My Jam won't set!

[cassa333]

I have made three lots of jam and only 1 lot has set.

I don't have a jam thermometer but was told that if you boil it realy hard for 5 minutes it does the trick.

I suppose I shall have to go to get one. Does anyone know how much they cost?

[tamborine]

Put it back into pan, boil with pips for pectin, simmer/stew & keep stirring so's it doesn't burn & stick to pan.....for 1hour at least. To test: drip onto plate to see if skin forms when cooled.

What jam r u making ?

[cassa333]

Thanks.

I didn't realise I could put it back in the pan to boil again.

I am mostly making Blackcurrant jam but some with Apple and Blackcurrant.

When it sets it is realy nice but only 1 lot set so far. I think I shall try to put the two lots that didn't set back in the pan with some more pectin.

[lucca]

You don't need to boil for a whole hour! (Not sure about bkc and apple) but bkc alone takes approx 15 mins, and for that you don't need pectin. I don't have a thermometer and don't really see the need for one. Just keep a steady rolling boil and it should be fine. I've made 3 lots this way.

[ladyalex]

Not much use now, but have you tried using Jam Sugar ? All the supermarkets have it. It contains pectin and is jolly good for getting a good set with almost all fruits.(I still have trouble with strawberry, though.)