We are jamming at Myrtle

Who would have thought that the 2 'sticks' I planted a few years ago would produce such an abundance of berries; especially given the lack of gardening credentials I have? Those cuttings came from one plant - an abandoned blackcurrant bush found on the bargain table at my local garden centre. But, here we are, 10 pots of jam later and more to come.

This was  my first foray into jam making, initiated by the need to make more space in the freezer - the currants were taking over.  I have to confess that I put off the jamming session because it all sounded a bit too technical - and that's coming from a laboratory chemist (a past life!). Thank goodness for the internet and my FB friends, who came to the rescue. Top tips: to sterilise, wash the jars with very hot water and place in a warm oven while you make the jam; use a sugar thermometer to catch that all important 'setting point'; and seal the pots with wax discs immediately after filling. Ta dah! And the best thing of all is proudly giving away your jars of delicious fruity gloop to grateful  friends (before the mould sets in - er hum!). 
Kathryn White is owner and director of Cathean Ltd Medical and Copy Writing Services. She is a published medical, copy and equestrian writer with a passion for creating compelling text in collaboration with her clients. Her customers include pharmaceutical, healthcare and equestrian businesses across the world.