Easy Blackberry Jam Recipe

Who doesn’t love a jar of delicious homemade blackberry jam? It’s a versatile spread that can be enjoyed on toast, scones, pancakes, or even as a topping for ice cream. Plus, it’s a great way to use abundant fresh blackberries during summer. Making jam at home may seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a batch of mouth-watering blackberry jam that will rival any store-bought version. This article will guide you through making delicious blackberry jam at home.

Canning Blackberry Jam at Home

Here is a step-by-step recipe for making blackberry jam at home.

Ingredients

To make blackberry jam, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 cups of fresh blackberries
2 cups of granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
½ teaspoon of butter

You may also want to add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for added flavor. Make sure to use ripe and firm blackberries for the best results.

Instructions

Now, let’s get into the process of making delicious blackberry jam:

Start by sterilizing your jars and lids in boiling water for 10 minutes. Make sure they are dehydrated before use.
Wash the blackberries and remove any stems or leaves. Gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Combine the blackberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a large saucepan. Stir well and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the berries to release their juices.
Place the saucepan on medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to medium-low once it reaches a rolling boil. At this point, you can also add a pinch of cinnamon or a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Continue cooking and stirring for about 20-25 minutes until the mixture thickens. To check if the jam is ready, place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes, then drop a spoonful of jam onto the cold plate. If it thickens and wrinkles when pushed, the jam is ready. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
Add half a teaspoon of butter to the mixture and stir. This will help reduce foam and give the jam a glossy texture.
Turn off the heat and let the jam cool for 5 minutes before transferring it into the sterilized jars. Fill the jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean and seal the jars tightly with the lids.
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to properly seal them. Remove the jars and let them cool completely before storing them in a cool, dry place.

Congratulations, you have successfully made delicious blackberry jam at home! Now, you can enjoy it on your favorite dishes or give it as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Conclusion

Making delicious blackberry jam at home may seem daunting, but it’s simple. With this easy recipe and a few tips and tricks, you can create a perfect batch of blackberry jam bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to preserve the taste of summer for the colder months. So, next time you have an abundance of blackberries, try making your homemade jam and impress your family and friends with your jam-making skills!

FAQs

Yes, you can use frozen blackberries for making jam. Just make sure to thaw them before use and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet jam. However, it may affect the consistency and shelf life of the jam.

If properly sealed, homemade blackberry jam can last up to 1 year in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Yes, you can use this recipe to make jam with other types of berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.

You can skip the water bath canning method and store the jam in the refrigerator for immediate use. However, if you want to store the jam for a longer period, it’s best to use the water bath canning method.