Preserves: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this term when referring to fruit preserved with sugar, where pieces of the fruit are still visible and intact. Often made with whole fruit or large chunks.

• The homemade strawberry preserves are perfect on toast.
• She bought a jar of blueberry preserves from the farmer's market.

This term is better when talking about fruit spreads where the fruit is crushed or mashed but still contains some small chunks or pieces.

• I love spreading raspberry jam on my morning pancakes.
• He decided to make homemade apricot jam.

Jellies are smooth and clear fruit spreads made from fruit juice with no small chunks or pieces of fruit. They have a firm, set texture.

• Grape jelly goes well with peanut butter in a sandwich.
• The kids prefer apple jelly on their toast.

Most commonly associated with citrus fruits, marmalade contains pieces of fruit peel and has a slightly bitter taste along with sweetness.

• Orange marmalade is a traditional British breakfast spread.
• She added a dollop of lemon marmalade to her scone.

Used when keeping something in good condition or continuing to keep a particular state or level.

• It is important to maintain a balanced diet
• The company has managed to maintain its high standards of quality

Often used in the context of carefully using resources to avoid waste, can be used both for natural resources and more abstract resources like energy or time.

• We must conserve water during the drought
• He tries to conserve his energy for the marathon

Used when describing the act of keeping someone or something safe from harm or damage.

• We need to protect our environment from pollution
• She always tries to protect her children from danger