Preserve

Spicy Indian mango chutney

A simple recipe for a classic spread, a jar of lemon curd is always a welcome sight in the fridge.

Spreads tastes so much sweeter when you've made them yourself with less preservatives and more of the good stuff like quality rhubarb and strawberries.

Gently scrub then rinse citrus fruit under warm water before preparing. You can freeze strips of citrus peel and portions of juice. Note

It's pickling season.

To test that jam gels: Place a teaspoon of marmalade on a cold saucer; place in freezer for 2 minutes. Run finger through marmalade. If surface wrinkles and jam separates, it’s ready. Note

Warm caster sugar by placing in baking tray in warm oven (160°C) for 2 minutes. Jamsetta is available from the baking aisle of any supermarket. To test if jam is set: Place a teaspoon of jam on a chilled saucer; cool. Push jam with a finger; if it wrinkles, it’s ready to bottle. Note

Equal amounts of sugar and fruit must be used to achieve a good gel. Test if jam is ready by placing a teaspoon of it on a cold plate. Touch with your fingertip – if the top wrinkles, the jam is ready to jar. Note

Test by spooning 1 teaspoon of marmalade onto a cold plate. Push with your fingertip and if it wrinkles it is ready. If not, continue boiling until setting point is reached. Alternatively, if setting is taking too long, it may be that the fruit is slightly over or under- ripe, affecting the amount of pectin […]