Could I make freezer jam w/o sugar? Maybe w/apple juice?

lucy460

I made strawberry freezer jam for the first time this weekend. I was unable to find any recipes that didn't have sweetener. I have seen commercial jams sweetened with apple juice instead of refined sugar. Is that an acceptable substitute for making freezer jam? 

Thanks so much -- this was a new adventure for me, and while the results were delicious, they were delicious mainly due to the 2 cups of sugar per 6 cups berries!

WendyGR

you can get low and no sugar freezer pectin.http://www.freshpreserving.com/products/pectin.aspx

lucy460

Thanks so much for the suggestion. The recipe I used this weekend didn't have pectin -- is it hard to work with?

shesthetoast

lucy460:

Thanks so much for the suggestion. The recipe I used this weekend didn't have pectin -- is it hard to work with?

Nope, the directions are usually right on the package.

What recipe did you use? I've always just made freezer jam with the sure-jell packet. 

lucy460

Thanks! Then I will probably try the no-sugar type later this season.

I used this recipe by Christopher Kimball. From other research, I think it is originally published in the Yellow Farmhouse Cookbook:  http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-3480_162-521954.html

aliciaroset

as I understand it, since it's a freezer jam the sugar amount doesn't matter. regular jam needs a set amount of sugar for the purposes of preservation, but since you're freezing it, it doesn't matter. I don't think. But I'm not sure!

lucy460

aliciaroset:

as I understand it, since it's a freezer jam the sugar amount doesn't matter. regular jam needs a set amount of sugar for the purposes of preservation, but since you're freezing it, it doesn't matter. I don't think. But I'm not sure!

I *think* that's true, too...I may just try it and see.