Blackberry jam is a delicious and versatile spread that can be enjoyed on toast, scones, or even as a glaze for meats. Making your own jam may seem daunting, but it is actually quite simple and rewarding. In this recipe, we'll show you step-by-step how to make a delicious blackberry jam that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
To make blackberry jam, you'll need the following ingredients: - 1 kg blackberries - 750 g granulated sugar - juice of 1 lemon
Choosing Your Blackberries
When choosing blackberries for your jam, look for ripe, plump berries that are deep purple in color. Avoid berries that are mushy or discolored. You can use fresh or frozen blackberries for this recipe, but fresh berries will give you the best flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Sterilize Your Jars
Before you start making your jam, you'll need to sterilize your jars. Wash your jars and lids in hot soapy water, then rinse them thoroughly. Place the jars and lids on a baking sheet and put them in the oven at 140°C for 20 minutes to sterilize them.
Step 2: Prepare Your Blackberries
Wash your blackberries and remove any stems or leaves. Place them in a large saucepan and crush them with a potato masher or fork. You can leave some of the berries whole for a chunkier jam, or crush them all for a smoother texture.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Lemon Juice
Add the sugar and lemon juice to the saucepan with the blackberries and stir well. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Step 4: Test for Setting Point
To test if your jam has reached the setting point, put a small amount of the jam on a cold plate and place it in the fridge for a few minutes. If the jam wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it has reached the setting point. If not, continue to simmer the jam and test it again in a few minutes.
Step 5: Fill Your Jars
Once your jam has reached the setting point, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully spoon the jam into your sterilized jars using a ladle or funnel, leaving a 1 cm gap at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth and seal them tightly with the lids.
Step 6: Store Your Jam
Store your blackberry jam in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, store it in the fridge and use within a month.
Nutrition
This recipe makes approximately 3-4 jars of blackberry jam, depending on the size of your jars. Each tablespoon of jam contains around 50 calories and 12 grams of sugar. While jam is a delicious treat, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Making your own blackberry jam is a fun and rewarding experience that anyone can do. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious spread that is perfect for breakfast, snacks, and even desserts. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your homemade blackberry jam?