I agree with your opinion on the fruit. My last batch had pineapple and mango and it seemed a bit odd tasting. My next batch up has no fruit so will be able to see the difference.
Just processed my first two ferments and they turned out well. I did add vinegar to get the flavour i wanted and pressure canned the entire lot in pint jars.
Putting on a couple more red hab ferments today.....
Ive never used powder pectin. Everthing ive read suggests using whatever is specified. If you get it wrong the jelly never sets.
It is a small recipe. I got 7 1/4 pint jars. I usually make two or three batches, one after another.
Ive made 8 or so different recipes and here's what Ive found:
Using a proven recipe and following the measurements exaclty is key
With any jam/jelly recipe, use the the called for pectin type (some use liquid, some use powder)
Don't double recipes, make two batches if you have to.
Nothing...
I used the bottled chopped garlic in my first mash. I went with raw fresh garlic in my second after reading the chopped stuff has a bunch of perservatives in it!!!