Jam

Jam refers to fruits or vegetables that have been prepared and canned for long term storage. The preparation of fruit preserves traditionally involves the use of pectin as a gelling agent, although sugar or honey may be used as well. There are various types of fruit preserves made globally, and they can be made from sweet or savory ingredients. Jam contains both fruit juice and pieces of the fruit's (or vegetable's) flesh,however some cookbooks define Jam as cooked and gelled fruit (or vegetable) purees. Properly, the term jam refers to a product made with whole fruit, cut into pieces or crushed. The fruit is heated with water and sugar to activate the pectin in the fruit. The mixture is then put into containers. It comes in myriad varieties. You can choose from the more conventional type like apple, orange, lemon, mango, strawberries, grapes, melon, apricot and peach or you can go for the more exotic types like blackberries, kiwis and passion fruit. Mixed varieties are also available.