Clear Jel for Pie Fillings

[Molly53]

ClearJel is a corn starch that has been modified to give it special and unique characteristics when used in food products. It can be used for canned fruit pie fillings because it does not break down in the acid food mixtures and does not thicken enough during heat processing to interfere with the intended effect of the heat on killing bacteria during canning. It's the last item in the last sentence that the Extension Service is worried about in relation to home canning.

ClearJel's density is designed into it, so it will allow heat penetration without any changes to the foods processing time. It is preferred for thickening canned pie fillings as well as other foods over other corn starches because it has less or no aftertaste, the thickened juices are smooth and clear, it will not separate and foods thickened with ClearJel may be frozen.

Before assembling the other ingredients, including fresh fruits, to make the pie fillings in Extension Service canning recommendations, check to see if you will be able to get ClearJel.

There is no substitution for ClearJel that can be made in these particular recipes. This means do not use other corn starch, flour, tapioca, or other thickener in Extension Service recipes. You also must use ClearJel and not Instant ClearJel, ClearJel A, any other form of ClearJel, or any other modified corn starch.

The marketing plans being discussed for ClearJel at the time the Extension Service home-canned pie filling recipes were developed have never materialized. Unfortunately, ClearJel is available only through a few supply outlets and is not currently available in traditional grocery stores. Some bulk food stores or cooperatives may carry it; be sure you are getting ClearJel.

Note: There are about 3 cups in 1 pound of ClearJel. Extension fruit pie filling recipes take about 1 - 2 cups per 6-7 quarts of pie filling.

Some sources as of this time:
Barry Farm Foods,
20086 Mudsock Road,
Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895.
419-741-0155
FAX: [phone]
Cost: 16 oz - $3.19 Item #MO12

Mail or phone order only:
The Ingredient Store.com (Division of Ames Company, Inc.)
P.O. Box 46
New Ringgold, PA 17960
1-570-386-2131
www.theingredientstore.com
Cost: 16 oz $7.95 Item# 312-16
50# - $106.54
(Normally shipped within 2-3 weeks from receipt of order.)

Kitchen Krafts
P.O. Box 442
Waukon, IA 52170
1-800-776-0575
www.kitchenkrafts.com
Cost: 1 lb $6.50 Item# IN0900
5 lb $31.95 Item# IN0903
(Shipping: $5.95 for up to $14.99 worth of purchase.
Typical turn around is 1-2 days plus shipping time.)

Walton Feed, Inc.
135 North 10th P.O. Box 307
Montpelier, ID 83254
1-800-847-0465
www.waltonfeed.com
Cost: 17 oz can $6.60 Item# U141
64 oz can $16.05 Item# J141
25 lb bag $46.45 Item# B085
(Typical turn around is 1-2 days plus shipping time.)

My Spice Sage
http://www.myspicesage.com
4 oz. $4.25
16 oz. $12.25
5 Pounds $35.75
10 Pounds $47.25
50 Pounds $145.75
Free shipping within the US on all orders


For Australians, Col Flo 67 or Firm-Tex appear to be the closest equivalents if ClearJel is unavailable.
Firm-tex comes in a 22.7kg package for $98.05 and should be available at either Southways or Grande Foods in W.A.

Bakels Australia
Col Flo 67 Item Number: #358302
25kg bag (I couldn't find a price)

Canadians can order ClearJel from
Golda's Kitchen Inc.
2885 Argentia Rd Unit 6
Mississauga, Ontario L5N 8G6
Canada
905-816-9995
1-866-GOLDA-99 (1-866-465-3299)
www.goldaskitchen.com
RETAIL STORE INFORMATION
500g - C$6.00 Product Code: GK6001

THESE PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME

edited: 1/8/2012

[jln's mom]

Thanks for the info, this has always confused me with the different types, you have cleared that up though. Thanks

[Zeldaz]

Judging by all the inquiries about this last season, this info might make a good sticky.

[Molly53]

Zeldaz wrote:
Judging by all the inquiries about this last season, this info might make a good sticky.

You're right.

I thought it was better to be proactive with the information so that folks could get ready/get the ClearJel ordered for the upcoming canning season.

[Molly53]

It's time again to consider ordering ClearJel for the upcoming canning season.