Making cherry jam

[Stilllearning]

Mrs Stilllearning is making cherry jam at the moment, and got to wondering what the white scum that is on the top of the jam is, and why the recipe says to remove it. It is a total so and so to remove, so she asks me to ask you jam makers out there to explain please.

[series3]

I remove it and eat it. The best bit by far. It just doesn't look nice in the jars...

[Stilllearning]

I remove it and eat it. The best bit by far. It just doesn't look nice in the jars...

Thanks for that, it makes complete sense. We have just ignored the recipe and left the stuff in the jam. 6 jars of cherry jam now cooling in the kitchen.

[Lysander]

A knob of butter stirred in once the jam has reached the setting point is supposed to disperse the scum. I've never found it works very well though.

Hope you enjoy your jam!

[Taslim]

I remove it and eat it. The best bit by far. It just doesn't look nice in the jars...

^^^^^

Yes. 'Specialy with toasted brown bread.

[Sea Dog]

Dunno if it works for jam, but other cooking 'scum' can be easily removed by laying clingfilm on the surface momentarily. When you lift it off, the scum comes with it. Jam is stickier and maybe hotter though, so a health warning may be appropriate! ⚠

[Fallowfield123]

It's sugar that has started to crystallise. If it's left, it will allow mould to grow underneath because it's difficult for moisture to evaporate slowly.

[sueb]

Stir briskly it will disappear

[series3]

It's easy to get off with a spoon. Just eat it.

[Stilllearning]

Thanks for all the ideas, we have potted it, scum and all, and now there appears to be nothing at all on the top of the jam.