Jellies, Jams, Preserves, & Spreads

When one thinks about Southern cooking it is important to remember that in our early history there was no electricity or refrigeration. Also the South has a long growing season, so the home cook put much thought into preserving foods for the winter months. Many methods such as canning, pickling, or preserving were used. The industrious cook would work diligently to stock her pantry or larder with jars of jams and preserves made from the bounty of the summer gardens. Even today you will find Southern cooks preserving fruits and making luscious jams, jellies, and preserves for their families and friends to enjoy after the growing season is long over.