Given below are two statements: Assertion (A): Lemon is not suitable for jam making. Reason (R): Jam is prepared by boiling fruit with a sufficient quantity of sugar (minimum 68%) to a reasonable thick consistency.

Correct option is A

Lemon is unsuitable for jam preparation because its excess acidity and low pulp content negatively affect gel formation and product quality. Jam preparation requires adequate sugar concentration and suitable fruit composition to achieve proper thickness and preservation. The reason explains the fundamental principle of jam preparation, which indirectly clarifies why lemon fails to meet jam-making requirements. Therefore, both the assertion and the reason are true, and R correctly explains A.
Information booster: High sugar concentration in jam acts as a preservative by reducing microbial growth and water activity. Fruit composition directly influences gel formation, flavour stability, and shelf life of processed products. Highly acidic fruits like lemon are more suitable for pickles, squashes, and beverages rather than jams. Fruit processing techniques are largely determined by the chemical composition of raw materials.
Why other options are incorrect: (b) This option is incorrect because the reason supports the assertion logically. (c) This option is incorrect because both the assertion and the reason are true. (d) This option is incorrect because the assertion itself is not false.