What happens if you add the sugar to your jam before the pectin?

If you add sugar to your jam before the pectin, the sugar can hinder the gelling process because it binds with water, making it less available for the pectin to form a gel. This can result in a runny or less-set jam, as the desired gel structure may not develop properly. For best results, it's recommended to mix the pectin with the fruit first, followed by the sugar at the appropriate time during cooking.