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 ClearJel and Corn Strach to Use as Thickeners In Homemade Canned Pie Fillings
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Notes About Clear Jel or Ordinary Corn Starch in Making Homemade Canned Pie Fillings

ClearJelŽ is a corn starch that has been modified to give it special and unique characteristics when used in food products. Here is what the USDA says about it:

"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 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, and foods thickened with ClearJelŽ may be frozen."

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

The USDA goes on to say:

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

Note: I've never seen "Instant ClearJelŽ" or "ClearJel AŽ" for sale, so I don't think there is a great danger of getting the wrong type.

Where to get ClearJel

ClearJel is not commonly available in local stores, but it is available online and it is inexpensive and lasts a long time. Here's where to get it!  Just click on the photo below for more information:

Remember to ALWAYS call the farm or orchard BEFORE you go - weather, heavy picking and business conditions can always affect their hours and crops!

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