[BobE]

Im new to making jam, Ive never done it.  Ive got the gear on order and I have picked loads of Redcurrants.
In Vals book is a recipie for Blackcurrants.  I sent her an email, and she said that I could use the recipe with Redcurrants.
However when I look around I see that most people make Blackcurrant Jam but Redcurrant Jelly.
Why is this?  Do Redcurrents not make a good jam?  I assume Jelly is savory to go with meat.  If I make Redcurrant Jam will it be not very nice?.

[Sparkyrog]

Red currant jelly is made to go with lamb or kid ! Black currant jelly is great used instead of jam 

[BobE]

Yes, But I really want Jam, to go onto bread.  I just dont eat that much meat.  My crop is RedCurrants.

[Sparkyrog]

I have never tried making redcurrant jam but see no reason why not ! Just transpose the currants used 

[BobE]

Sparky, I agree, yes.  I just wondered if one of the Jam makers here would tell me why it seems less popular than Jelly.  I really don't want to make something rubbish.

[Beetroot queen]

I love the jellies in the winter with a good roast yum yum yum

[BobE]

So what is wrong with RedCurrent Jam.  (Spelt with an E or an A)?

[Sparkyrog]

It is probably less popular as topping and tailing is such a pain   

[BobE]

Blackcurrents look to be the same.

[Beetroot queen]

So what is wrong with RedCurrent Jam.  (Spelt with an E or an A)?

Nothing but i prefer jelly hehe no topping and tailing puts me off too. 

[BobE]

So what is wrong with RedCurrent Jam.  (Spelt with an E or an A)?

Nothing but i prefer jelly hehe no topping and tailing puts me off too. 

Don't you topntail for BlackCurrant?
Do you core Strawberries?

[Val H]

You don't need to top and tail for a jelly which is what Beetroot Queen was on about.

[Trillium]

I make the redcurrant jelly only because the currants have so many seeds that I cannot digest that cause considerable tummy upset. By straining them for jelly making, I can have as much jelly as I want. If you don't mind picking seeds out of your teeth, make it as jam.

Same reason I make blackcurrant jelly rather than jam.

As for washing them, I just pick out all leaves, grassy bits, etc, and leave them on the stems that will be filtered out later for jelly. For jam, you'd likely want to pull them off stems first.

[BobE]

Thanks everbody.  I will report results to the commune. 

[Sparkyrog]

Guess you have to do the same with raspberries then Trillium ?