Blackberry Jam Canning Recipe
- Marie Overton
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
If you enjoy sweet spreads, homemade blackberry jam offers unparalleled satisfaction. It not only tastes much better than store-bought versions, but making it at home also lets you manage the ingredients. Additionally, canning your jam ensures you can savor that fruity treat throughout the year.
Why Make blackberry Jam?
Blackberries are a delicious summer treat, but they become scarce and expensive during colder months. By making blackberry jam, you capture the fresh taste, letting you savor summer flavors year-round. Data indicates that homemade jams can be about 50% cheaper than those bought in stores, which frequently include artificial ingredients. Still unsure? Homemade blackberry jam serves as a considerate gift. A basic jar of your own creation expresses care and effort in a way that store-bought options cannot.
Ingredients You Will Need
Before you start cooking, gather the ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
Blackberries: 5 cups mashed. (Frozen blackberries work too, but ensure they are fully thawed before mashing.)
Granulated Sugar: 5 cups. This high sugar content helps preserve the jam.
Pectin: 6 tablespoons classic pectin.
Butter: 1/2 teaspoon. (This is an option step but it reduces the foaming of the jam.)
Making the Jam
Follow these straightforward steps to create your delicious blackberry jam:
Mash Blackberries: In a large pot, mash the blackberries with a potato masher.
Add Pectin and butter: Mix pectin and butter in with the mashed berries.
Cook the Mixture: Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a boil while stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Add Sugar: Once it boils, quickly add all the sugar. Stir until it completely dissolves, then return to a rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute.
Canning the Jam
Now for the fun part—canning your jam! Follow these steps to store it properly:
Fill the Jars: Using a ladle, carefully fill each half pint jar with hot jam, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace.
Seal the Jars: Clean the rims with a clean cloth to ensure a good seal. Place lids on top and screw rings on until they are fingertip-tight.
(For quality, American made Superb canning lids and jars follow this link and use the coupon code WP20 to get 20% off your purchase.)
Process the Jars: Place the jars in a boiling water canner, covering them with 1-2 inches of water. Process for 10 minutes at sea level. (Adjust the processing time if you are above 1000 feet.)
After processing, allow to cool in the water bath with the heat off and the lid removed for 5 minutes.
Cool and Store: Remove jars from the canner and let them cool on a heat resistant surface about 1-2 inches apart so they can cool a little faster. Allow them to sit undisturbed for 24 hours so that they can get a nice seal. you know they are sealed if the little "button" in the center of the lid is depressed down.
Place the sealed jars in a cool, dry area and use them within the next 3 years. After that, the nutritional value begins to decrease.
Ways to Enjoy Your Blackberry Jam
Once you’re ready to enjoy your homemade blackberry jam, the options are endless! Here are some delightful ways to use it:
Spread on Toast: A timeless option! Liberally apply it to fresh bread or bagels for breakfast.
In Baking: Add a spoonful to muffin batter or swirl it into cupcakes for a fruity surprise.
With Yogurt: Add a spoonful to your morning yogurt or oatmeal to enhance the flavor.
Savory Pairing: Accompany cheese with blackberry jam to create a delicious cheese platter, ideally enhancing the flavors of brie and goat cheese.
A Final Word on Your Jam-Making Adventure
In the realm of jams, blackberry jam occupies a unique place. It embodies a labor of love, capturing the sweet essence of summer. With some patience, you can savor it whenever you desire. Whether on breakfast spreads, in sweet treats, or anything else, your homemade jam is sure to impress.
Comments