gloria p wrote:

>
> A few days ago, wandering through my local supermarket (in
> the Kroger
> chain) I noticed the preserving products. With a sinking
> heart, I
> saw packages of Sure-Jel (one-batch size) for $3.89! OMG,
> after you factor in the price of sugar, even if you grow
> your own fruit, the price of jam making is no longer a
> bargain.
>
> Of course, when you look at commercial jams and even the
> farmers' market locally made, they are hovering at $5-10
> per jar.
>
> Ball pectin, in their online store, is still listed at
> $.99/pkg. I may have to plan ahead and buy online this
> year.
>
> gloria p

You're right, it is painful to see.

I've noticed price increases on all sorts of ingredients over
just the past few months.

It's to the point that it's no longer a savings to make/do things
yourself. The quality of the homemade product is usually better,
but the price no longer is.

Just one more reason it will be harder and harder to teach the
next generation how to do things like canning, preserving, and
baking for themselves. They won't see the value in spending
the time or money on all of the ingredients and the equipment.

Nyssa, who still tries to do a lot homemade anyway