Damson Jam (Part 2)

[horseshoes]

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Food-and-Drink/Question1361167.html

Oh dear, I think I've ended up with damson soup! Is it supposed to be runny when it's put into jars?

[diddlydo]

Did you test it for a set i.e. did it go wrinkly when you put a spoonful on a cold plate from the freezer and pushed the jam with your finger? If not, put it back in the preserving pan and boil for longer.

[horseshoes]

I already did and it's STILL runny. I really don't know what I've done. I even bought a jam thermometer!

[EcclesCake]

Hate to ask but did use use jam sugar or add pectin and did you keep the stones in the pan when you were cooking it up?

[horseshoes]

I put the stones in a muslin bag and left them in, and I used jam sugar.

[EcclesCake]

OK, is this hot jam that you have jarred today or jam that you bottled yesterday that is now cold but still runny?

[horseshoes]

It's still quite hot.

[horseshoes]

Oh and sorry Eccles, I've only made it this afternoon.

[carrust]

I'm no expert on jam, but, cant you boil it up again & add some pectin.

[EcclesCake]

As it cools it will set more.

If you have used a thermometer AND done the saucer test successfully then I'd wait to see what it is like in the morning before panicking.

If it is still too loose give it another simmer to drive off a bit more moisture or draw off a bit of the juice add a little more pectin and reintroduce to the jam.

[jomifl]

Some jams depending on the pectin/acid/sugar ratio take while to set even when cool. Just wait a while say overnight.

[tamborine]

Too much water? Leave simmering till it thickens & liquid steams off, (no lid on pan).

[horseshoes]

I've just boiled it up again, and re-added the stones. The saucer test worked OK. I thought, wrongly as it appears that it should be jam-like straight away. I'll wait until morning and have another look. Thank you

[jomifl]

When I do the saucer test I keep the saucer(s) in the fridge, you get a much quicker result this way.

[tamborine]

I washed jam off pips in boiled water (coz I didnt want ants in bin). Bottled the water syrup & its a gorgeous squash.

[mazie]

I hope you haven't over boiled it horseshoes, as Eccles says you need to let it cool before checking the consistency .

[horseshoes]

Oops sorry, I meant to post the next morning. Jam is A1. Absolutely scrummy yummy. I shall definitely be making more. Thank you ALL for your help and comments:-)

[mazie]

I'm envious..My tree produced hardly any this year :0(. last year I got about 15 Ibs of jam. Enjoy horseshoes x