Do I really need preserving pan ???

[Caro]

.... or will a big pan I already have in the kitchen do?

I've found a nice-looking recipe for marrow & ginger jam (was on holiday and neighbour who was kindly looking after everything didn't pick the courgettes ) and want to try it. But I've never made jam before and don't know if it really has to be a preserving pan.

Any help?

Many thanks

Caro

[LostGoddess]

Hi Caro,
I asked the same question a few weeks back and decided to get a proper preserving pan. Having used it quite a few times now I do think it is better, but mostly from a confidence point of view, ie I don't worry so much that my jam is going to boil over the side! My jams have definately turned out better, but I'm not sure if that is down to the pan or just me getting more experienced.

[ChocClare]

No, you don't, but you DO need a large pan. I used to use a stockpot before I got my preserving pan. The real advantage of the preserving pan is that it's wider at the top than at the bottom so there's more surface area for liquid to evaporate and get it up to setting point. But I inherited my grandmother's preserving pan last year (having been too tight to splash out on one before) and I made marmalade, chutney and jam for years before that without destroying the known universe (I cannot speak for my effect on the *unknown* universe, of course).

[shirlthegirl43]

I use my big stockpot (it is a big one though). One day I may have enough space in the kitchen for a proper jam pan but until then the soup pot will do for me

[Hans Mum]

its not essential but it does make life easier, and we use ours for lots of other things too so it has paid for itself (got it in the sales a few years ago)

[Caro]

Thanks everyone. I'll give it a go with my big stockpot and if I decide I like this jam-making malarkey I'll look out for the sales to buy a proper one!

Perfect solution

Caro

[Flummery]

Jams and chutneys are less likely to stick to a real preserving pan too - mine has a much thicker base than my stock pot even though that's a good quality stainless steel jobbie.

[LostGoddess]

It's a good plan Caro I'll be willing to bet you'll get the jamming bug

[Caro]

Six pretty jars of marrow and lemon jam! Feeling really quite proud It may not sound hugely appetising (marrow, that is) but there's lemon and ginger, and the sneaky little taste I had was lovely - very sweet and piquant)

What can I get my hands on now to make more jam? When can I plant raspberry canes?

Thanks for all advice

Caro

[seasprout]

What can I get my hands on now to make more jam?
Caro

At the moment.....Blackberrys.