Frequently asked questions.
About
Certo
How to Use Certo
General Questions
Q: What is Certo made of?
A: Certo is made from the residue of pressed apples, which is a rich source of pectin.
Q: Is Certo a natural product?
A: The pectin used in Certo is extracted from apples and is extensively filtered so that only the pectin and water used in the process remain. In this natural state Certo then requires a minor adjustment in acidity to assist setting performance and the addition of a small amount of preservative. Therefore, under UK guidelines, Certo cannot be described as completely ‘natural’.
Q: Does Certo contain any genetically modified ingredients?
A: No
How to use Certo
Q: Why do I need to add Certo when making jam?
A: There are two main reasons;
1) Fruit that is very ripe loses its natural pectin and hence the ability to set.
2) Certain varieties of fruit contain little natural pectin, e.g. strawberry.
Q: I have added Certo, but my jam has not set properly?
A: There are three main reasons:
1) Occasionally, fruit has to be boiled longer than stated in the recipe due to natural variations in water content or an excess of water left on the fruit after washing.
2) Fruit that is very ripe or of a particular variety can be lacking in pectin and natural fruit acids. A minor correction in the amount of Certo and the addition of lemon juice (see below) will ensure setting.
3)
It is also important not
to disturb the jam once it is put into the jars until it is quite cold and has
set properly - this will take some hours, and the jars are best left overnight
if possible before moving them.
Q: Does ‘fresh` lemon juice need to be used when making jam with Certo?
A: Fresh squeezed lemon juice is preferable, but bottled
lemon juice works as well.
Q: How does Certo affect the quality of jam?
A: Certo recipes are constructed to require an absolute minimum boiling time for the fruit, which preserves both colour and flavour and hence results in a better quality jam.
Q: How does Certo compare with sugar premixed with pectin?
A: Because the pectin is added separately to the sugar, Certo recipes can be optimised better for each type of fruit.
Q: What are the benefits of making jam using Certo compared with using other brands of pectin pre-mixed with sugar?
A: Because the pectin is added at the end of the
cook, no destruction of the pectin by heat can occur.
When the pectin is combined with the sugar, it is in the pan right
through the boiling process, and this can damage the pectin.
Q: Can I increase the fruit content of my jam? Do I have to adjust the amount of Certo used?
A: The main problem with increasing the fruit content in a jam is that fruit contains a great deal of water. Increasing the fruit content means that more boiling will be required, which will impair the colour of the jam, and in many cases the flavour also. For this reason, we do not recommend that you change the Certo recipe by adding more fruit.
Q: Who do I contact with a “how to use” enquiry?
A: Dr Colin May is a leading world authority on pectin and an enthusiastic home jam maker. He would be happy to help with any "how to use" enquiries. (See "CONTACTS" page.)
Q: Why does Certo need to be refrigerated after opening and used within 7 days?
A: Certo is a dilute solution of pectin and sugars from apples. It is an ideal medium for yeasts and moulds that could destroy the pectin and turn the sugar into alcohol. There is enough preservative to stop this happening immediately, but only if the Certo is kept refrigerated, and used in a limited time.
Q: I have noticed sediment in the bottle; what is it and does it affect the quality of the Certo?
A: This may either be very fine particles of the apple pulp used to make Certo, or sometimes very small amounts of apple starch which have dissolved and then separated out. In either case, it is quite harmless, and has no effect on the quality or effectiveness of the Certo.
Q: My Certo has passed its “Best before date”. Is it still safe to use?
A: It will not do you any harm, but it is likely to give a poorer set to your jam. It is best to get fresh supplies of Certo.
Q: Where can I buy Certo?
A: Certo is available from all major supermarkets. (See "WHERE TO BUY" page.)
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