Over the years at the Farmer's Market, a few questions have come up again & again. This page is an effort to alleviate confusion about our various products.
Q. What is chutney?
A. Chutney is usually a blend of chopped fruit & vegetables, along with ginger, cayenne and garlic. Range from hot and spicy to mild and tangy. Chutney is typically served with meat, poultry, fish and cheese.
Q. What is the difference between jam and preserves?
A. Here are some helpful definitions:
Jelly - made from fruit juice, extracted and cooked until the "jell point" is reached. Proper amounts of fruit juice, pectin, acid, and sugar are needed to make a good jelly.
Jam - is a combination of crushed or chopped fruit, along with sugar, pectin, and lemon juice, cooked to a smooth consistency.
Preserves - similar to jam, except that whole fruits or large pieces are used and retain their shape. The syrup surrounding the fruit should be bright & clear, and have a good spreading consistency.
Conserves - are like jams, except two or more fruits are cooked together. Often contain raisins or nuts.
Marmalade - is a soft jelly, usually containing thin, suspended pieces of citrus peel or fruit.
Fruit Butter - is fruit purees that are combined with sugar, lemon juice, and spices and cooked down slowly to a smooth spreading consistency.
Spreadable Fruit - is a product that does not have enough sugar in it to qualify as one of the above!
Q. Does fruit butter actually contain butter?
A. No. The name "fruit butter" is derived from the fact that you can spread it on toast, muffins, bagels, etc. just as you would the dairy product butter.
Q. How long will these products last unopened?
A. All of the pickled products (those containing vinegar) will virtually last forever IF they are stored in a cool, dry, dark, place with the temperature maintained between 40-75F. The fruit products (those not containing vinegar) will usually maintain their color, texture, and flavor for at least one year if stored properly. After that their appearance begins to deteriorate although they are still safe to eat.
Q. How long will these products last once they are opened?
A. All of the products MUST be refrigerated after opening. Products containing vinegar will usually last up to six months (or longer) in the refrigerator. Fruit products will usually last one month.
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