Current Situation

Frequently Asked Questions

Publications

Other Information

MSUcares
Home Page

Health & Nutrition: Food Preservation

What makes the color of my preserves darker than normal?

• If you cook quantities at one time that are too large, the color might be darker. It is usually best to cook no more than 2 to 4 pounds of prepared fruit at a time.

• The color could be darker because it was cooked too slowly. A better color is usually produced if the product is cooked rapidly.

• If the preserves were overcooked, the color could be altered. Cook only until the syrup is quite thick and the fruit is fairly translucent.