
A historical preserve from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913). Buy fruit when not too ripe. Only wash if absolutely necessary. If this process is followed thoroughly, the fruit will keep for several years.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Buy the fruit when not too ripe, pick over immediately, wash if absolutely necessary
Put in glass jars, filling each one about two-thirds full
Put in the preserving kettle a pound of sugar and one cupful of water for every two pounds of fruit
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Let it come slowly to a boil
Pour this syrup into the jars over the berries, filling them up to the brim
Set the jars in a pot of cold water on the stove
Let the water boil and the fruit become scalding hot
Take them out and seal perfectly tight
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
This historical preservation method combines three antimicrobial strategies: high sugar concentration (creating an inhospitable osmotic environment for bacteria), heat processing (destroying enzymes and microorganisms), and oxygen exclusion through sealing. The hot syrup draws air from the fruit tissue while the boiling water bath creates a vacuum seal as the jars cool, preventing spoilage. Using firm, underripe berries ensures they retain their structure during the intense heat processing, as pectin breaks down less readily in fruit that hasn't fully ripened.
Once properly sealed and processed, these preserves can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to one year using modern canning standards (the recipe claims several years, but current food safety guidelines recommend shorter storage). The syrup can be made up to 1 day ahead and reheated to boiling before pouring over fruit.
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark, dry place away from direct sunlight for up to 1 year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 3 weeks. If any jar shows signs of bulging, leaking, mold, or off-odors, discard immediately without tasting. For modern food safety, consider using current USDA-approved canning methods and processing times specific to your berry type and jar size.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
Once properly sealed and processed, these preserves can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to one year using modern canning standards (the recipe claims several years, but current food safety guidelines recommend shorter storage). The syrup can be made up to 1 day ahead and reheated to boiling before pouring over fruit.
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark, dry place away from direct sunlight for up to 1 year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 3 weeks. If any jar shows signs of bulging, leaking, mold, or off-odors, discard immediately without tasting. For modern food safety, consider using current USDA-approved canning methods and processing times specific to your berry type and jar size.