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Can I use this jelly

12 years ago

I just made my first batch of blackberry jelly. I did a small batch and only filled 2 pint jars. There was a little bit left over that I put into a half-pint and it filled about half of that jar. I tried to put it into the canner but, because of the extra air, it just kept floating so I took it out. I know that if a jar doesn't seal properly, you can still use the jelly if you use it right away. I'm not sure about this extra jar though since it didn't even go into the canner and sit in boiling water for ten minutes. Is this still usable or is that all waste? Thanks.

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Comments (9)

centralcacyclist
12 years ago
Refrigerate it and use it soon. It's fine.
User
12 years ago
Just store it in the fridge, it will be fine.
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lindac
12 years ago
Even on the counter top it will keep fine for a week or 2....covered to keep out the bugs.
Linda C
annie1992
12 years ago
I agree, it's fine. You don't even have to process jam/jelly at all if you're planning to use it in a few weeks to a month or so. It'll keep just fine in the refrigerator.

Longer term storage (months/years) require processing in a boiling water bath.

Annie
centralcacyclist
12 years ago
I changed my mind. I think the entire batch is spoiled and that you should send it to me for immediate consumption, er disposal. ;)
SBlakeS
Original Author
12 years ago
Haha. I'm using it now and it's delicious. I'm definitely sold on making it myself now...at least when the berries are ripe and free. Thanks for your help.
laceyvail 6A, WV
12 years ago
I's not the improper canning that makes a product unsafe. It's the sitting around. So if it just came out of the canner and didn't seal, you just use it soon. And since its' jelly, and jelly often sits for weeks in a fridge, just refrigerate it.
readinglady
12 years ago
Regardless of the canning method, improper or not, jelly just doesn't present a health risk unless it molds and obviously we wouldn't want to eat moldy jelly.

A full-sugar jelly can remain at room temp for a long time, refrigerated even longer. But either is "safe" and that includes full-sugar jelly that wasn't canned at all.

But reduced-sugar preserves don't have the same keeping qualities and definitely require refrigeration. Even then they don't last as long.

Carol
centralcacyclist
12 years ago
I always make reduced sugar jams and tell everyone to refrigerate after opening and use within a few weeks. I only can 1/2 pints. The recipients tell me they eat them with a spoon so I doubt they are around long.

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