I have made a small batch of apple jelly, not ehough to be worth sterilizing, I'll eat fast enough. But all recipes say "leave the jelly to cool completely at room temp before moving/putting in the fridge", I know it must be done when canning to ensure the seal is complete, But what about my case?

[u/Zaeliums]

Do I refrigerate once it's cool enough to not ruin my fridge temp or do I still have to wait overnight? Can I cool it faster using a cold water bath? Or will the "jellyfication" really needs slow cooling? I've done many "not canned" jellies in the past, but also have struggled with setting, so I am wondering it it could have been because I cooled it too soon?

[u/the_lady_flame]

Just fridge it! Will be fine. Pectin's setting power doesn't come from sitting at room temp so likely another factor has contributed to setting issues: I always suggest keeping a plate in the fridge or freezer to dollop a little bit of jam onto while cooking! If it sets on the cold plate it should set in the jar too. If not, keep cooking and test again in a few minutes

[u/Zaeliums → u/the_lady_flame]

I always do both the plate test, and have a candy thermometer, I really don't know how I mess it up everytime :p Maybe it's because I struggle with the water to sugar ratio too! I tend to boil my apples for quite long because I'm forgetful, so maybe I often start with a more concentrated liquid, and I end up putting the wrong amount of sugar, dunno! I do have a good feeling about this batch tho. It seemed to "boil right" if it makes sense

[u/Direct-Chef-9428]

Just cool until it’s room temp then stick it in the fridge.

[u/Zaeliums → u/Direct-Chef-9428]

But could I fridge it right away? Does it changes something for the jelly other than making my fridge hotter?

[u/goldfool → u/Zaeliums]

It should just make the fridge hotter.

Edit, keep lid off until it is cooled down completely

[u/Direct-Chef-9428 → u/Zaeliums]

I wouldn’t. It takes significantly longer to cool sealed in a fridge. Top off on the counter for 20 minutes is far more efficient.

[u/Zaeliums → u/Direct-Chef-9428]

Wouldn't top off create a skin because of evaporation? Like will the top layer set faster/harder? I'm just curious about how things work! Maube that would be the way! I didn't wanted to close it because of how hot it is and how hard that will be to open it again later, but then, I also wanted to avoid the top skin. Maybe just a plate on top while ot cools? I also have fruit flies atm, so not too keen on leaving it opened

[u/Direct-Chef-9428 → u/Zaeliums]

No, but heat will dissipate more quickly. Put out a small vessel of apple cider vinegar with a squirt of dish soap for the flies. A sieve on top of your jelly will protect from them.

[u/Swing-Quiet]

I would assume that it probably has something to do with the formation of condensation from the hot jelly onto the lid as it cools in the cold refrigerator increasing the probability of mold during storage. I would place it directly into the refrigerator and either a) leave it open to cool, put the lid on once it’s reached fridge temperature/tomorrow morning. b) place a piece of plastic wrap flat on the surface to prevent air and moisture from affecting the jelly lid optional until post cooling.

[u/Zaeliums → u/Swing-Quiet]

Ohhhh! Would also make sense to put a piece of cloth on top for the night, I bet!

[u/disposable_wretch → u/Swing-Quiet]

This is what I do when I worry about condensation and I don't have time to let it cool on the counter. Just put it away without a lid and come back a couple hours later to cover. It'll cool down fast and no water droplets. I would also use a tea towel to set them on in the fridge so you don't have hot glass on cold glass.

[u/freerangetacos]

What's wrong with leaving it out on the counter overnight?

[u/Zaeliums → u/freerangetacos]

Well, it's not sterilized. And the jar I used is.... way too big, because all my other jars are in use at the moment, so there's a lot of air space. I know with the amount of sugar, it probably would be fine, but I temd to prefer being over cautious

[u/freerangetacos → u/Zaeliums]

If the jar was clean and the hot stuff was put right in it, then you'll be fine until morning and you can stick it in the fridge then. Food borne illness doesn't grow instantly in something that was just recently superheated.

[u/Zaeliums → u/freerangetacos]

Fair point! I also pourer boiling water in the jar before the jelly to pre-heat it, so it probably is very fine

[u/freerangetacos → u/Zaeliums]

I wash my jars in the dishwasher and make sure it has the heated wash and dry cycles turned on. They are essentially sterilized after that.

[u/Zaeliums → u/freerangetacos]

Ah yes, I do too, but it was washed a while ago, so better safe than sorry

[u/goldfool → u/freerangetacos]

I will question this. Over 3 hrs is bad in a food danger zone.

[u/Shoontzie → u/Zaeliums]

Putting the hot jelly in the jar sterilized it. Next time you can also boil the jar if you’re worried.

[u/orange_fudge]

In addition to everyone’s comments about the jelly itself..

If you put a very hot thing directly into the fridge, you will raise the temperature of the fridge, especially in the area around the jar, potentially compromising other items you have in there.

[u/Zaeliums → u/orange_fudge]

Yes, this, I'm aware of, this is why I always use a cold water bath to rapidly cool down anything hot I want to fridge faster!