We're jammin'... we're jammin'....

[Chil1234]

Two bags of Tesco's cheapest, nastiest 'basic' plums, a few Bramleys and a shedload of sugar and I'm now the proud owner of 11lbs of plum & apple jam. Equates to about 2 years' supply the rate we eat jam but it's just such a lovely thing to make. :) Any other keen jammers on MN? And where's the best place to get jam-jars?!

I've made quite a bit of jam. I sometimes go to the farm shop and they sell off the slightly bruised fruit dirt-cheap, which is perfect for making jam. I made some beautiful strawberry jam in June/July last year. As for the jars, I just tell friends who collect theirs and I scrub and sterilise them. No point buying new ones IMO, but maybe I'm just stingy! :)

I saw really cheap 'Tesco Value' jam the other week in Tesco's (where else) at about 30p a jar. That has to be the cheapest jar around, but I would feel guilty if I chucked out all that (probably vaguely pass-able) jam. I just beg and borrow from friends, and managed to make about 100 jars of assorted jams and marmalades last year, with a further 40 jars of marmalade so far this year.
Otherwise, try this.

Love making jam and marmalade. Nobody eats it in my house, unfortunately, but I love the process. You can also make chutney and relish. And home-made lemon curd...

My favorite jam jars are recycled Bonne Maman (and other similar - Casino for example) wide-mouthed French jars. They are the most practical ones ever, and a perfect size. I also recycle baby food jars for those jams that are only used in minute amounts (port and currant).