J = Jams and Jellies
Today’s letter for the #AtoZChallenge is “J.” Here in Maine, that easily doubles up for jams and jellies.
Spreading Maine sweetness
It is commonly known that Maine summers are short and the winters long. When growing season arrives, however, it is jam-packed. A bountiful array of fruits can be grown here, and many do so naturally without ongoing human care.
Our trademark — and official state — fruit is the wild blueberry. This choice is only logical as Maine grows over 90% of the wild blueberries in the United States. We even celebrate with a summer Wild Blueberry Festival in which the Maine Wild Blueberry Queen is crowned. You can read more from my visit to the Union Fair.
One way we extend the enjoyment of our fruit to all four seasons is by making jams and jellies. There are many Maine-based companies dedicated to this specialty, but a visit to the pantries or basements of many homes will reveal rows of jars filled with preserves that were canned in the owner’s kitchen. The process is easily learned. It is a traditional activity for many Maine families — often passed down from generation to generation.
The Maine agricultural fairs give individuals the opportunity to showcase their creations. Competitions are held with many different categories for entries, including jams and jellies. Visit the exhibition hall of any local fair, and you’ll find displays of beautiful jars with all your favorite Maine fruits. Judging is done by appearance and best canning practice, not taste — the jars are left unopened.
Most Mainers wouldn’t need much time to give an answer if asked their favorite kind of jam or jelly. They might say strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry…the list can go on for a considerable length. For me, there’s nothing like strawberry-rhubarb jam on freshly baked biscuits in the dead of winter. What is your first choice?
This post is part of my A to Z Challenge Series with the overall theme, “This Maine Life.” I am covering a Maine-related topic with a different letter of the alphabet every day except Sundays throughout the month of April 2020.
