Nicola O Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 Was going to try making some jam this weekend but I wondered if the wax discs are really necessary ? I've got a couple of books and one says use them and the other says they are not needed. There are so many of you clever lot out there making jam I am sure you will know. Hadn't thought about this till just now so if I need them I'll have to find some pretty quick . NIcola Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missuscluck Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 I think if you have screw on lids and you put the jam in heated jars I dont think you need them. If you heat the jars and screw them tight whilst hot you create a vacume which will keep your jam fresh. I have never used them and I use my jam for up to 12 months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola O Posted September 11, 2008 Author Share Posted September 11, 2008 Fantastic Lynda, that's what I was hoping to hear. And what a super quick reply, thank you . Nicola. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milly Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 I keep my jam a lot longer than 12 months! And don't use wax discs, only the lids that were on the jars already. Shop bought jam never has them. I don't know if you would need them if wou were using the cellophane (or whatever) lids closed with an elastic band, which might not give such an airtight seal, but as most jars have lids just wash and sterilise them along with the jars. Milly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola O Posted September 11, 2008 Author Share Posted September 11, 2008 Oh, just thought - some of the recipes in the book are for seedless jam / jelly and they mention adding a sachet of pectin. Where am you likely to find that - would Tesco (sorry, I know that's an evil word) or Sainsbury sell it ?? Nicola. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milly Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 You used to get it at the supermarket but I haven't looked for it for a long time so don't know if they still sell it. You can buy preserving sugars which people have recommended on here, it contains it. It depends on the base for your jelly - if you have some apples in it helps it to set. But I haven't needed it for things like blackcurrant or blackberry jelly. Milly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 Hi there, I've never used wax discs and as long as you get a good seal on your jars you should be OK. You can buy sugar with added pectin in it which is good for fruit that don't contain much pectin, or you can make jams and jellies containing fruit high in it naturally. When my strawberry jam wouldn't set I reboiled is and bunged in a whole cooking apple, then fished it out at the end. It was just enought to get a set. Mrs B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 I never use wax disks as long as I'm using lids, and I use Jam Sugar for anything that is not likely to set well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 Hi, I use wax discs, but now cut my own from greaseproof paper..waxy side down. Just as good! I'm not sure if they are necessary really. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Licken Posted September 14, 2008 Share Posted September 14, 2008 You can get a bottle of pectin from tesco - it is near the sugar and has a green bottle and a yellow lid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 Hubby has used wax disks for his jam. You can get them from lakeland. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted September 18, 2008 Share Posted September 18, 2008 The green bottle of apple pectin is called CERTO. I bought some in Waitrose last week. I always use wax discs, just habit I guess now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
