- Preserves: Uses mostly whole or large pieces of fruit, resulting in a sticky, stewed texture
- Jam: Uses mashed or pureed fruit, resulting in a thick, gummy texture
- Jelly: Uses fruit juice, resulting in a clear, thin texture
Famous Michigan Jams
Love Michigan fruit? Its preserved counterpart makes special Red Haven peaches available year-round! From Traverse City-area cherry goods makers and their array of cherry jams, to the famous Jampot of Eagle Harbor, where Byzantine monks craft preserves from wild berries like thimbleberries, Michigan is known for its jam flavors.
Local Jams and Jellies Near Me
Jam with Michiganders by finding local jams or jellies at a maker or market using our Find Food and Farms Directory.
How to Can Jams and Jellies
Canning jams and jellies makes them shelf-stable. Unlike some foods, most jams and jellies are water-bath canned, a great way to start canning at home. To get started, check out our Canning for Beginners’ guide, or consider Michigan State University’s online course for home food preservation.
Can Jam and Jelly Be Sugar-Free?
Sure! If you’re making your own jam or jelly and would like to avoid sugar, it can be replaced with alternative sweeteners and thickened with sugar-free pectin. Sugar in jams and jellies acts as a preservative in many cases, so recipes without it may point towards a freezer jam, or one that isn’t shelf-stable. Be sure to use a recipe from a trusted source to make sure the amount of sugar leads to a safe canning process!
If shopping for sugar-free preserves, be sure to check the label for what has been added, if anything, in place of sugar. For those truly avoiding all forms of naturally occurring sugar, fruit sugar, aka fructose, is still present in a concentrated form, so those avoiding sweeteners of all kinds should avoid fruit preserves.
Ready for a spoonful of something sweet – and local? Find local jams and jellies near you!