Jams and Marmalades

If you've never experienced the satisfactions of making a batch of jam, beware: It can become an obsession. On the plus side, your friends will benefit from your new fixation and your holiday shopping could be complete by the end of the summer. And with a few jars of your special blend of jam, you'll always be ready with a hostess gift, a neighbor who needs a pick-me-up, your child's teacher. And since the jam is ready and waiting you may be inspired to bake a loaf of bread, or stir up a batch of corn muffin mix to go along with it.

Buying organic fruit at a farm stand, farmer's market or picking your own in the summer is one of the pleasures of making jam.
Any fruit that is to be used for preserving must be in tip-top condition. You cannot rescue slightly overripe or bruised fruits by putting them in a preserving jar.

It is always better to make your jams in season, however if this is not possible you can freeze the fruit until you are ready to use them. Fresh fruits that your froze are better than store bought commercially frozen, however the commercially frozen can also be used.