Apple-pear jam is not only delicious but also a healthy jam you can have all year round. It’s suitable for serving with scones, spreading on toast or pastries filling. For storage, glass jam jars are the most appropriate option because they are BPA-free food containers, making them a healthier choice and also aesthetically appealing especially when you want to use them as gifts to loved ones.
In this recipe guide, we shared the easy steps you need to follow to make a delicious batch of spiced apple-pear jam and how to personalise the lid for glass jam jars especially when you intend to gift your loved ones.
The Best Kind of Apples and Pears for Jam
All fresh apples and pears are good, but to get the best result, use apples that are firm and tart like Granny Smith, Candine, Envy apples and others alike. For pears, opt for ripe but firm pears like Bartlett, Bosc and Seckel among types.
Ingredients
- 12 pieces of fresh apples
- 12 pieces of fresh pears
- 700g granulated sugar
- 2 sachets pectin
- Water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or citric acid
- 2 teaspoons Allspice or Cinnamon
- Jam jars
- Blender or food processor
- Heat source
- Saucepan
How to Make Apple Pear Jam in Jam Jars
Prep Your Jam Jars
Cleaning and sterilising your glass jars with lids are essential to remove contaminants that can spoil the jam or change its flavour.
Peel, Core, and Slice the Apples & Pears
Wash the apples and pears thoroughly under running water. After that, peel, core and slice or quarter them into pieces.
Puree the Apples and Pears
Using a blender or food processor, puree the fruits until they are finely chopped evenly, then transfer the blended fruit into a saucepan.
Combine the Ingredients
In the saucepan add the lemon juice, allspice or cinnamon and pectin place on medium-high heat and bring it to boil for up to 1 minute while stirring occasionally. Once it’s ready, remove it from heat and skim the foam with a spoon. To check the doneness of the jam, use the cold plate test.
A cold plate test is a way of checking the doneness of Jam. This is done by first placing a plate or a saucer in the fridge before you start preparing the jam. When you feel the jam is ready, remove the saucer or plate from the fridge and place a drop of jam on it then gently run your finger through it. If the jam runs back together to form the initial closed shape after the finger has been removed, then it is not ready. If it doesn’t, i.e. it it holds its shape, then the jam is ready.
Serve or Store in Glass Jam Jar with Lids
Yay! Your delicious apple-pear jam is ready. Pour them into glass jars with lids and keep them in your pantry or refrigerator. Before sealing the jars, ensure you leave a little headspace before sealing them with lids for glass jam jar.
How to Customise Lid for Glass Jam Jars
If you are packaging your apple-pear jam for sale or to gift loved ones, you can personalise it with little notes or decorative items like ribbons and stickers. Lid for glass jars can be customised easily with labels, names, or notes. When customised, they can easily be used as wedding favours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do pears have pectin?
Yes, pears have natural pectin though not as much as apples. It is always advisable to add commercial pectin to help the jam set properly.
When is the Jam Set?
To easily know when jam sets, use the cold plate test. If the jam wrinkles and doesn’t run freely, it shows it is ready.
How do you store jam in a Mason jar?
You store jam in mason jars first by cleaning and sterilising the jars. After that, fill the glass jar with the jam while leaving a little headspace before sealing it with lids for glass jars. Once done, store them in the refrigerator or your pantry.
How long will jam last in a sealed glass jar?
When jams are properly sealed and stored in glass jars, they can last for months. But it is important to always check for signs of spoilage.