RESOURCES

THOUGHTS FROM THE PANTRY

Making preserves is a great way to connect with your food. It’s a way to slow down, take your time, and appreciate the process of turning simple ingredients into something delicious and unique. In this blog section, you’ll find my thoughts and musings about the wide range of life aspects that can be appreciated through the process of making homemade preserves. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to Contact Me with your question.

Metal spoons filled with different spices and herbs on a blue background.
Upcycling Preserves Part 2: TOP TIPS
Welcome back! If you’ve been following this upcycling preserves journey, you know I have already...
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Condiment shelf in a shop. Rows and rows of jars and bottles.
Upcycling Preserves Part 1: WHAT-WHY-HOW
CLICK HERE TO GO TO: Upcycling Preserves Part 2: TOP TIPS In a world where we’re constantly seeking...
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A hand holing a wooden spoon having spooned out some runny orange marmalade onto a glass plate. A jar of the marmalade stands alongside.
Embrace imperfection!
I’m sure you’ve all had that moment when you’re making something and it just doesn’t...
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WHAT TO BUY

Once you have identified which kitchen tool you need, or would just like to have, to support you with making preserves, you then come up against a range of choices. Which colour, how easy is it to clean and/or store, does it do what you want it to do (and more), how long is it likely to last, how much does it cost, etc

So, in this section I have added a small selection of the options available to you for kitchen equipment that is used when making homemade preserves. I list some of the pros-and-cons of each and include the price (which was correct at the time of writing). I hope that this will give you a starting point as you assemble, or expand, or update your preserve-making kit.

Sealed jam jars filled with delicious orange jam standing on a wooden surface
Glass Jars Reviews
In the world of making homemade preserves, a glass jar is not just a storage container; it’s a...
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Stainless steel preserving pan
Preserving Pan Reviews
In the delightful world of creating homemade jams, jellies, chutneys and pickles, a good, reliable preserving...
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long handles wooden spoon and spatulas in a wooden holder
Long Handle Wooden Spoon Reviews
In the heart of every kitchen that buzzes with the aroma of home-cooked meals and the warmth of homemade...
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Making preserves can be fun and rewarding. There are many different techniques and tips that can help you make the best preserves possible. In this collection of blogs, you can explore some of the popular techniques and tips used by preserve makers around the world. I hope that you find this information informative and encouraging.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to Contact Me with your question.

Frozen mixed berries
Freezing Berries: Pros, Cons and Options
Are you tired of watching your beautiful, juicy berries wither away before you have a chance to enjoy...
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Close up image of frozen red berries
Freezing Berries Successfully
Freezing berries is a great way to make them last longer and enjoy them out of season. But if you’ve...
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A box of frozen fruits including varied berries and kiwi slices.
Freezing for Preserving Part 2: What Works
Welcome to the second part of this journey into the frosty realms of food preservation! In this blog...
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EQUIPMENT

Welcome to the blog section on equipment used to make preserves! Making your own preserves is a fun, economical way to stock your cupboard with your delicious creations. Here you will find information to get you started, from choosing a long-handled spoon to labelling your finished products.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to Contact Me with your question.

Ingredients in a stainless steel preserving pan with clear liquid being poured into it.
Preserving pan
While it is possible to make jam without a preserving pan, as a heavy-based saucepan can be used, as with most things, the process is much easier with the right tools. And in terms...
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Set of chrome measuring spoons on a ring; fanned out on a white background
Measuring Spoons - versatile, really useful kitchen tools
When it comes to making preserves, it is important to use the right measurements of ingredients. Using too much or too little sugar can make your preserves taste either too sweet or...
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Dial of a sugar thermometer attached to the edge of a pot. Boiling jam in the blurred background.
Sugar Thermometer - taking the guesswork out of the set point
Almost any preserving recipe will call for you to cook jam or jelly to a certain temperature. This is so that it reaches a safe boiling point, kills off any potential bacteria, and...
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FOOD SAFETY

Whether you are a beginner or have some experience already making a wide range of homemade preserves can be a bit daunting – especially if you’re not sure how to do it safely. That’s why I’m glad to introduce you to a collection of blogs about food hygiene when making preserves. I hope that these may clarify certain aspects of food hygiene for you, to encourage you to embrace preserving with confidence.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to Contact Me with your question.

A range of sizes of glass preserving jars with different bright coloured lids.
Sterilising Jars and Bottles
Are you the proud owner of a jam-making kit or have recently decided to take up preserving fruits and vegetables for the first time? If so, then sterilising jars and bottles are an...
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Person washing glass at sink with running water and foamy soap.
Cleaning containers for preserving
Cleaning containers for preserving food is an important step to ensure maximum hygiene and safety. Whether you’re just starting or experienced in food preservation, knowing how to wash...
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Picture of mould under a microscope
The Signs of Spoiled Preserves: Good Jam gone Bad
Preserving is an incredibly rewarding and practical skill. It is still important to remember that when dealing with anything food-related there are safety precautions that you must...
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