Jam vs. Jelly

The major difference between jam and jelly is that jam is made of smashed fruits or fruit pulp while jelly is made of fruit juice. There is a huge difference in the consistency of both. Both are the type of food that is used as an accompaniment with other food items and are equally popular among people around the world.

Middle Eastern countries start the production of jam and jelly centuries ago. These were the areas where the sugarcane grew in abundance. It is believed that returning crusaders introduced jam and jelly in Europe. Pectin material was used to thicken the jam and jelly to maintain its consistency.

Difference in Physical Form

Jelly is firm as compared to jam and can hold its shapes very well while the jam does not hold its shape of the place and also consist of the soft pulp of fruits. Jelly also has a sparkly appearance as it is made using fruit juice.

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What is Jam?

Jam vs. Jelly

Jam is usually made from the chopped or crushed chunk of fruits mixed with sugar and cooked until fruits are released down and the consistency of the mixture becomes thickened. Small size fruits such as berries and grapes are usually used to make jam however large cut-up fruits like apricots, peaches, and plums can also be used to make jam.

How is it Made?

To prepare the jam small cuts of fruits are mixed with sugar and water and then cook it at a high flame to dry out the water released from the sugar and fruits. Once it reaches the desired consistency it is ready to be served or stored in the clear jar containers.

How Long does Jam Leave?

Homemade jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to twenty to thirty days. To increase the shelf life of the jam, you can steam the jar in a hot water jar to prevent the growth of bacteria in the jar. Bacteria can cause a foul smell and change the taste of the jam if stored properly.

Advantages of Jam

  • Jam is delicious and is a good companion of sweet dishes.
  • It can be used to enhance the taste of the deserts.
  • Jam contains fruits and sugars and is good for health if taken in appropriate quantity.
  • It can be stored for up to 15 days.

Disadvantages of Jam

  • It contains a lot amount of sugar and is unhealthy to eat in large quantities.
  • The hot mixture of jam is dangerous to touch and can cause severe burns.
  • It’s a bit difficult to make a jam as it is sticky and has thick inconsistency.

What is Jelly?

Jelly

Jelly is rigid as compared to jam and it is made from the juice of the fruits and gelatin. Jelly is usually sparkly and smooth in appearance. It is difficult to make jelly from fruit pulp as it is difficult to remove the seed from the mixtures.

How is Jelly Made?

Jelly is prepared by combing fruit juice, sugar, and pectin. Then boil it to get the desired consistency. When the mixture starts simmering shift it into the jar and wait until it cools down.

How Long does Jelly Last?

The shelf life of the jelly depends upon the amount of sugar you add to the mixture and also the type of fruit you used. Once the lid of the jar is opened it can last for up to a month in the refrigerator.

Many packed and processed powdered jelly packets are also available in the market. They also taste good and can be prepared instantly.

Advantages of Jelly

  • Jelly is used to decorate the desserts.
  • Jelly is usually is bright colors and sparkly in appearance and can enhance the dish.
  • It can be used to make jelly sandwiches.
  • Not only sweet dishes but jelly can also be used to enhance the taste of savory dishes.
  • Gelatin present in the jellies can increase the collagen in the body.

Disadvantages of Jelly

  • Gelatin is used to make the thick consistency of jelly.
  • Gelatin is not very good for health and can cause certain damage to the body.
  • It is a bit difficult to handle the jelly mixture as it retains the shape of the jar and becomes thick.

Read More: Fruits vs. Vegetables – What’s the Difference

Comparison Chart Between Jam and Jelly

Basis for comparison Jam Jelly
About Jam is a type of fruit product consisting of sugar and essence of the fruits. Jelly is also a fruit product that consists of gelatin and food color as well.
Ingredients Jam mostly consists of sugar, pectin, mashed pieces of fruits, and the essence of the fruits. It mostly consists of fruit juice, pectin, sugar, and food colors.
Physical appearance It has a gel-like consistency and it cannot restrain its shape in one place. It has a clean and shiny appearance with bright color and fragrance and it holds its shape very well.
Example It has a huge variety of flavors such as orange, strawberry, mango, grapes, apple, and also mixed fruit. It does not have a lot of flavors but is available in strawberry, cherry, and mango flavors.
Uses It can be used as a food accompaniment with other dishes. It is used to enhance the beauty and taste of the deserts.
Fruits The fruits are present in mashed form. Very small chunks of food are also present. Fruits are usually present in the form of juice.

Conclusion

Both jam and jelly are equally popular among the people and both are the type of food products that are mostly eaten as a food accompaniment. They are different from each other in different ways such as ingredients, appearance, physical form, color, flavors, and the way they are cooked. Jelly is considered to be a type of spread and it mostly consists of fruit juice mixed with gelatin and pectin to maintain its shape. It mostly consists of clear shining liquid. While the jam contains smashed fruits and also has small chunks of fruits in it.