Can I use a strainer instead of cheesecloth in my jelly?

Question

I'm making chokecherry jelly from scratch but I don't have a cheesecloth to strain the juice from the berries. Can I use a metal strainer that I can just pour the berries through (after cooking them and releasing the juice of course)?

Answer 1

yes, you can..but take the smallest hole strainer..ofcourse you will not get the smoothest texture..but anyway it's ok...

Answer 2

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RE:
Can I use a strainer instead of cheesecloth in my jelly?
I'm making chokecherry jelly from scratch but I don't have a cheesecloth to strain the juice from the berries. Can I use a metal strainer that I can just pour the berries through (after cooking them and releasing the juice of course)?

Answer 3

You can use a strainer if you don't have any cheesecloth; another option might be to use a slightly damp floursack dish cloth if you have one on hand. I normally put the chokecherries in a nonreactive pot and add water to just cover them, then bring to boil and simmer for about 15 minutes -- no need to crush the berries (make sure not to crush the seeds as it will release toxins!). Once finished simmering you can strain, just remember not to squeeze the pulp as it can cause cloudy jelly - just let it drip until all the juice is extracted. You usually get approx. 1 1/2 to 2 cups of juice per pound.

Answer 4

Sure. Go for it. Cheesecloth is so expensive! You don't need it. Think about it, what did people do before cheesecloth was invented? They used strainers! LOL!

Answer 5

I haven't made it before but my guess is that you'll lose too much of your mixture if you use a strainer. I would really try to use cheesecloth. You'll have more jelly in the end.

Answer 6

Yes you can.

QUick tip: If you have a new pair of clean stockings (pantie hose) you can cut off a leg and use it as a strainer. It works as good as any china cap or cheesecloth I have used.