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Jelly didn't jell #885412

Asked September 16, 2024, 12:16 PM EDT

I'm a first time jelly maker. I am trying to make currant jelly into pint jars. I processed the first batch, using a low sugar pectin according to the directions and after a hot water bath, all the jars sealed but the contents were a syrup consistency. I unsealed the jars, followed the directions and added additional pectin and reprocessed the jars. The jars sealed, but the consistency is now a thicker syrup, but not jelly. My questions are: 1. Can I try processing a 3rd time? 2. If yes, can you tell me what I'm doing wrong? Do I need to boil the fruit until it is much thicker before putting it into jars for the hot water bath? Add more pectin? more sugar? I did contact the pectin maker and got a very vague, unhelpful answer to my very specific questions. They basically told me to enjoy the syrup... If you are not able to answer, can you recommend someone who might be able to help?

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Sorry your jelly did not set up.  I would love to visit with you what you did and try and figure out where things went wrong.  First of all I am wondering what kind of pectin you used.  Was it Ball low/no sugar, Sure-Jel in the pink box, Mrs. Wages low/no sugar or Pomona Pectin.  The kind of pectin can make a difference in how you make the jelly.  Another question is how fast did you heat the jelly to boil.  It should be done on high and heated fast or the pectin can break down.  When did you add the sugar.  After the pectin and fruit came to a boil or earlier.  The last thing is that it is recommended canning in 1/2 pint jars not pint jars.  The larger jars cool down too slow and can cause the jelly not to set up.  You also did not say how long you processed it.  If over processed the pectin can break down. And lastly, when did you make the jelly.  Some jellies can take several days even up to a week to set up so you might want to wait.  

If you want to send me your phone number I would be happy to call you and we can visit and try and figure out what might have happened. 

Thanks for using Ask Extension

Nellie Oehler 
An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 16, 2024, 5:12 PM EDT

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