Is a sugar thermometer the same as a jam thermometer?
A candy thermometer, also known as a sugar thermometer or jam thermometer, is a cooking thermometer used to measure the temperature and therefore the stage of a cooking sugar solution. (See candy making for a description of sugar stages.) These thermometers can also be used to measure hot oil for deep frying.
Can you use a jam thermometer for sugar?
Best thermometer for occasional use The Tala jam and confectionary thermometer is a simple straightforward thermometer made of good quality stainless steel with a reasonably-sized heatproof handle. Its gauge goes from 40 to 200C with helpful markings for sterilisation, jam, different settings for sugar and deep-frying.
What kind of thermometer do you use for jam?
Instant-read digital thermometers such as the Thermapen are best for spot-checking the temperature of jam as it cooks.
Do you need a thermometer to make jam?
You can buy a preserving or sugar thermometer to test when jam reaches this point, but it’s not essential. To test for setting without a thermometer, put a drop of the jam onto a very cold saucer (you’ll need to put the saucer into the fridge or freezer first to ensure it’s really cold).
How do you know if jam is cooked enough?
Push your finger through the jam on the plate – you’re looking for it to wrinkle and not flood back in to fill the gap. If it’s not ready, turn the pan back on, simmer for five minutes and test again.
What temperature does jam need to reach?
220°F.
Use a candy thermometer. When you’re making jam with traditional amounts of sugar, you’re aiming to cook it to 220°F. That’s the temperature at which sugar forms a gel and can bond with the pectin (whether it naturally occurring in the fruit or you’ve added it).
What can I use if I don’t have a sugar thermometer?
To check your sugar syrup has reached the correct stage without using a sugar thermometer, place a bowl of very cold water next to the hob. Using a clean spoon, carefully take a little of the syrup and drop it into the bowl of cold water. Leave to cool for a moment then pick up the ball of syrup.
What can I substitute for a candy thermometer?
For any recipe that calls for a candy thermometer, all you’ll need is a bowl of cold water instead (The colder the better—ice water is fine!) While the candy is cooking, periodically drop a small spoonful of the candy into the bowl of cold water.
What temperature is jam ready?
The temperatures required for setting point are: Jams and marmalades: between 104 degrees and 105.5 degrees. Jellies: between 104 degrees and 105 degrees.
How can you tell the temperature of sugar syrup without a thermometer?
Using a clean spoon, carefully take a little of the syrup and drop it into the bowl of cold water. Leave to cool for a moment then pick up the ball of syrup. If it’s pliable, sticky and can be moulded in your fingers easily, it has reached the soft ball stage and the syrup can be used to make fudge and marzipan.
How do you make hard tack candy without a candy thermometer?
Lay out a spoon and a bowl of cold water beside your pot of boiling sugar. Every few minutes, drop a small spoonful of syrup into the cold water. Let the candy cool for a second, then form it into a ball with your hand.
How do you know when jam is done?
Take the jam off the heat while testing. Push your finger through the jam on the plate – you’re looking for it to wrinkle and not flood back in to fill the gap. If it’s not ready, turn the pan back on, simmer for five minutes and test again.
How do you know when homemade jam is ready?
How can you tell when jam is done?
How do you use a jam thermometer?
The easiest way to test your jam is by using a sugar thermometer, bring the jam to 105C. For an alternate method, put your plate in the freezer for about fifteen minutes before taking it out to test a spoonful of hot jam. Take the jam off the heat while testing.
Can you use a sugar thermometer to make jam?
If you’re planning to use a use a sugar thermometer for making jam, consider the rest of the equipment you will need – our handy guide to jam-making essentials includes the best jam pan and jars. If you make ice cream regularly, our best ice cream makers article reveals which are worth the investment.
How do you use a sugar thermometer to measure sugar?
The thermometer should be graded with the stages of sugar melting (hard ball, hard crack and caramel) and will often also show a jam setting point, a deep-frying temperature, and both Celsius and Fahrenheit are helpful. Ensure the sugar thermometer has some kind of hook to clip it onto the side of the pan.
Is there such a thing as an old fashioned sugar thermometer?
Here is an old fashioned sugar thermometer… Although used for many years, the traditional confectionery style thermometer has its issues, for example: It is slow to come to temperature, often taking upwards of 20 seconds to get an accurate reading The temperature gauge is often very hard to read, especially when over a steaming pot of jam
Why is temperature important for jam making?
Nothing beats fresh seasonal fruit, and making your own jams and jellies is a great way to capture fruit flavors at their peak. Naturally-occurring pectin is what causes sweet fruit spreads to thicken, and temperature is a critical factor in that molecular process. We have the key temps and tips you need to make the best batch of jam yet!