Who doesn’t love jam? The sweet, colorful spread makes the perfect topping to toast, muffins, and pastries. That said, people who would like to enjoy it in the winter may be wondering if they’ll need to stock up on two or three jars to make it through their favorite season. As you already know, freezing is one of the best ways to preserve your jam throughout the long winter and into the springtime.
Jam is most commonly made with fruits high in natural pectin, a type of soluble fiber that gels when cool. To make it, mashed or diced fruits are combined with sugar and heated until the natural pectin begins to gel. This process is what separates jam from jelly.
Does Jam Freeze Solid?
No, jam doesn’t freeze solid. However, if the temperature is too cold, the jam might thicken. But once it reaches room temperature, it will return to its original consistency. Your jam won’t be as spreadable, but it will still taste great!
You’ll need to thaw jam entirely before you can use it. Place the jar in a refrigerator until it has thawed all the way through. Then, give it time to thaw. It’s not a process you can hurry, so it’s best to allow the jam to thaw out.
If your jam is frozen, put it in the refrigerator at least a day or two before you need to use it. This way, it’ll have plenty of time to thaw so you can use it at its best.
3 Best & High-Quality Jams To Get
- Bonne Maman Preserves Mango Peach, 13 oz
- 365 by Whole Foods Market
- Tiptree Sweet Tip Raspberry Preserve, 12 Ounce Jar
1. Is Freezing A Good Way Of Keeping Your Jam From Going Bad?
Yes, freezing is an excellent way to protect your jam from going bad. However, once your jam has thawed, it can still go bad.
For that reason, you don’t want to freeze your jam if you know you won’t be able to use it. It’s best to only freeze when you know you will have time to use the extra.
The freezing process does not affect the taste or the texture of your jam after you’ve thawed it out. When you know you can use it, make sure to label your jars before freezing, so you don’t forget what type of jam you have after it’s been thawed.
You also want to stir your jam a little after letting it thaw to make sure everything is mixed properly. If the jam feels a little sticky, that’s okay; just be sure to stir your jam thoroughly before adding it to your toast or pastries.
2. How Long Does Frozen Jam Last?
You can safely eat frozen jam up to six months from the date you froze it. However, you do want to check the date on your frozen jam to make sure you’re using it within that time frame.
If your frozen jam has been in your freezer for longer than six months, throw it out. Do not eat it after that time, as the ingredients and freshness of the jam could be compromised.
You shouldn’t eat your frozen jam if you’re not sure when you put it in the freezer or if you don’t remember the date. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so throw out jars of jam whenever there’s a question about them.
