Jams are a delicious dash of flavour to add to your toast, sandwiches, cakes and tarts! But the question that now prevails is, how do you make these last for a long time? Can you freeze jam?
Jam can be frozen for around 6 months. You can freeze jam in plastic containers or even glass jars. The important step is to ensure it is stored airtight.Ā
Do Does Jam freeze well? Yes
Can you refreeze Jam? Yes
How To Freeze Jam
Jams can last quite a long time on the shelf. It is because of the presence of sugar in high quantities. Sugar acts as a preservative and prevents bacterial growth.
- Portion Into Jars
When freezing jams, the first step is to store them in rigid, thick glass jars. You will have to reaffirm the sturdiness of the glass.
If the glass jar you use is not strong enough, it can crack and snap while in the freezer or when you defrost your jam. Freezer-safe plastic containers are also suitable. The plastic container should be thick and rigid. - Rest at Room Temperature
You must let the jam reach room temperature before freezing if you have just prepared it. - Seal and Freeze
The final step is to securely seal the jar or container with an airtight lid. Place this in the freezer, and you are good to go!
3 Tips for Freezing Jam
Now you know how to freeze it, we’ve got our 3 top tips which we strongly recommend following when freezing jam to have the best results:
Leave Room for Expansion
While you are filling the jar, make sure you leave an inch of extra space. It will let your jam have space to expand upon freezing.
Consider Uses
Consider how much jam you will use in one go and freeze it in portions of this size to avoid waste in future.Ā
Use In Dishes
Perhaps you want to freeze a cake with jam in it, for example? Well, the good news is that you can also freeze jam in dishes.Ā
How Long Can You Freeze Jam?
You now know that you can conveniently freeze jams to preserve them for even longer. Are you wondering how long, precisely, can you freeze them?
Jams can last for up to twelve months if you freeze them properly. Despite this, it is always better to try and consume them within six months. In this way, you will not have to compromise on the taste and consistency of your sugary treat.
You will be better off if you do not freeze your jams for an indefinite period. If you let your preserve stay in the freezer for far too long, they will lose their flavour and taste. They may even become spoilt and unsafe to consume.
You Can Freeze Jam for Around 6 Months
How Do You Defrost Jam?
The ultimate guide to freezing jams does not end merely learning how to freeze them! You must know how to defrost them correctly as well.
You can use either of two suitable ways to defrost your frozen jam. You can choose to thaw it slowly. Are you running short on time? If so, you can unfreeze it rapidly too.
Slow Defrosting
The safest and typical way to defrost your jam is to remove it from the freezer and keep it in the fridge overnight. It will take time, of course. By morning, you should find your frozen jam back at consumable temperature and ready to use!
You can also leave it outside overnight to have it reach room temperature.
Fast Defrosting
Are there guests at home? Perhaps you are in an immediate need of some delicious jam and cannot leave it out overnight. If this is the case, then you can opt for rapid thawing.
Once you have taken your jam out of the freezer, submerge it in a container with hot or warm water. It should take about thirty minutes to an hour for it to defrost, depending upon the water’s temperature and the frozen jam.
Can You Refreeze Jam?
The safety of refreezing jams you have thawed depends upon various factors. If you have defrosted your frozen jam using the slow method, then you certainly can refreeze it. Keep in mind that the quality will not be the same again.
If you used the rapid defrosting method to thaw your jam, then you should consume it entirely and never refreeze it.
Does Jam Freeze Well?
Yes, jam does indeed freeze well. As with all frozen foods, it will naturally come back with a few variations, though.
When you freeze jam and use it after defrosting, it may be a little watery in its consistency. The fruits in them may feel softer or “mushy,” too.
Sometimes, freezing jam may not succeed in preserving it. The first indication of spoilt jam is a change in taste. If it tastes sour, your jam has turned rancid.
In addition to tasting unnatural and unpleasant, a spoilt jar of jam will smell awful as well. It will not be the natural, fruity scent as before. Instead, it will give off a sharp and puffy smell. Other indications of spoilt jam include a watery pool at the top and a darker colour.
Related FAQs
If you’ve still got questions about freezing jam or jam in general, then these may help:
