jam
Quick Summary
Jam is a food made by boiling fruit and sugar to a thick consistency. It is created by crushing fruit and leaving in most of the solid pieces, including fibers and seeds, to achieve a spreadable texture. This process differs from jelly, which uses only fruit juice, and preserves, which use larger pieces of fruit. The name "jam" likely comes from the verb meaning to press, squeeze, or crush, reflecting the preparation method of the fruit. Historically, jams, jellies, and preserves were developed as ways to keep fruit fresh out of season before refrigeration became common.123
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