Quick Answers
I prefer strawberry jam made in the microwave. How long can these spreads (including the butter) be kept in the refrigerator/freezer. What kinds of directions should I give if I give these as gifts?
These refrigerator/freezer jams have a very long
shelf-life. Frozen, it would be almost indefinite. In
the refrigerator, you would be limited only by mold or
yeast growth - neither of which would be harmful but
might make the jam taste a bit “funny.”
For gifts, I would recommend that you give the
product frozen, with an instruction card that states
something like:
“To preserve the delicate flavor of this homemade
jam (syrup), please store refrigerated. Product stored
in the refrigerator should be consumed within a few
weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the jam
(syrup). Discard if any mold appears on the surface.”
As far as I know, you do not significantly change
the acid level in a fruit by pureeing it. The acid level
in reasonably ripe fruit is sufficient that only
spoilage microorganisms will grow. By adding sugar, you
make it even more difficult for any microorganisms to
grow. The butter you add will not change the safety
characteristics of the final product very much. By
heating, you kill even more microorganisms. So if you
take care to use good sanitation during processing, put
the product in clean containers and seal promptly, store
frozen or keep refrigerated, you should get several
months of high quality product from your efforts.
Source: Douglas Holt, Ph.D., Chair
of Food Science Program & State Extension Specialist for
Food Safety, University of Missouri-Columbia
Last update: Tuesday, May 05, 2009
|
Site Administrator: |
|
|
|
