What’s The Difference Between Jam & Jelly?
Have you ever wondered if in fact there's a difference between Jam and Jelly? What is the best use for these spreads?
Last week I was having a conversation with my mother in law early in the morning while toasting English muffins. When she suddenly said “ Aren't you going to put some jelly on that?”. I never thought of jelly on bread since I grew up loving butter on my warm fresh bread. Jelly and Jam sounded so American to me but I thought I should give it a try. But before I do that I decided to do some research myself.
With so much marketing happening out here for all these spreads, how do we decide what is the best option for us?
While these 2 options might seem the same there is a distinct difference in terms of ingredients and texture.
Jam is made by crushing or chopping whole fruits or pieces of fruit, which are then cooked with sugar and sometimes pectin, a natural thickening agent. The result is a spread with a slightly thick, chunky texture that contains fruit pieces. While Jelly, is made by extracting the juice from fruits and cooking it with sugar and pectin. This process removes any fruit solids, resulting in a clear, smooth spread with a gel-like consistency.
I bet at this point you might have googled what pectin is. Pectin is a soluble fiber found in fruits. This fiber helps with thickening when cooking or baking. Pectin is also known to be beneficial for our health since it can reduce the amount of cholesterol the body absorbs. It also binds substances in the intestine supporting a healthy bowel movement. Not all the fruits contain the same amount of pectin which is why some of the jam and jelly recipes ask for this ingredient. **See image of ingredients on the Stonewall Kitchen Jam & Jelly
Back to the main topic. Lets break down the difference between 4 categories that I believe are essential to understand this controversy better.
Texture and Appearance
Jam has a thick, slightly chunky texture due to the presence of fruit pieces or pulp. The fruit pieces are soft and spreadable, providing texture. Depending on the fruit used, the color of jam can vary from vibrant to darker shades, reflecting the fruit's natural hue.
Jelly has a smooth, gel-like texture without any fruit solids. It is clear and translucent, allowing light to pass through. The absence of fruit pieces gives jelly a uniform consistency throughout the spread.
Set and Spreadability
Jam has a softer set compared to jelly. It is more likely to be spreadable and can be easily scooped or spooned onto bread, pastries, or other food items. The fruit pieces in jam provide a delightful texture while spreading.
Jelly has a firmer set due to its smooth, gel-like consistency. It holds its shape well and tends to be less spreadable than jam. Jelly is often sliced or cut into portions before being used.
Flavor
The use of whole fruits or fruit pieces in jam contributes to a more intense and varied flavor. The fruit's natural sweetness, combined with added sugar, creates a rich and robust taste.
Jelly has a smoother and more uniform flavor compared to jam. As the fruit solids are removed during the preparation process, the taste is primarily derived from the fruit juice. The flavor tends to be milder and less complex than that of jam.
Usage
Due to its chunky texture and rich flavor, jam is commonly used as a spread on bread, toast, bagels, and muffins. It is also a popular ingredient in pastries, cakes, cookies, and other desserts. Jam can even be used as a filling for tarts or as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or pancakes.
Jelly's clear and its smooth texture makes it a versatile ingredient. It is commonly used as a topping for bread, toast, and crackers. Jelly is also used in baking, such as filling for donuts or thumbprint cookies. Its ability to set firmly makes it suitable for layering in desserts like trifles or as a glaze for meats and vegetables.
Now that we know the basics. Next time you reach for a spread, you'll be better informed about the distinction between jam and jelly. Whether you prefer the rich, textured sweetness of jam or the smooth, translucent allure of jelly, both have their unique appeal.
So, are you a jelly or a jam person? Each has its loyal following, and your preference might depend on your taste and the specific application. Whichever you choose, don't forget to savor the delightful flavors these spreads bring to your favorite foods. And if you've never tried one or the other, why not embark on a delicious adventure and sample both to find your perfect match?
So, spread away, and as for my favorite flavor, I'll always be partial to a luscious fig jam on warm, buttered toast - a timeless classic that never fails to delight!
