Celebrating the Summer Bounty

The summer heat is bearing down on us.  I know I’m sweating through every inch I have on when I’m out in the garden.  But it also means that our gardens are bursting!  And not only are our home gardens but there tons of local farms over flowing with the berries and fruits.  U pick farms are a great way to support your local agriculture system and they help educate our kids on where their food comes from and the hard work that’s involved in producing it.

“But what do I do with a bushel of peaches or 5 gallons of blackberries?”

I hear this all the time.  Truthfully, I say this to myself often.  And one of my favorite solutions is to make jams and jellies.  When I suggest this to one not initiated in the art of canning, I can see a wave of fear cross their face.  

“That’s one of them old timey arts that MeeMaw use to witchcraft up yummy stuff with.”

Now I would never weigh in on whether your grandma was capable of using a broomstick for more than just sweeping floors but it’s not that scary.  It’s a delicious form of magic we can all achieve.

To me the hardest part about making jam and jelly is just getting all your supplies out and making sure they are clean.  And, of course, making sure the kitchen is clean and clear because you do need a good area in which to work.  If you can wash dishes and follow a recipe, you can make jelly!

Let’s just go over some of the basics.  A jam is a fruit spread that utilizes the juice and meat of the fruit.  It’s thicker than a jelly.  A jelly is made from the juice of the fruit obtained from either bought juice or boiling the skins of the fruit and pouring it through a strainer.  Jelly is clearer than jam.  Both are delicious.

• Basic Supplies
  Waterbath canner with a canning rack
  Funnel (optional)
  Jar grabber (optional)
  Glass preserving jars with bands and lids
  A few basic kitchen items
  Large heavy sauce pan
  Measuring cups and spoons
  Kitchen knives
  Cutting board
  Large spoon & ladle
  Dish towels & oven mitts

• Basic Ingredients
  Fruit and or juice
  Sugar
  Pectin (powdered or liquid)
  Lemon juice

Jams and jellies set, or solidify, because of the perfect ratio between the fruit, sugars, and pectin.  When you are starting out, follow a tried and true recipe out of your box of pectin.  Once you get your “jamming jelly” feet under you, start to experiment with new flavors and combinations.  If you can boil water, set a timer, and don’t mind standing at the stove to stir you can make your own jams and jellies before you know it.  So give it a try!

And what’s the worst that can happen?  So it doesn’t set.  Well believe me you’ll have some darn good syrup to put on ice cream, waffles, or pancakes.  Or cheesecake.  YUM!

• Resources
  Ball Canning Website 
  Into to Canning 
  Your Local Home Extension Office 
  Great site for u-pick farms and what to do with the bounty 

 

Jeanetta is an artist, blogger, and sometimes homesteader.  She’s addicted to coffee, her garden, and chickens. You can see her art and read more stories at JeanettaDarley.com.  Or follow her on social media @jeanettadarley.