Jam is a popular food that excellent for adding flavors to food. Some food you can add jam to are cakes, sandwiches, tarts, and toasts! Like any other food, they will eventually go bad. If you want to store jam for later, can you freeze them?
Can you freeze jam? Yes, you can definitely freeze jam. The jam will need to be prepared and stored in a freezer-safe container. Properly stored, jam can last for up to 1 year in the freezer.
Does Jam Freeze Well?
Jam freeze very well due to the ingredients that are used. Apples, peaches, and berries are the most popular types of fruits used in jams.
Like most other frozen food, the jam will become soft and mushy when it thaws. After it’s thawed, you may notice it has a watery consistency. This is the water separating from the ingredients. To fix the problem, use a spoon and give it a give stir to mix them together.
One thing to be aware of when the freezing jam is that it may not be successful in preserving it. If it’s not properly stored, the taste of the jam will become sour. If that’s the case, then it has become rancid.
For that reason, preparation is the key to keeping the jam fresh in the freezer.
How To Freeze Jam
Jam can last quite a long time in the pantry if it’s sealed tightly. There are times you may need to freeze the jam. If that’s the case, you can freeze them using the steps below:
1. Preparation
Start by preparing your jam using your preferred method. It’s best to make jam with fresh fruits and ingredients. This will give the jam a longer shelf life in the freezer.
2. Cool Down
Once the jam is prepared, let it cool down to room temperature.
Storing the jam while it’s still warm will cause condensation during freezing. This will lead to moisture in the container which will damage the jam.
3. Storage Container
When it comes to the storage container, they should be rigid, thick glass jars. Also, the jar should be airtight and approved for freezer usage.
Plastic containers are also suitable, but make sure it’s freezer-safe.
Using any other type of container that’s not made for freezer usage will crack and tear during freezing.
4. Portion The Jam
When freezing jam, it’s a good idea to portion them into containers. This will allow you to remove as much jam as you need without having any leftovers.
Pour the jam into the container slowly. Leave about an inch of space at the top of the container. This will allow the jam some room to expand upon freezing.
5. Seal and Label
Once the jam is filled in the containers, check the lid for any damages. If there are no tears or cuts, secure the lid to the container tightly.
With a marker, label the container with the date of freezing.
6. Freeze Storage
Place the container of jams into the freezer for storage.
Can you Freeze Marmalade?
Yes, you can definitely freeze marmalade. It will freeze just fine like any other kind of jams.
However, there’s one thing to be aware of though. Marmalade is usually made with thick cuts of fruit. During freezing the ice crystals in the fruit will form.
As the marmalade is thawed, the ice crystals will cause the fruit to become mushy.
How Long Can You Freeze Jam?
You can freeze jam for up to 12 months. Jam can last for much longer, but the quality of it will deteriorate.
For the best quality, you should try to consume jam within 6 months.
While jam can be frozen, for this type of food, it’s better to store them in the fridge. They will have the same shelf life as in the freezer.
Anyways, you probably won’t need to store jam for that long since it will be used up within a matter of months or even weeks.
How Do You Defrost Jam?
When it comes to defrosting jam, you have two options. You can either thaw them slowly in the fridge or in a bowl of water.
Slow Thawing
Thawing the jam in the fridge is the best method since it will retain its texture and flavor. Take the jam out of the freezer and place the jar onto a plate to collect melted water. Leave them in the fridge overnight or for at least 6 hours.
Fast Thawing
If you need jam much sooner, you can thaw them in a bowl of water. Use cool or warm water to thaw them.
Take the jar of jam from the freezer and place them into the bowl of water. Change the water every 10 minutes or so to help thaw it out faster.
Can You Refreeze Jam?
You can refreeze jam under two conditions. It’s either thawed using the slow method or the jam has not thawed completely. If so, you can simply place them back into the freezer and freeze them for the second time.
For jam thawed using the fast method, it’s not recommended to refreezing them. Doing so will a change in texture and flavor. While it will freeze fine, the problem is when the jam thaws. The texture will separate apart, and it will not taste as sweet as it should.
Other Questions about Jam
Can you freeze stored bought jam?
Yes, you can freeze the jam that you’ve bought from the store. When freezing them, just make sure the glass is thick and sturdy. If you’re unsure about it, it’s best to transfer the jam to a jar that’s freezer safe.
Does jam freeze solid?
Jam doesn’t actually freeze solid. This is due to the sugar that’s in the jam. Sugar doesn’t freeze and so the jam doesn’t freeze solid like a block of ice.