We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Kitchen

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Jelly Strainer?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 13,056
Share

A jelly strainer is a kitchen tool which is designed to filter ingredients for jams, jellies, and sauces. It consists of a fine mesh bag which traps chunks of detritus, allowing clear fluid and small pieces of material to flow through. The strained material is used to create clear, uniformly textured jellies, while the chunks of material can be discarded or used in other recipes. Some canning recipes call for the use of a jelly strainer.

A jelly is a clear spread made from from cooked fruit juice with sweeteners and spices, firmed with pectin. Unlike jam, which often contains chunks of material, jelly is supposed to be evenly textured and clear. The best way to get the fruit juice is to use a jelly strainer, since the chef may cook and season the fruit, place it in a jelly strainer, and then work on other projects while the clean juice drips out into a pan underneath the jelly strainer.

A basic jelly strainer has two parts. One part is a stand which is designed to clip onto bowls or pots, or to be positioned over a container to catch the drippings. The other is a mesh bag, commonly made from nylon. The fruit which needs to be strained is poured into this mesh bag, which often clips onto the stand so that it will not slip. In most cases, the filter bag is designed to be reusable, if it is well cared for. Some jelly strainers are made from metal, and are designed like colanders with a very fine sieve.

Once the juice has been strained, there are some uses for the remaining fruit. Some cooks like to add a small amount back into the jelly for texture, for example. The fruit can also be mixed into baked goods for more flavor and texture, or it can be forced through the jelly strainer to pulp it, making the jelly more rich and dense. The jelly mixture also needs to go through a cooking stage, during which pectin and sugar are added before it is decanted into jars which are sealed with canning rings.

A good jelly strainer is not a very expensive item. Look for a sturdy jelly strainer with a stout base; three legs are ideal because a three legged base can level itself out on almost any surface. Make sure that the jelly strainer can be easily washed, as it will be coated in sticky, sugary fruit material every time you use it. Read care directions for the filter bag carefully so that you can extend its lifetime, and pick up a spare filter bag for emergencies.

Share
DelightedCooking is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By tdwb7476 — On Oct 12, 2009

I wonder: could a cheese cloth be used as an alternative to a jelly strainer?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.delightedcooking.com/what-is-a-jelly-strainer.htm
Copy this link
DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.