Jam and jelly are two common ingredients in our daily diet, but there is a noticeable difference between the two. According to an article on the Cuisine Actuelle website, the jam is made with whole fruit and pieces, while the jelly is made from the juice of the fruit. Both are also made with sugar and sometimes other ingredients such as pectin, a natural gel formed in fruit.
Besides the ten minutes of cooking required to prepare a jelly, the difference in density between the two is also significant. Jam is thicker and has a more “solid” texture than jelly. Therefore, jam is ideal for toast, cakes or to accompany a slice of cheese, while jelly can be incorporated more into light dessert recipes and sauces.
The difference between these two ingredients is also related to the flavors they offer. Jam is characterized by an intense fruity taste while jelly, thanks to its preparation process, can offer lighter and bitter flavors.
In short, the difference between jam and jelly is therefore a difference in texture and preparation. Whether you prefer jam or jelly, you can explore the many culinary options for using them. From delicious sandwiches to delicious desserts, both ingredients can add a sweet touch to your plate.
Sources:
“Cuisine Actuelle. (n.d). Jam and jelly: understanding their differences. Retrieved September 10, 2021, from https://www.cuisineactuelle.fr/culture-food/nutrition/confiture-ou-gelee-quelles -differences-what -uses-187599”.
“Jam and jelly: understanding their differences”
Introduction
There jam and the goo are terms often used interchangeably to refer to fruit preparations. Yet there is a fundamental difference between the two. In this article, we’ll tell you the differences between jam and jelly, their uses, and more.
What is jam?
Jam is a thickened preparation made from fruit and sugar. The fruits are cooked with sugar to make a thick, sweet pulp. Unlike jelly, jam uses all the pulp of the fruit, including its skin and seeds. It is the thickness of the pulp that gives the jam its distinct texture.
The quality of the fruit used to make the jam is paramount. Lower quality fruit will result in lower quality jam. The natural pectin in fruit, a natural water-soluble fiber, also helps thicken the jam.
What is jelly?
Jelly is also a preparation made from fruit and sugar, but it is prepared differently from jam. Unlike jam, jelly does not contain fruit pulp. Instead, it is prepared using only the juice from the fruit.
Jelly requires the addition of pectin, a natural fiber found in fruit, to thicken the juice and turn it into jelly. In general, the fruits used to prepare the jelly are rich in pectin, such as apples, currants and lemons.
Differences between jam and jelly
Although jam and jelly are both fruit and sugar preparations, there are several key differences between the two, including:
* Jam contains fruit pulp, while jelly contains only juice.
* Jam is thicker and can be spooned, while jelly has a gelatinous texture.
* Jam uses the entire edible part of the fruit, while jelly uses only the juice.
How to prepare them
Jams:
1. Choose ripe, high quality fruit. Wash them and remove the leaves and stems.
2. Cut the fruit into small pieces and mix them with sugar in a saucepan.
3. Leave the fruit to cook gently in the sugar for about an hour, stirring regularly until the pulp becomes thick and syrupy.
4. Put the hot jam in sterilized jars and close them tightly.
Goo:
1. Choose pectin-rich fruits, such as apples and currants.
2. Wash fruit and remove leaves and stems. Cut them into small pieces and place them in a pan.
3. Add just enough water to cover the fruit and cook gently until the fruit is completely softened.
4. Pour the contents of the pan into a jelly bag and squeeze to extract the juice. Add sugar and cook until the jelly becomes firm.
5. Put the hot jelly in sterilized jars and seal them tightly.
Culinary uses
Both jam and jelly are popular preserves for sandwiches, pastries and lollipops. Jam is also used as a filling for cakes and ice cream, while jelly can be used to flavor sauces or marinades for meat. Jelly is also often used to add flavor to cheeses.
Some interesting facts about jam and jelly
– The word “jam” comes from the Latin word “conserva”, which means to preserve.
– The first jellies were made with honey instead of sugar, and were reserved for the aristocracy.
– National Jam Day is celebrated in France every year on February 2.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although jam and jelly are both sweet preparations made from fruits, they differ in their texture, method of preparation and culinary uses. Next time you’re wondering what the differences are between jam and jelly, you’ll know exactly what to say.