Canning Techniques for Fruits: How To Preserve Jams for Long Time

Canning is used in households for centuries because it helps to preserve fruits and vegetables for long and harsh winters or even for years. Just open the can and enjoy the sun and flavours of the summer days. It looks so simple at a first glance but the mastery of preserving fruits and vegetables is an old art that has many catches. Preparing delicious and tasty jams is a real mastery, however it can be learned. In this article we will learn about various canning styles and canning techniques for fruits. We will show you some jam tips and tricks, will stress the importance of sterilization in homemade jam preparation and will answer the question how to store jam after making. 

What to Choose: Water Bath Canning or Pressure Canning

You can choose what canning method you will use. It is water bath canning or pressure canning. Each method has its differences, advantages and disadvantages. Which method to choose when preparing jams depends on the fruits you use and the type of jam you want to cook.

Water bath canning is more popular than pressure canning. It is mainly used to preserve acid fruits and to prepare various jams or jellies. During this process, jars are kept in boiling water to destroy bacteria and to create vacuum. This method is quite simple and does not require specific knowledge or tools, so it is good for newbies. 

Pressure canning techniques are not so popular and are used mainly to preserve low-acid fruits, vegetables or even meats. This canning method uses specialized pressure canning equipment such as a pressure canner or stainless steel pressure canner. The role of this kitchen device is simple but important. The main aim of this device is to raise the temperature above boiling. The high temperatures destroy all the bacteria. Pressure canning is rarely used for fruits, but it is important to understand the difference, because sometimes we can use the pressure canning method for jams as well.

Preserving Jam in Jars: What is Needed

To prepare the tasty homemade jam you will need various tools and devices. Below you will find a list of all the necessary tools to prepare the homemade jam successfully and find out how to make fruit preserves for the long winter evenings: 

1. Canning Jars: In your jam preparation process use only the finest glass jars made of high-quality glass. You are free to use any size or form of the jar, but the most popular glass jars for jams are half-pint, pint and quart sizes.

2. Lids and Bands: It is better to use metal lids, but sometimes we can use glass lids if the jam will be eaten soon. Remember to buy more lids, because they can’t be reused, we only use one metal lid once.

3. Canning Pots and Saucepans: We can also use deep frying pans for cooking homemade jams. We will be using deep pots and saucepans not only for jam cooking but also for the water bath canning process. There are specialized water bath canners on the market, so we can use them too. In fact, the idea to use a specialised water bath canner would be the best, ideal solution.

4. Jar Lifter is a very important tool in our jam preparation journey because thanks to it you can remove your jam jars from the boiling water safely. 

5. Ladle or Funnel: You can use a ladle or funnel to fill the jars with the jam without spilling it.

How to Preserve Jam in Jars

1. Cook the Jam: Find and cook the jam you like. You can find a lot of various jam recipes on our website. Use only fresh and ripe fruits and add some pectin, sugar and lemon juice or citric acid.

2. Sterilize the Jars: Always remember to sterilize the jars before pouring the jam into them. Preheat the oven to 80-120 degrees Fahrenheit and place the jars into the oven for 10 to 30 minutes or transfer them into the boiling water for 5-15 minutes. 

3. Fill the Jars with your homemade jam using a ladle and/or funnel. Ladle the jam into the hot jars but remember to leave some headspace at the top.

4. Use the Lids: Place the sterilized lids on the jars with the homemade jam and screw them on.

5. Process the Jam Jars by transferring them into a pot with the boiling water or water bath canner and boil over low heat for around 10 to 20 minutes. 

6. Cool the jars by placing them on a paper towel and leave there for at least 14 to 24 hours. 

7. How to store homemade jam in jars: Place the jars with the delicious homemade jam into a cool and dark place and keep them there for a year or longer.