Jams and jellies are a little indulgence that don't cost much, either in money or health.
They are relatively low in calories as a spread for bread. According to the International Jelly and Preserve Association, a tablespoon of butter has 102 calories and 12 grams of fat. But a tablespoon of jelly has only 48 calories and zero fat.
In 1897 in the U.S., Jerome Smucker began the company that would eventually come to be associated with sweet jams and jellies. That, he founded an Ohio cider mill to press apples and make apple butter.
In 1917, the founder of another famous brand got the first patent on grape jam. Paul Welch sold his recipe for "grapelade" to the U.S. Army and it was a hit among soldiers.
Today, there are dozens, if not hundreds of jams and jellies on the market, with typical flavors such as grape and strawberry (the most popular flavor), to kiwi, pomegranate and even dandelion.
