In four weekly installments, Glenda Hyde, family community health staff with the Oregon State University Extension Service in Redmond, offers practical and safe food storage and handling tips for common household perishables.

Week four: Jams and jellies

Mold on jams and jellies was once thought to be safely scooped off the surface. However, we now know that when mold is present in these sweet treats, it has invisible root systems that extend through the whole jar. Discard moldy jams, jellies and spreads entirely.