Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɛlɪ bˈaɡ] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of "jelly bag" is /ˈdʒɛli bæɡ/. The word "jelly" is spelled with a "y" because it comes from the Old French word "gelée" which means "frozen juice". The word "bag" is spelled with an "a" because the "a" sound in the final syllable is pronounced with a short vowel sound. A jelly bag is a fine mesh bag used to strain fruit pulp from liquid when making jams, jellies, and other preserves.
A jelly bag refers to a specialized straining device often used in cooking and preserving to prepare clear, strained liquids or semi-solids, particularly fruit juices and jellies. Typically made of fine, closely-woven mesh fabric, resembling a bag or pouch, a jelly bag is designed to separate the liquid or pulp of fruits from their fibers and solids, providing a smooth, clarified consistency to the end product.
The jelly bag is commonly utilized as a part of the canning and preserving process. After boiling or heating fruits, the cooked mixture is transferred into the jelly bag. Hung over a pot or a stand, the liquid is then left to strain naturally through the mesh, ensuring that seeds, pips, skins, and other undesired components are retained within the bag. The length of time required for straining depends on the desired result; a longer period allows for a more refined, pulp-free juice or jelly.
Jelly bags are versatile tools preferred by amateur cooks as well as professionals due to their simplicity and effectiveness. They are often used alongside other equipment such as bowls, pots, and utensils in the process of making various fruit-based delicacies including jams, jellies, cordials, and syrups. By using a jelly bag, home cooks can achieve a higher quality product with smoother textures, enhanced flavors, and prolonged shelf life.
The word "jelly bag" has a straightforward etymology.
First, let's break down the term:
- "Jelly" refers to a semisolid substance that is usually sweet and made by boiling fruit juice with sugar and pectin.
- "Bag" refers to a flexible container typically made of fabric, plastic, or mesh, used for holding or straining ingredients.
When combined, "jelly bag" simply means a bag or sack specifically designed for straining the juice from fruits or other ingredients in order to make jelly.
The etymology of each individual word is as follows:
- "Jelly" comes from the Old French word "gelée", meaning "frost" or "congealed". It ultimately traces back to the Latin word "gelare", which means "to freeze" or "to congeal".
