One of the popular and beloved preparations for the winter is jam. Most fruits retain their taste and beneficial properties throughout the winter. However, if the preparation and storage rules are not followed, the product may deteriorate and become covered with mold. There are several reasons why jam in jars sometimes becomes moldy, which we will talk about.
Why does jam in jars mold?
The process of making jam is simple, but requires cleanliness and following the recipe. Deviations in the quantity of ingredients, cooking time or storage conditions lead to the formation of mold.
Causes:
- not enough sugar;
- reduction of cooking time;
- use of contaminated containers, refusal to sterilize;
- loose sealing of jars;
- storing the product in rooms with high humidity.
Not only hermetically sealed jam jars, but also uncorked containers are susceptible to mold. A loose lid is a favorable place for mushrooms to grow. They form a light gray film on the surface of the product. It not only spoils the taste and appearance, but when consumed it can have a negative effect on the human body.
What to do if mold forms on the jam?
After uncorking a jar of dessert, it is important to pay attention to the condition of the lid and the surface of the sweet. If the top of the jam becomes moldy, the product is most likely spoiled.
Fungal spores and mycelia are so small that it is difficult to notice their spread inside the jar, so removing the upper “cap” of mold does not always mean that the product is completely free of it. However, the treat can be saved if you take the right steps.
Dessert restoration options:
- Freezing jam.
The product is placed in a container and sent to the freezer for a day. It is important to consume the defrosted product within 2-3 days.
- Repeated heat treatment.
The jam is transferred to a saucepan and granulated sugar is added. There are 100 g of sugar per kilogram of product. Boil for 10 minutes.
The methods are effective if the jam is moldy on the surface and the spores have not penetrated into the syrup and fruit. If the preservation has changed its taste, it is better to throw it away.
What happens if you eat a moldy treat?
Consuming any product that shows signs of developing mold can have a negative impact on human health. Most often this is a disorder of the digestive system or allergic reactions.
Such symptoms appear if you systematically eat mold in large quantities.
Eating a few spoons of moldy delicacies, as a rule, does not cause side effects in a person, except for an unpleasant taste in the mouth. A good immune system helps digest such food without consequences.
As first aid for eating mold, you can drink activated charcoal or rinse your stomach. If the condition worsens, consult a doctor.
Danger of mold
It is not advisable to consume foods with mold. Despite the fact that some of them are a source of antibiotics and do not pose a threat to human health, pathogenic fungi can also grow in jam, which can have a negative impact on the body's systems.
Complications:
- Gastrointestinal diseases.
- Kidney inflammation.
- Disturbance of the microflora of the mucous membranes.
- Allergic reactions.
This product is dangerous for children and elderly people whose body’s protective functions are underdeveloped or weakened. Diseases caused by mold are difficult to diagnose, can become chronic and accompany a person throughout his life.
How to seal the jam correctly so it doesn’t mold?
The jam will retain its taste and consistency if you make it according to the recipe, observing the cooking time and proportions.
Adviсe:
- Consider the ratio of sugar to fruit.It is worth remembering that adding citrus fruits, spices, citric acid, and water can change the consistency and taste of the jam.
- Maintain the required cooking time, check the condition of the syrup and the readiness of the fruit.
- It is good to wash the container and treat it with hot temperature to prevent the development of bacteria.
- Close the preservation hermetically - air and humidity are the best conditions for the development of bacteria.
- Avoid temperature changes and condensation formation.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
Special attention should be paid to cooking utensils. It is better to abandon aluminum or copper basins and use enamel containers or stainless steel pans.
How to keep a product from mold without rolling it?
Many housewives prefer to use caps made of nylon or with threads, but in order to protect such a product from mold growth, several rules must be followed.
Recommendations:
- cook fruits with a lot of sugar;
- increase cooking time;
- Place a small piece of paper soaked in alcohol on the surface of the jam;
- thoroughly wash the container before filling it;
- Do not use lids that show signs of rust or damage;
- do not expose preservation to temperature changes;
- fill the jar no more than 1 cm from the edge;
- Keep refrigerated.
The jam is not rolled up for the winter when it is prepared according to the “five-minute” recipe. This way it retains more nutrients, but is also stored less. It is better to pour “quick” jam into jars after it has boiled, so that the hot temperature destroys possible bacteria inside the container.
Where and how is it best to store workpieces?
The best place to store preserved food is a dark room with cool and dry air.Usually this is a cellar, but you can leave jam in the room or on the balcony.
Recommendations:
- do not store near heating devices;
- do not expose the jars to direct sunlight;
- keep uncorked containers in the refrigerator;
- For one-time use, place a portion of jam in a separate container.
The shelf life of berry preparations is 9-12 months. Jam made from berries with seeds should be consumed within six months. It is better to eat an opened jar within two weeks.
