Help - Covering home made jam

Yes, you can cover jam with greaseproof paper.

When I do so, I cut a smaller circle of paper and lay it directly on the surface of the jam.

It is a good thing to dampen the paper with the preservative you use in the jam.

If you want a nearly airtight covering, you can put a layer of cling film over the outer layer of greaseproof paper.

Shutting stable door after horse has bolted, but I always keep the lids with empty jars. The lids can be chucked at a later date if not required.
As MaizieD said, use the cellophane covers and rubber bands, but the lids are so useful once the jar has been opened.

Callistemon

H1954 sometimes I freeze the fruit and make jams or jellies later on when the weather isn't so warm.

Yes, Callistemon, I think that's what I will be doing, far too warm today to make jam. However, it's done now, the forthcoming fruit harvest will be frozen and made into jam during the cooler weather, in the meantime I shall collect jars AND lids!

You can buy new jam jar lids if you know the size.
(The nice gingham ones)

I would always use the cellophane jam pot covers because of their airtight seal. I wouldn't trust reused metal lids to give an airtight seal.

Having said that, I always keep the lids. Initially it just makes the pot of jam look more like 'bought', but once the pot is being used they're actually functional as they cover the exposed jam because there's no way you can reuse the cellophane and rubber band to cover the opened jar ).

You can also buy preserving wax - melt it and pour over the jam. It's widely available in French supermarkets.

H1954 sometimes I freeze the fruit and make jams or jellies later on when the weather isn't so warm.

I've just looked and the mini jars are £4 for a pack of 20 but I'm sure the pack I bought were £4 a while ago but were 12oz size.

I think you would be best using the correct cellophane covers, as they are dampened then contract as they dry, to give an airtight seal. Lots on line for sale.
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tala-Jam-Pot-Covers-CLEAR-1lb-2lb-Jar-Preserves-Chutney-Pickle-Label-Wax-Seal/201987663170?epid=2255340779&hash=item2f07672542:g:vVgAAOSwXtRZdPoE

Yes, Lakeland are also online.

Wilko's also sell jam making equipment and I'm sure they have the waxed covers and cellophane. They did sell a pack of about 20 jars for £4 a while ago.

The supermarkets should have the waxed discs and cellophane covers too.

If you have a 'Lakeland' shop near you (and it is open) you can buy new screw on lids. If you use them you don't need wax disks. Jam pot covers use a wax disk then a dampened circle of cellophane and an elastic band. As the cellophane dries it makes an airtight seal, essential to preserve your preserves!

Bonne Maman jam is so delicious that I don’t make jam anymore, but I would do the same as jusnoneed if I had no lids.
Patterned cloth always looks so good on top, especially gingham, makes you want jam on toast immediately if not sooner.?

Oops I meant to add.
Obviously the packet contains waxed discs, cellophane covers and rubber bands.
As I save all my Bonne Maman jars I then put the checked lid on the top.
Memo to self OP don’t put your lids in the recycling!

I buy Jam pot covers, 1lb and 2 lb size from that disappearing breed of shop - my local iron mongers.
Failing that I know you can buy them on Amazon.

How lovely that word ‘glut’ is when applied to fruit! I made raspberry jam yesterday and I was beaming all day!

If I find a jar with a tainted/dented lid I also go down the route of circle of greaseproof paper, patterned top paper & elastic band. Sometimes I top it off with a square of gingham if I’m giving it as a gift but wouldn’t bother if it’s just for us.

Enjoy your jamming!

Can you get some of the old fashioned wax discs and pre-cut greaseproof discs and rubber bands for the top of the jar? I used them until about 10 years ago. They work fine.

I try to always keep lids with their jars but if not available I cut disk of greaseproof to sit on top of the jam and then have a double thickness of clingfilm over top of the jar held with an elastic band.