Jellying Up to the Jar (BBB)

Feb
3


In my earnest endeavor to make BBB days fun, informative, or least not the same, I present you with five factoids about jam and jelly:

1. The average American child will eat 1500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by the time they reach age 18.

2. Consumers who purchase jam or jelly at the store usually only purchase two flavors.

3. The most popular jelly flavor is grape; the most popular jam flavor is strawberry.

4. Jam and jelly, tablespoon per tablespoon, have half the calories of butter and zero fat.

5. As with the birth of what we know today as canning, the military (this time, the U.S. military) was behind the first mass production of jam and jelly when the Army purchased the entire available stock of Paul Welch (of Welch’s fame) to send overseas during World War I. Welch realized he had something going and launched full-scale mass production. The rest is store-bought jelly history.

But why buy it at the store when what you can make at home is so much better?

***

Ball Blue BookIt’s a Ball Blue Book Project day! Today’s Ball Blue Book is sponsored by Carmen at Old House Kitchen–recipes and kitchen tips with a mix of stories, pictures, and ramblings. Carmen is celebrating the one year anniversary of Old House Kitchen with giveaways and fun recipes. Stay tuned for her new e-book! Visit her here.

For a chance to win: Leave a comment on this post and let me know you want it. You can just put (BBB) at the end of your comment or otherwise note that you want to be in the draw. One winner will be drawn by random comment number to receive a Ball Blue Book. Eligible entry cut-off is midnight Eastern (U.S.) time tonight (February 3). This post will be updated with the winner by 9 a.m. Eastern (U.S.) time tomorrow (February 4). Return to this post to claim your book if your name is drawn (or check the BBB Winners List).

Find out more about the Ball Blue Book Project and become a sponsor.

UPDATE 02/04/11: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is comment number #40, Patty. Email me at CITRgiveaways(at)yahoo.com with your full name and address for shipping!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED TO ENTRY.





Comments

  1. Debbie says:

    I love jams with all of the lumpy fruity goodness! Like to win the BBB!
    Thanks,
    Debbie

  2. Krista says:

    I would love to win the BBB! I am just learning to do some home preserving and started with jams, jellies, and apple butter.

  3. cricketjett says:

    I not only like making jellies and jams for my family. We also enjoy eating it. BBB, please!!

  4. enjay says:

    BBB me too please!

  5. Richelle says:

    Yes, BBB please!

  6. prayingpup says:

    I’ve got lots of orange marmalade and apple butter to can. . . BBB please!

  7. Jean - MN says:

    My favorite flavor is raspberry — but the elderberry jam my mother used to make was wonderful t00 — Have a great day and thanks for the information — BBB

  8. zeitgewandt says:

    I made my own jams last autumn for the fisrt time and it was so much fun! And yes, so much better than store bougt! I’d like to get my hands on a good canning book!

  9. rainss61 says:

    cranberry is great–with blueberry right there=more blueberries in Maine then anything! Please enter me for BBB-and thanks for everything u do Suzanne!! BBB–BBB–BBB-BBB–BBBB–BBB–BBB–BBB–BBB–!! :sheepjump:

  10. Mim says:

    include me in your drawing..thanks :pawprint:

  11. Jana NC says:

    Would love a BBB!

  12. Snapper says:

    And no HFCS in it either when made at home! BBB please. ๐Ÿ™‚

  13. marylhall330 says:

    Please enter me in the BBB.
    Thanks, Mary :sun:

  14. Diane says:

    This year I have made orange marmalade, apple cider jelly, and this week I made black berry jam. Its nice to have some special stuff in the house. I like diffrent jellies and jams but its so expensive to buy these days. I am well stocked up now for a fraction of the price. I got the bbb so no need to enter me into the contest just wanted to share how fun making jam and jelly is. And its not all that hard.

  15. northcountrygirl says:

    I would love to make jams and jellies. Please include me in your drawing. Thank you! BBB

  16. justdeborah2002 says:

    two flavours, hunh…so far that is what I have canned, seedless raspberry and chunkless strawberry…guess I’m in good company so far. BBB

  17. Sarah says:

    Interesting! I love food history. ๐Ÿ™‚
    Okay, I know it can’t just be me, but I have had a crazy hard time getting my jams to firm up using the BBB recipes. I use other recipes and no problem. What’s the deal? I do love their recipe ideas though.

  18. Sharon Cave says:

    My first attempts at canning were last fall. I made marmalade (it’s an English thing!) rather than jam. It was even good enough to give away as a hostess gift…come to think of it I haven’t heard from them again ๐Ÿ™‚

  19. Gem says:

    I hope it’s ME for the BBB! Thank you ๐Ÿ™‚

  20. Christine says:

    I would love a chance to win the book! Enjoy your blog so much.
    Thanks!

  21. Anke says:

    Thanks for sharing those facts with us.
    BBB, pretty please.

  22. ELS says:

    I hope to learn to can this summer, and would love to be entered in the BBB drawing. Your website has inspired me in lots of ways. I am also taking a cheese making class at the end of the month!

    Thanks for all you do!

    Erika

  23. Linda Goble says:

    I would love to have a BBB. Thanks for all that info on Jelly an Jam.

  24. susan says:

    because I never win anything, I have already ordered a new bbb from Lehmans catalog. They sell it for $5.95. They are a big supplier for the Amish community so you should check them out. They have lots of non-electric things for the home and farm. It is the only place I can get replacement parts for our oil lamps.

  25. mammaleigh says:

    I would love to win one! I am in need of some luck here!!

  26. Mary says:

    LOVE your title, Jellying Up To The Jar. I was laughing hard before I even read the story. I have lots of raspberry bushes and make freezer jam in the summer. Anyway, thanks, your title was very humorous.

  27. Cynthia Grana says:

    New to your site and loving it! Thanks so much for all your hard work. Would love to enter the drawing for BBB

  28. Glenie says:

    Would love to win BBB.

  29. Christine j Waterbury says:

    Love :heart: your Blog!!!! :snoopy: :happyflower: Please put me in for the “BBB” drawing. You rock!

  30. langela says:

    Another chance for a BBB. Count me in!

  31. TwistedStitcher says:

    Pick me, pick me, pick me!!!! BBB

  32. T M says:

    I just love all of your instructions, on how to make things!! BBB

  33. Amy I. says:

    BBB for me please!!!

  34. Joey says:

    I have so much to learn about jam and jelly making…BBB please

  35. Patty says:

    Please put my name in for the BBB. Thank you !!

  36. brookdale says:

    I make rhubarb/strawberry jam every spring. Would love to try others. BBB please! And thank you for the offer,Carmen and Suzanne!

  37. Angela Weston says:

    I am going to learn how to can this year. Plese enter me to win the BBB!

  38. jim says:

    gonna keep trying BBB Please

  39. lavenderblue says:

    My husband is a teacher and likes to give the staff; nurse, secretaries, custodians, among others, little ‘lovely parting gifts’ at the end of the school year. Last year we made mint jelly, this year we’d like to be a little more adventurous. Open to suggestions and recipes. And a BBB!

  40. Country Carol says:

    I would love a BBB!!! I make several flavors of jam every year.

  41. Peggy says:

    I started making jams and jellies as a child. We made grape jelly and strawberry jam. Current jelly, my favorite strawberry-rhubarb jam. When I moved to KY the menu expanded by what was available. We had sour cherry trees, apricot trees and peaches were plentiful in the area. So they became jams and jellies sometimes in combination. Oh and around July 4th the wild blackberries would ripen. Since I don’t like the seeds I would make blackberry jelly. Some years we had so many blackberries we would freeze berries and juice in the right quanity to make jelly later on in the year. Sure would like a new BBB.

  42. Annette says:

    I love canning and I would love to win the book! Thank you!!

  43. Pam says:

    Would like to be in the drawing for BBB

  44. Lisabeth Olson says:

    Please DO NOT enter me, I just want to let you know I got my wonderful Pressure Canner. Thank you

  45. Phyllis says:

    Thanks for the comments about jams and jellies. Interesting tidbits to share with my preserves buyers.
    Add me to the list of BBB hopefuls!

  46. Sharon Palmer says:

    Would love to have the BBB.

  47. Kristen A says:

    Thank you for your generosity Carmen. BBB please.

  48. Marjorie Wolson says:

    Christmas of 2010, we gave presents of salsa, smoked tomatoes, pickles and a bunch of different kinds of jam and jelly to our friends and family. We’ve gotten such rave reviews that we have resupplied people with their favorites!

    Yellow pepper jelly, peach preserves and four different varieties of plum jam! Fortunately, each person has a different preference or I’m afraid there would be none left for us.

    Next summer, we plan to make lots more. We sure could use a Blue Ball Book to help us expand our canning knowledge!

  49. Denise :) says:

    I’m going to persevere and say, “Me, me, me! Please?!” ๐Ÿ™‚

  50. lilac wolf says:

    BBB

    That was cool. My 1st mother in law taught me to make freezer jam, best EVER!

  51. Pam says:

    BBB, please, please, please!

  52. Amanda says:

    I’d like a BBB, please!

  53. Laura Blue says:

    bbb, please :wave:

  54. Rockyshore says:

    BBB me, please. :sheepjump:

  55. windspiritwhimsies says:

    Always learn something new everyday. That is one of the reasons I love this site! Would love to learn to can, preserve and make jelly! BBB please! :snowman:

  56. Nancy Stickler says:

    I’ll keep trying!! lol BBB

  57. andrea pierce says:

    Whoo Hoo! Count me in – BBB!

  58. Rhonda says:

    Would love the BBB… and I LOVE homemade jams and jellies. That said our family is not into PB&J.. and we NEVER EVER have grape jelly… and our favorite jam is NOT strawberry… and we buy MORE than 2 types.. plus make others. ๐Ÿ™‚

  59. Deb Colucci says:

    Winning the BBB would be my first step to home canning ~ well maybe my second step as coming here and reading about canning is my first step!

  60. Pam C says:

    I would like to try making “real” jam & jellies….I’ve really only ever made freezer jam. And next fall, I’m hoping to have a big garden! ๐Ÿ™‚ I want a BBB please!

  61. Jenny Sterling says:

    BBB please! Thanks so much!

  62. Tammy F says:

    Plan to do more canning this year and this book would be a great help! BBB, please!

  63. Brigitte says:

    I love jam and would LOVE to know how to make it!! BBB

  64. iowacowgirl says:

    I think I need the BBB. And I love factoids.

  65. Debbie says:

    One of my favorites is cranberry pepper! Would love a BBB!

  66. April says:

    This past Christmas I made jellies to give as gifts. It was my first time and I loved it! Winning the BBB would allow me to try more jellies and even canning.(BBB)

  67. Joy says:

    Am I the only person in America that doesn’t particular care for grape jelly? Too sweet for my taste. Love all kinds of jams especially anything with cherries in it. LOVE apple butter, pumpkin butter. And lemon curd–super YUM. Since we had pick- your-own apple orchards and pick-your-own strawberry patches nearby, I’ve made lots and lots those jams. Sadly, they’ve all been turned into subdivisions. Hard to find bushels of fruit or veggies direct from the farm at decent prices anymore to can in my area. So I make pesto, small batches of things.

  68. Kathryn T says:

    Would love to try some canning. BBB please!

  69. Gerry says:

    BBB please! Please put my name in the drawing.

  70. Lorrie Pontius says:

    I would love BBB! I have been “teaching” myself to can recently!
    Lorrie

  71. Lacey says:

    1,500 by 18? No way! Maybe I had 50 by then. I’ve eaten more as an adult. BBB, please.

  72. Lynette says:

    I would love a chance to win a BBB. Thanks for the opportunity!!

  73. Brittany P. says:

    I would love to be entered to win the BBB! Love the jam and jelly facts!
    :fairy:

  74. leavesofthefall says:

    Love the BBB! Sign me up, please!

  75. Linda T. says:

    Please enter me in the draw. Thanks for all the interesting factoids!

  76. Cyndi B says:

    Interesting facts…thanks for sharing
    Please enter me as well! Thanks!

  77. Maria says:

    I did not know that little fact about Welch’s but I love learning about those things…..Thank you! BBB

  78. Tx Aggiemom says:

    :sheepjump: I promise to make some jelly, or maybe some jam. I would love to win a BBB. :heart:

  79. Miss Becky says:

    thanks for all those interesting facts Suzanne. And thank you Carmen for sponsoring this giveaway. I’m in the minority (as usual) because my favorite flavor of jam or jelly is CHERRY! BBB!

  80. Shelly Messier says:

    I don’t think I ever ate 1500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in my life but grape and strawberry are my favorite. I need to can, I need to can… BBB please help!!

  81. Sam Jones says:

    I’ve started making almost all my jams and jellies in the winter months when I need the extra heat that the activity provides and when I’m not so busy in the garden! BBB

  82. Amy says:

    I plan to can like crazy this year… So I’d love a BBB! ๐Ÿ™‚

  83. Bonnie says:

    I wish I could find this book in my area. I keep looking! BBB, please.

  84. Ramona says:

    I would like to have the BBB.

    I have made some jelly, but haven’t tried jams.

  85. Diane says:

    I would like to win the book, thank you Carmen and Suzanne. BBB

  86. Denise says:

    I would like to win the BBB!

  87. kelly says:

    I would love to win this. I just started canning last summer. did strawberry jam spiced pear-apple butter, and tomatoes from the garden. I would love to have a book to refer too. Count me in! BBB

  88. barbara rynn says:

    I usually make crab apple jelly. This year we picked muscadine grapes and made grape jelly. They are so good! And I can control the sugar content I’d love BBB book

  89. Wanda says:

    Please enter me in the BBB giveaway. Thanks!

  90. Patricialynn says:

    I don’t much like jelly – something about the texture turns me off. But jam – mmmmmm, jam! My favorite is grape jam.

    Please BBB me!

  91. Teri says:

    would love to win a bbb!

  92. Leah's Mom says:

    Sign me up! And…thanks! :dancingmonster:

  93. sal says:

    Is this a popular section of CITR or not? Shout out to BBB give aways!

  94. Tea4too0 says:

    I am hopeful of a win today. Thanks for having the contests. T

  95. Mary from Baton Rouge says:

    I would love the BBB! Thanks for your great posts Suzanne. I look forward to reading every morning.

  96. kindigo27 says:

    Please, please, please can I have a BBB?

  97. Tammy says:

    I’d love to have the BBB. I’ve got a hankering to make some jelly:o)I’ve really enjoyed your recipes and love to find something unusual like the yellow tomato butter! I think my husband would love it too.

  98. Kelly A says:

    I much prefer jam in this house.so much easier to spread! BBB please

  99. Terri Draeger says:

    Please put me down for the BBB! I make & give away so many jellies & jams every year – always up to try a new recipe!

  100. Tina says:

    Please sign me up! I would love to win this book!
    Thank you for the contest!

  101. Katie says:

    My favorite homemade jelly is my moms strawberry rhubarb jelly! The best!!! BBB please!

  102. melody says:

    i would love to win a bbb.

  103. Shar says:

    BBB
    Great way to start a new month! I’d love to be included in the drawing!

    Thank you to Carmen for sponsoring this!

  104. jlc16 says:

    just bought strawberry jam. would love to have the book to make my own. bbb please!

  105. Clarissa says:

    Thank you, Carmen, for the donation. I would like to start canning this year and could really use a BBB.

  106. Melanie says:

    BBB, please and thank you.

  107. Sheila says:

    I would like to be entered please (BBB please) ๐Ÿ™‚

  108. Jamie Dome says:

    Found out I am in labor. What a great present this would be to me!

  109. geena22 says:

    BBB Please Please Please

  110. marymac says:

    love to win the BBB

  111. marymac says:

    love to win the BBB

  112. Mrs. B says:

    BBB — thanks for the opporutnity.

  113. Laurie says:

    I will have to give grape jelly a try. The kids and I are in love with the peach and strawberry. Running low though…need spring soon! I would love to win the BBB!

  114. Amy says:

    I’d love to win the BBB! I’ve just started learning to preserve the harvest the past 2 years. BBB!!!!

  115. Renee says:

    Would love a BBB!

  116. Susan says:

    Stuck in the snow without jelly! Help! Never again. Enter me in the BBB. Thanks.

  117. MousE says:

    I hope y’all weathered the big storm, or Snowpocolypse, as it has been called….. please enter me for a BBB!

  118. Kirsten says:

    Please enter me for the BBB! Thank you

  119. Rosemeri says:

    I love to make wild blackberry jam every summer. It is sooooo yummy. BBB please.

  120. LeAnn says:

    Jam or jelly, it’s all good! :eating: BBB please!

  121. Kat J says:

    Fun Factoids! Thanks for the post. BBB

  122. rivergirl says:

    Would love to win the BBB….. :snoopy:

  123. Lee in KY says:

    BBB please. Thanks!

  124. Teresa in Ga says:

    I would love to have the BBB today!

  125. Nicole says:

    I made my first jam this year- i have blueberries that are going to meet the same fate pretty soon.. BBB please!

  126. farmershae says:

    Oh, homemade strawberry jam is the bestest! I try to hide it from my husband so he doesn’t WASTE it on sandwiches. I eat it with a spoon :yes:

  127. Jessica says:

    I love the word Jam better than Jelly. I wonder why.

    I already won a book, so don’t pick me please. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  128. Gidget says:

    I would absolutely love to have this book
    I can all the year around, I should have this book!

  129. LisaAJB says:

    I don’t like jelly but need to learn how to preserve by veggies for winter. BBB

  130. Alison says:

    Would like to expand my preserving. Would love the BBB.

  131. Martha in KS says:

    I’m gonna keep trying. I want BBB! I want BBB!

  132. Anna says:

    Would love to win a BBB!

  133. Abiga/Karen says:

    Just made your granola yesterday and love it. I will make the granola bread tomorrow. And I love homemade jam. BBB

  134. Mafong says:

    I made several kinds of jam last summer. My favorite was made from sugar pears and candied ginger I could use a new BBB.

  135. Judy says:

    I would love the BBB.

  136. Bama Girl says:

    Sure would like to win the BBB since I’ve just received my new Presto Pressure Canner! Enter me BBB please!!!

  137. Barbara W says:

    I used my raspberry jam to make homemade pop tarts. very good.
    BBB Please would love to win.

  138. ticka1 says:

    please enter me in the bbb

  139. Janice Jewett says:

    please enter me in the drawing for theBBB.
    Thank you Janice Jewett

  140. Ruth C says:

    Yay for jam and jelly! I like seedless raspberry or blackberry or blueberry. MMMM–BBB, please!

  141. Lindsay says:

    I’m really liking these bits of history lately! BBB please!

  142. Rys says:

    Loved the “factoids” ! Add me to the BBB list please.

  143. Cindy says:

    I just found your site and I love it. I also love canning and making jams and jellies. I’d love the BBB!

    Cindy

  144. Lucy says:

    Please include me in the drawing.

  145. courtneyb says:

    I have a grape arbor, and I like apple jelly rather than grape. It just figures huh? BBB please.

  146. Sarah Beth says:

    I’m new to canning-just received my pressure cooker for Christmas and love all of the tips on your website. Please include me in the BBB drawing!

  147. Lana says:

    Thanks, Carmen at Old House Kitchen, and CITR!! Please enter me in the BBB contest!

  148. Willamette Valley Girl says:

    I’d love to win this book – thanks for the opportunity…BBB! :happyflower:

  149. Laura Newton says:

    Count me in the BBB drawing.
    Thanks

  150. Kathleen H in Indiana says:

    BBB would be great!!!!

  151. Betty says:

    Love your informative and delightful blog daily. BBB.

  152. B. Ruth says:

    “It must be jelly ’cause jam don’t shake like that”…..

    We love Blackberry Jam….Grape is a favorite storeboughten’ because it’s more time consuming for a company to strain out part of the seeds, ect. In the 40’s we were mixing jam/jelly and peanut butter together in a bowl for sandwichs, long before they decided to package it that way..Yes, I’ll take a BBB.

  153. Ladychef says:

    BBB Thanks Carmen!!!

  154. Velda says:

    I love to make grape jelly. The only jam I’ve ever tried is strawberry jam. I’d love to win the BBB.

  155. Lisabeth Olson says:

    Congrats Pats, tee hee… I have a sister with the same name. BLESSINGS

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