Crooked Pines Farm is a family-owned operation that has been a local staple in the community for over 50 years. Our diverse offerings include farm nature exploration, educational tips for kids, gardening insights, farm-to-table recipes, DIY crafts, family fun activities, seasonal events, and farm life chronicles. One of our most popular offerings is our homemade jam and jelly making workshops.
Jam and Jelly Basics
Jam and jelly making is a time-honored tradition that allows you to capture the peak flavors of seasonal fruits and berries. Jam is a thick, spreadable fruit preserve made by boiling fruit pulp and sugar together until thickened. Jelly, on the other hand, is a clear, firm gel made from fruit juice, sugar, and sometimes pectin. Both are delicious ways to enjoy your harvest long after the growing season has ended.
The key to successful jam and jelly making is understanding the role of pectin. Pectin is a natural carbohydrate found in varying amounts in different fruits. It acts as the “glue” that binds the fruit sugars together, giving jam and jelly their signature thick, spreadable texture. Fruits high in natural pectin, like apples, citrus, and berries, make the best preserves. Lower-pectin fruits, such as stone fruits and melons, may require the addition of commercial pectin to achieve the right consistency.
Jam and Jelly Recipes
At Crooked Pines Farm, we love to get creative with our jam and jelly flavors. Some of our most popular preserves include:
- Strawberry Jam: Made with just three ingredients – fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. The perfect balance of sweet and tart.
- Blueberry Lemon Preserves: Bursting with juicy blueberries and a hint of aromatic lemon zest.
- Peach Vanilla Bean Jam: Velvety smooth, with warm vanilla notes that complement the juicy peach flavor.
- Blackberry Mint Jelly: A refreshing twist on classic blackberry, infused with cool, fragrant mint.
- Apple Cinnamon Butter: A spreadable fruit “butter” with orchard-fresh apples and cozy cinnamon spice.
Jam and Jelly Workshops
One of the highlights of the Crooked Pines Farm calendar is our biannual homemade jam and jelly making workshops. These hands-on sessions allow participants to learn the art of small-batch preserving, from selecting the right produce to techniques for perfect set and sealed jars.
Each workshop starts with an overview of jam and jelly basics, covering key ingredients, equipment, and food safety considerations. Participants then dive into hands-on jam or jelly making, using the farm’s seasonal bounty. We guide attendees through the full process, from washing and prepping the fruit to cooking the preserve, filling jars, and sealing them for long-term storage.
Beyond the basics, we also share creative flavor combinations, canning tips, and ideas for using homemade preserves. Participants leave with their own jars of freshly made jam or jelly, along with recipes and techniques to recreate the magic at home.
Our jam and jelly workshops are perfect for all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced home canners. They make great family activities, girls’ nights out, or unique gifts for the foodie in your life. We offer sessions in the spring, when berries and stone fruits are plentiful, as well as in the fall, celebrating the apple and pumpkin harvests.
Farm-Based Workshops
In addition to our jam and jelly workshops, Crooked Pines Farm hosts a variety of other educational and hands-on programs throughout the year. Some of our most popular offerings include:
- Nature Trail Explorations: Guided hikes along our scenic woodland trails, spotting native flora and fauna.
- Kids’ Gardening Classes: Fun, interactive lessons on topics like seed starting, composting, and pollinator gardens.
- DIY Candle Making: Create custom, soy-based candles using herbs and botanicals from the farm.
- Seasonal Wreath Making: Craft beautiful, fragrant wreaths from the farm’s seasonal greenery and flowers.
- Pumpkin Patch Weekend: A fall festival with pumpkin picking, hayrides, and festive crafts.
To learn more about our workshops and to sign up, visit our website at https://www.crookedpinesfarm.com. We look forward to welcoming you to the farm!
Artisanal Food Production
Beyond our workshops, Crooked Pines Farm is also known for its dedication to small-batch, artisanal food production. Our food artisans take great pride in crafting preserves, confections, and other specialty items using the highest-quality, locally-sourced ingredients.
Our homemade jams and jellies are produced in small batches, capturing the peak flavors of each season. We utilize traditional preservation methods and avoid artificial additives, resulting in vibrant, true-to-fruit flavors. Visitors can find our preserves in our farm store, as well as at local farmers’ markets and specialty food shops.
We also take great care in our small-batch canning process. Our team of food artisans carefully select, prepare, and preserve the farm’s seasonal bounty, ensuring optimal freshness and flavor. From diced tomatoes to pickled vegetables, our canned goods are a year-round taste of Crooked Pines Farm.
Finally, our handcrafted confections showcase the creativity and attention to detail of our farm’s culinary team. Using farm-fresh ingredients, we produce artisanal treats like honey caramels, fruit-filled pastries, and even savory cheese spreads. These specialty items make wonderful gifts or a delightful addition to any charcuterie board.
Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, explore the farm, or simply indulge in some delicious, artisanal fare, Crooked Pines Farm has something for everyone. We invite you to visit us, get your hands dirty, and discover the joys of farm-fresh living.
