Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Jam Recipe
- Ease of preparation: This blackberry jam recipe is incredibly simple and quick to make. With just a few ingredients and clear steps like crushing berries gently and boiling with pectin, it’s perfect for beginners or busy cooks seeking a delicious homemade jam without hassle.
- Health benefits: Bursting with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins from fresh blackberries, this jam supports overall wellness. Using natural fruit sweetness and lemon juice enhances both flavor and nutritional value, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatility: This recipe is adaptable to various dietary needs. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, with options to reduce sugar or use pectin alternatives to create low-calorie versions without sacrificing taste.
- Distinctive flavor: The rich, tangy blackberry flavor shines through, balanced perfectly by the subtle tartness of lemon juice and the smooth texture achieved with pectin. This jam elevates toast, yogurt, or desserts with its fresh, vibrant taste.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Jam Recipe
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Blackberry Jam Recipe
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Blackberry Jam Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Blackberry Jam Recipe
- 5. Mastering Blackberry Jam Recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Blackberry Jam Recipe: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Blackberry Jam Recipe
- 8. blackberry jam recipe
Essential Ingredients for Blackberry Jam Recipe
- 5 cups crushed blackberries (fresh or frozen) – provide the rich, tangy fruit base with natural pectin
- 7 cups granulated sugar – sweetens the jam and helps with preservation
- 1 (1 3/4 ounce) package dry pectin – ensures proper gel formation and thick consistency
- Optional: 2 tablespoons lemon juice or zest – enhances flavor and aids in the setting process
Special Dietary Options:
- Vegan: The jam is naturally vegan, using only plant-based ingredients.
- Gluten-free: All ingredients are gluten-free, making it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Low-calorie: Substitute sugar with low-calorie sweeteners like stevia or erythritol to reduce calories while retaining sweetness.
How to Prepare the Perfect Blackberry Jam Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
First Step: Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients
Thoroughly clean and sterilize large jars and a pot (at least 8 quarts) for canning. Gently crush 5 cups of fresh or thawed frozen blackberries with a potato masher, being careful not to puree the fruit completely to maintain texture.
Second Step: Combine Fruit and Pectin
Place the crushed blackberries in the pot. Slowly stir in the dry pectin while stirring constantly to disperse evenly and prevent clumping.
Third Step: Heat and Boil the Mixture
Heat the blackberry and pectin mixture over high heat, stirring continuously until it comes to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. This step is crucial for activating the pectin and achieving the right jam consistency.
Fourth Step: Add Sugar and Cook Further
Add all 7 cups of sugar at once, stirring well to dissolve. Bring the mixture back to a full hard boil and maintain for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Avoid boiling longer than specified to prevent texture breakdown.
Fifth Step: Remove Foam and Fill Jars
Remove from heat and skim off any foam on the surface to improve clarity and texture of the finished jam. Carefully ladle hot jam into hot, sterilized 8-ounce jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace at the top.
Sixth Step: Seal and Process!
Wipe jar rims clean, place lids on top, and screw on rings fingertip tight. Process jars in a boiling water bath where water covers jars by at least 1 inch for 10 minutes (adjust time for altitude if necessary).
Final Step: Cool, Seal, and Store
Remove jars from the boiling water bath and set upright on a towel to cool completely for 12 to 24 hours. After cooling, check seals – lids should not flex up and down. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place or refrigerate once opened. Use within weeks for the best flavor, or freeze portions for longer storage.
| Step | Action | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crush berries and stir in pectin | 5 |
| 2 | Bring to full rolling boil | 5-7 |
| 3 | Add sugar & maintain boil | 1 |
| 4 | Fill jars and process in boiling water bath | 10 |
| 5 | Cool and seal jars | 12-24 hours |
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Blackberry Jam Recipe
Protein and Main Component Alternatives
As a fruit-based jam, there are no protein components to substitute. However, you can switch blackberries with other similar fruits like blueberries or raspberries to vary flavor and texture while maintaining the jam’s consistency.
Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
- Add a small amount of cinnamon or vanilla extract for flavor depth.
- Use fresh herbs such as mint or basil to provide aromatic notes.
- Replace lemon juice with apple cider vinegar or orange zest for different acidity and aroma.
- Adjust sweetness by using honey or natural low-calorie sweeteners like stevia to accommodate dietary needs.
Mastering Blackberry Jam Recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations
- Pro cooking techniques: Use a candy thermometer to monitor the boiling point (220°F to 221°F) for perfect gel formation and texture.
- Flavor variations: Introduce orange zest, fresh ginger, or a pinch of lavender to create unique, aromatic jam variations.
- Presentation tips: Store jam in decorative jars and label with batch date. Garnish servings with whole fresh blackberries and a sprig of mint for a visually appealing presentation.
- Make-ahead options: Cook larger batches and freeze smaller portions to save preparation time while enjoying fresh-tasting jam later.
How to Store Blackberry Jam Recipe: Best Practices
Refrigeration
After opening, keep blackberry jam refrigerated and consume within 2-3 weeks to enjoy optimal freshness and prevent spoilage.
Freezing
Freeze jam in airtight containers or freezer-safe jars to extend shelf life. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to maintain best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm jam gently on the stove or microwave to restore spreadability if it thickens too much, taking care not to overheat and degrade flavor.
Meal prep considerations
If making jam in bulk for later use, label jars clearly with preparation date and batch number to organize and rotate usage efficiently.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Blackberry Jam Recipe
Can I use frozen blackberries to make blackberry jam?
Yes, frozen blackberries are suitable for making jam and often mash more easily than fresh berries. For best results, partially thaw the berries before mashing. Keep in mind that frozen berries may release more liquid, so you might need to cook the jam slightly longer to reach the desired thickness. Adjust sugar amounts based on your taste preference, since frozen berries can sometimes be less sweet.
How can I make seedless blackberry jam?
To prepare seedless blackberry jam, pass mashed blackberries through a food mill or push them through a fine mesh strainer to remove seeds. Avoid adding any seeds back into the mixture. This method creates a smoother texture while preserving the fruit’s natural flavors. Cooking the seedless puree with sugar and pectin or by natural thickening will yield a delicious jam with no seeds.
What is the best way to know when blackberry jam is thick enough?
A simple way to test jam thickness is the cold plate test. Spoon a small amount of hot jam onto a chilled plate and let it cool for a minute. Then, push the edge with your finger; if the jam wrinkles and holds its shape without running, it’s ready. The jam typically reaches this gel stage at about 220°F to 221°F (104°C to 105°C). Avoid undercooking to prevent runny jam.
How long should I process blackberry jam jars to safely preserve them?
After filling sterilized jars with hot jam and sealing with lids, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes at sea level. If you are canning at higher altitudes, increase the processing time: add 5 minutes for 1,001–3,000 feet, 10 minutes for 3,001–6,000 feet, 15 minutes for 6,001–8,000 feet, and 20 minutes for 8,001–10,000 feet. This step is essential to kill bacteria and create a vacuum seal for safe storage.
Can I make blackberry jam without adding commercial pectin?
Yes, blackberry jam can be made without commercial pectin because blackberries naturally contain pectin. To achieve a firm set, cook the mixture longer to allow natural thickening. Use the cold plate test to check if the jam gels properly. Note that omitting pectin may result in a softer texture and requires more attention during cooking to avoid overcooking or burning.
blackberry jam recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 6 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
🌿 Blackberry Jam Recipe captures the fresh, vibrant flavor of blackberries for year-round enjoyment.
🍓 This homemade jam is perfect for spreading, cooking, or pairing with savory dishes like steak and shrimp stir fry for a unique twist.
Ingredients
5 cups crushed blackberries
7 cups granulated sugar
1 package dry pectin
2 tablespoons lemon juice or zest
Instructions
1-First Step: Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients Thoroughly clean and sterilize large jars and a pot (at least 8 quarts) for canning. Gently crush 5 cups of fresh or thawed frozen blackberries with a potato masher, being careful not to puree the fruit completely to maintain texture.
2-Second Step: Combine Fruit and Pectin Place the crushed blackberries in the pot. Slowly stir in the dry pectin while stirring constantly to disperse evenly and prevent clumping.
3-Third Step: Heat and Boil the Mixture Heat the blackberry and pectin mixture over high heat, stirring continuously until it comes to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. This step is crucial for activating the pectin and achieving the right jam consistency.
4-Fourth Step: Add Sugar and Cook Further Add all 7 cups of sugar at once, stirring well to dissolve. Bring the mixture back to a full hard boil and maintain for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Avoid boiling longer than specified to prevent texture breakdown.
5-Fifth Step: Remove Foam and Fill Jars Remove from heat and skim off any foam on the surface to improve clarity and texture of the finished jam. Carefully ladle hot jam into hot, sterilized 8-ounce jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace at the top.
6-Sixth Step: Seal and Process! Wipe jar rims clean, place lids on top, and screw on rings fingertip tight. Process jars in a boiling water bath where water covers jars by at least 1 inch for 10 minutes (adjust time for altitude if necessary).
7-Final Step: Cool, Seal, and Store Remove jars from the boiling water bath and set upright on a towel to cool completely for 12 to 24 hours. After cooling, check seals – lids should not flex up and down. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place or refrigerate once opened. Use within weeks for the best flavor, or freeze portions for longer storage.
Notes
🍋 Add lemon juice or zest to enhance flavor and aid the setting process.
🥄 For a smoother texture, strain the cooked jam through a wire strainer or food mill.
🫙 Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized and processed for safe preservation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Processing Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Preserve
- Method: Boiling, Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 80 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 80 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Blackberry Jam, Steak, Shrimp, Stir Fry