Page 13 - Horticulture Practical Guide

JAMS

A Jam is a sweet product having a irm consistency. It is prepared by boiling the fruit pulp with
suf icient quantity of sugar and acid to bring it to a reasonable thick consistency, irm enough to hold the
fruit tissue in position. Jam can be prepared either from an individual fruit or mixed fruits. Mango, Apple,
Pineapple, Apricot, Papaya, Plum etc. are used for preparation of Jams.
Good Jams are prepared with fruits rich in pectin. Just ripened fruits have maximum pectin. The
correct proportion of pectin, sugar and acid is required for the preparation of Jam. Excess sugar or over
cooking makes the jam hard and excess acid or low sugar make them watery. Correct setting is required
for long shelf life of Jam.

The Common Jams are:-

Apple Jam, Pineapple jam, Apricot Jam, Mixed Fruit Jam, Plum Jam, Mango Jam, etc.

Apple Jam
Recipe :
a) Apple Maharaji 1 kg
(Sour Variety)
b) Sugar 750 g

c) Citric Acid 1 Tsp (3-5gm) OR
Lime Juice 2-3 Tsp (10-15 ml)
d) R. Red Colour 1 Pinch

Method of Preparation
Select sour varieties of apples, wash them and peel with stainless steel knives. Keep the peeled
apples in salt water (1Tsf. of salt in 1 liter water). When all the apples are peeled cut them in equal halves.
Remove seeds and core. Grate them on steel grater. Take its pulp and add to it one cup of water. Slightly
cook it and make its soft pulp. weigh it and add equal quantity of sugar. Cook it again till Jam becomes
ready.

Tests for Readiness

Take a spoon of boiling jam on any clean plate, cool it, tilt the plate. If Jam comes down in one clot
then it is almost ready. If it separates water then cook it again. This test is called as plate test. When Jam
becomes ready, remove the container from gas chula or stove and add to it required quantity of citric acid
or lime juice. If desired a few drops of colour can also be added. Fill hot jam in clean and dry glass jars.
Seal them properly and keep at any cool place. In case of Jams, Sugar acts as preservative.

Mixed Fruit Jam
Recipe :

a) Apples ½ kg
b) Pineapples 1 Piece

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