Anyone use the method of making jelly that's listed in the Rodale Press book "Stocking Up"

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I have an old Rodale Press book by the name of 'Stocking Up -How To Preserve The Foods You Grow Naturally'coyrighted 1977. Several of the jelly/jam/ preserve recipes call for honey and a 'bonemeal-lemon' solution. This solution is made by: combining 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon of powdered bonemeal and 1/4 cup of water---Mix well and leave for 30 minutes or until dissolved.

Anyone ever use this method? Is it safe? And what is low-methoxyl pectin? thanks for any help. Deb

-- Debbie T in N.C. (rdtyner@mindspring.com), June 05, 2001

Answers

The part about the bonemeal bothers me somewhat. I've read that in England people are strongly advised to wear good fitting masks when applying bonemeal to their gardens as it can cause serious health problems if ingested! I know a lady whose husband was diagnosed with cancer a period of time after he applied bonemeal in their garden and accidentally inhaled a bunch. This lady is a nurse and she feels that there was a connection. Your copy of the book was published in 1977. I'd be curious to see if a more recent copy has deleted the bonemeal from the recipe. Your local library probably has one.

-- debra in ks (solid-dkn@msn.com), June 05, 2001.

Hi, I just read the other day in the newspaper. that bone meal which mostly comes from England, is not safe because of mad cow disease. and the goes for bone meal in the health food stores too. Irene

-- Irene texas (tkorsborn@cs.com), June 05, 2001.

I made the honeyed strawberry jam with the l-m pectin bought at the health food store. Its like the Jolly Rancher of jams, INTENSE strawberry flavor, perhaps better adapted to drizzling over pound cake than morning toast. Very good.

-- Lynn (lynnannmb@hotmail.com), June 06, 2001.

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