A jelly strainer is a kitchen tool used to strain ingredients for clear, evenly textured jellies. It consists of a mesh bag and a holder, and the leftover fruit can be used in other recipes. A good strainer should be sturdy and easy to wash.
A jelly strainer is a kitchen tool designed to strain ingredients for jams, jellies, and sauces. It consists of a fine mesh bag that traps bits of debris, allowing clear fluid and small bits of material to flow through. The strained material is used to create clear, evenly textured jellies, while the chunks of material can be discarded or used in other recipes. Some canning recipes call for the use of a gelatin strainer.
A jelly is a clear spread made from fruit juice cooked with sweeteners and spices, fortified with pectin. Unlike jam, which often contains chunks of material, jelly should be evenly textured and clear. The best way to get the fruit juice is to use a gelatin strainer, as the chef can cook and season the fruit, put it in a gelatin strainer and then work on other projects while the clean juice drips into a pan under the gelatin strainer .
A basic gelatin strainer has two parts. One part is a holder designed to clip onto bowls or pans or to place on top of a container to catch drips. The other is a mesh bag, commonly made from nylon. The fruit that needs to be strained is poured into this mesh bag, which often hooks onto the holder so it doesn’t slip. In most cases, the filter bag is designed to be reusable, if taken care of properly. Some jelly strainers are made of metal and are designed like a colander with a very fine sieve.
Once the juice has been strained, there are a few uses for the leftover fruit. Some cooks like to add a small amount into the gelatin for texture, for example. The fruit can also be blended into baked goods for more flavor and texture, or it can be forced through the gelatin strainer to pulp it, making the gelatin richer and thicker. The gelatin mixture must also go through a cooking stage, during which pectin and sugar are added before being decanted into jars sealed with canning rings.
A good gelatin strainer is not a very expensive item. Look for a sturdy gelatin filter with a sturdy base; three legs are ideal because a three leg base can level itself on almost any surface. Make sure the jelly filter can be easily washed, as it will be coated in gooey, sugary material every time you use it. Read the filter bag care instructions carefully so you can extend its life and collect a replacement filter bag for emergencies.
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