Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption
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tahir
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Plastic jam jars?We're making some jam for a hostel in the east end. They're feeding 600 people daily so the number of jars they need to open and dispose of is an issue, for us it's filling time and cost. Are there plastic tubs or jars that you could fill with jam straight from the pan, or would they just melt?
Any other issues or ideas?
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Shan
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Could you perhaps put the jam into vacuum pack bags? I often do that with sauce, coulis, compotes and stock and never bother cooling them down. You need to squish the air out and seal as opposed to vacuuming.
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tahir
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I have got a vacuum pack thingy that I've never used but won't it be a bit squishy to serve from?
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tahir
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I guess if this is microwave safe it'd be safe to stick hot jam into?
https://www.ampulla.co.uk/Plastic-Food-Pots-&-Tubs/1000ml-Clear-Round-Plastic-Food-Pot--White-Handle-And-TE-Lid-SP/p-206-2778/
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Shan
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I would imagine it would be fine for jam.
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Shan
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I have got a vacuum pack thingy that I've never used but won't it be a bit squishy to serve from? |
Cut a corner, squeeze the jam out into a dish. Unfortunately, there is some wastage. I think your microwave proof plastic containers look like the better option, although vac bags are more easily disposable (take up less space).
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sgt.colon
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Do they have to dispose of the jars (if you used glass) could they not just return them to you?
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tahir
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Do they have to dispose of the jars (if you used glass) could they not just return them to you? |
It's just they'd have to store them till I got back there, which might not be for ages.
tahir
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I would imagine it would be fine for jam. |
I think I'll give them a go
dpack
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would 5 ltr containers be best?
my haphazard maths and "reasoning" :
roughly 50 portions per kilo ie about 10 k per meal if a few folk don't like jam or 15 kg per meal if there are some avid jam fans
a 5kg size gives less packaging at both ends and manageable pans of hot jam
re plastic the single portion jams for the hospitality trades are packed in plastic so a "safe" ec marked container for bulk jam seems plausible
the blue 25 lt screw lid tubs would be ok for jam (they are fine for chutneys ,marmalades etc etc ) but they are a bit big for hand made produce (25kg of boiling jam is a scary prospect without industrial kit ) and too large for that number of diners to use at one sitting unless a massive jam rolypoly was involved .
iirc similar tubs in smaller sizes are available, perhaps a suitable size of plastic screw or snap top containers can be obtained fairly easily and in terms of time saving using bigger "jars" might cover any added expense.
using new containers with the correct designation for catering size jam use does avoid any unpleasantness in relation to food regs etc etc .
plastic will reduce breakages and 5kg size should reduce waste.
the used tubs would make an excellent "dry box" for a rough sleeper or storage jar for the catering kitchen
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tahir
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would 5 ltr containers be best? |
may be but I've ordered them now 
dpack
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a possible thought for next time and for any folk thinking of bulk jamming 
when i was doing the maths i also established that 5 kg would last 3 of us over a year 
well done for helping them feed hungry folk with decent food.
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Nick
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5kg tubs sound great but they're going to hold the heat for a loooong time. I wouldn't fill them warm Unless I was certain they were heat proof.
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Nick
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I have got a vacuum pack thingy that I've never used but won't it be a bit squishy to serve from? |
You can put the bag in a tub and turn the edges out over the top.
tahir
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5kg tubs sound great but they're going to hold the heat for a loooong time. I wouldn't fill them warm Unless I was certain they were heat proof. |
Very true
mochyn
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Hello  See you in a couple of weeks?
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sean
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Hello See you in a couple of weeks? |
Helpful as ever I see.
tahir
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Yep (to both)
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tahir
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Well that was a lot easier, 7kg of plums 7kg of sugar into 4 plastic tubs. They were very flexible for a while but they look fine this morning
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Shan
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Excellent. I don't think you'd want to go any bigger... too much heat.
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