My Jam Didn't Set! What Should I Do? (2024)

FAQs

Can you fix a jam that doesn't set? ›

While this trick won't work for jam recipes that already call for pectin, adding pectin to a loose batch of jam while re-cooking it almost guarantees that the jam with set back up nicely. Whisk a tablespoon of powdered pectin (preferably the no-sugar-needed variety) into the pot of cooking jam.

You can reboil jam. Sometimes taking out more of the moisture is enough for it to set up. You can also put it in the freezer or if it is really runny re-purpose it into a sauce. All good options.

Warm the jam gently and add tablespoon or two of water to help to loosen up the mixture. It is difficult to give the exact amount of water as the size of jars vary and the level of set can be different, but aim for a consistency that is just slightly thinner than the warmed jam.

Once the jam is done cooking, it may look a little thin, but just remember that it will thicken in the fridge as it cools. For a thicker version (good for fruits that are low in pectin, like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and peaches), add a tablespoon of pectin powder.

Lemon is crucial to balancing those sweet flavors, but it also helps the pectin to firm up the jam. It can be added at the start of the cooking process or towards the end, but what must be taken into account is that adding liquids to the jam mixture will inevitably require the jam to cook for longer.

Bring the syrupy “jam” to boil in a pot. Dissolve 1 to 2 teaspoons of cornstarch for every cup of syrup in a small amount of cold water to make a slurry. Reduce heat and drizzle the mixture into the jam pot, stirring constantly. Gently simmer for 30 seconds, remove from heat, bottle and cool.

1) The Saucer Test

If it runs slow, it's set! You can also let the spoonful of jam sit on the cold plate for 30 seconds and then push it with your spoon or finger. If it wrinkles up, you've reached your setting point. TIP: Use a white plate so you can see the jam clearly.

Remove pot from heat and divide jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch of space at the top. Seal and transfer jars into a boiling water bath. Make sure jars are covered with at least 1 inch of water; let sit for 5 minutes. Lift jars and let them cool in a draft-free place without touching, 8 hours to overnight.

If the jam runs right off the spoon and looks thin and runny, it's not done yet. However, if it forms thick droplets that hang heavily off the bowl of the utensil, but don't immediately fall off, it is either nearing completion or is done.

If, on the other hand, the jam is rock solid, that means you've gone too far and cooked it too long. You can try adding a little water to thin it out, but bear in mind that after overcooking a jam, you can't really get those fresh fruit flavors back.

Can you boil jam too long? ›

Pectin can also be destroyed by extended boiling so make jam in a large saucepan (the fruit and sugar mixture should not come more than one third up the side of the pan) so that the mixture boil rapidly, and start testing for setting point fairly early.

Raise the heat to medium-high and bring to a brisk boil. Stir frequently to avoid burning and to prevent the jam from boiling over. Boil until the jam hits the set point, 220 degrees F on an instant-read or candy thermometer, about 20 minutes.

Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add it to the jam mixture. Bring it to a boil, and the jam should thicken almost immediately. 3. Try commercial pectin.

Once the jam cools, you'll be able to see its final texture. If it's too loose, you can always cook it more or simply refrigerate it, which will firm it too. If it's too firm-set, you can loosen it with a spoonful of hot water until it's the consistency you like.

Heat small amounts of jam in the microwave, a few seconds at a time, and then use as you would normally. If it's still too thick, add some water while heating in the microwave, and then use it as an unusual pancake or ice cream syrup.

5. Do Not Stir Once Mixture Is Boiling. Once your jam/marmalade it has reached a rapid rolling boil do not stir it. Stirring it will alter the temperature of the jam/marmalade meaning it will take longer to reach the setting point.

For any unfamiliar with this method, you sterilize the jars by leaving them in a 250 F oven for 30 minutes, add the hot jam, put on the lids and return the jars to the oven for 15 minutes more. Once removed from the oven, the seals on the jars activate.