Freezer jam from frozen berries - Ask Extension
Is it safe to make freezer jam from frozen berries? If I thaw the berries to the point that they still have a few ice crystals and than make the jam ...
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Freezer jam from frozen berries #837301
Asked June 24, 2023, 10:58 AM EDT
Is it safe to make freezer jam from frozen berries? If I thaw the berries to the point that they still have a few ice crystals and than make the jam immediately, will the jam be safe to store in the freezer and then use at a later date? Thank you for your answer.
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Joyce,
Great question! Many people prep and freezer their berries to make into jam later, when the weather cools.
Making freezer jam from previously frozen berries is safe. I suggest thawing the berries completely and allowing the fruit to just reach room temperature so the ingredients will dissolve more easily. Also, partially frozen fruit may measure differently than fully thawed fruit due to the presence of ice crystals. This can affect the recipe's balance of fruit to sugar and pectin, interfering with a proper gel formation. Use just ripe fruit and follow the directions for the type of pectin you're using, using exact measurements.
Freezer jam can be stored in the freezer for up to one year and 3 weeks in the refrigerator. Once a container is opened, the jam should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few days. If kept at room temperature they will mold or ferment in a short time because the fruit hasn't been cooked.
National Center for Home Food Preservation https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can_07/uncooked_berry_jam_powder.html
OSU Extension Jam and Jelly publications
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/mfp/publications
I hope this information is helpful.
Warmly,
Buffy Rhoades
Family and Community Health Education Program Assistant 2
Clackamas County Extension
Great question! Many people prep and freezer their berries to make into jam later, when the weather cools.
Making freezer jam from previously frozen berries is safe. I suggest thawing the berries completely and allowing the fruit to just reach room temperature so the ingredients will dissolve more easily. Also, partially frozen fruit may measure differently than fully thawed fruit due to the presence of ice crystals. This can affect the recipe's balance of fruit to sugar and pectin, interfering with a proper gel formation. Use just ripe fruit and follow the directions for the type of pectin you're using, using exact measurements.
Freezer jam can be stored in the freezer for up to one year and 3 weeks in the refrigerator. Once a container is opened, the jam should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few days. If kept at room temperature they will mold or ferment in a short time because the fruit hasn't been cooked.
National Center for Home Food Preservation https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can_07/uncooked_berry_jam_powder.html
OSU Extension Jam and Jelly publications
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/mfp/publications
I hope this information is helpful.
Warmly,
Buffy Rhoades
Family and Community Health Education Program Assistant 2
Clackamas County Extension
