How to make blackcurrant jam
Blackcurrant jam is a delicious and versatile spread that can be enjoyed on a variety of baked goods or used as a filling for pastries. Making your own homemade blackcurrant jam is not only easy, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and customize the taste to your liking.
To start making blackcurrant jam, you will first need to gather fresh and ripe blackcurrants. Choose currants that are plump and deep purple in color, as this indicates they are fully ripe and packed with flavor.
Next, wash the blackcurrants thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Once cleaned, remove the stems from the currants and discard any mushy or unripe ones. It is crucial to use only ripe blackcurrants to ensure the best flavor in your jam.
After preparing the blackcurrants, you will need to measure them to determine the amount of sugar you will need. Usually, the ratio of blackcurrant to sugar is 1:1, meaning you will need an equal amount of fruit and sugar. However, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preferences.
Note: Blackcurrants are naturally high in pectin, a natural thickening agent. This makes it unnecessary to add additional pectin to your jam. However, adding lemon juice to the mixture will enhance the natural pectin content and help achieve a better set.
Step-by-step guide on how to make blackcurrant jam
Making homemade blackcurrant jam is a delightful and fulfilling process. The tart and sweet flavors of blackcurrants combined with the rich texture of the jam make for a delicious spread. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make blackcurrant jam:
Step 1: Gathering the ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1kg of blackcurrants
- 800g of granulated sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
Step 2: Preparing the blackcurrants
Wash the blackcurrants thoroughly, then remove any stems and leaves. If needed, remove any blemishes or damaged berries.
Step 3: Cooking the blackcurrants
Place the blackcurrants in a large saucepan or preserving pan. Add the lemon juice and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the blackcurrants are soft and have released their juices.
Step 4: Adding the sugar
Add the sugar to the blackcurrants and stir until it is completely dissolved. Increase the heat to medium-high, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the jam thickens to the desired consistency. You can test the jam’s readiness by placing a small amount on a cold plate and checking if it wrinkles when pushed with a finger.
Step 5: Sterilization and jarring
While the jam is cooking, prepare sterilized jars and lids by washing them in hot soapy water, rinsing thoroughly, and placing them in an oven preheated to 140°C for 10 minutes. Once the jam is ready, carefully pour it into the sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top. Seal the jars immediately with the sterilized lids and allow them to cool at room temperature.
Step 6: Enjoying your blackcurrant jam
Your homemade blackcurrant jam is now ready to be enjoyed! Spread it on toast, scones, or use it as a delicious filling in cakes and pastries. Store the unopened jars in a cool, dry place, and once opened, refrigerate and consume within a few weeks for maximum freshness.
Now that you have learned how to make blackcurrant jam, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor and share this delightful treat with your loved ones.
Gather the ingredients
Before you begin making blackcurrant jam, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Blackcurrants
Start with fresh, ripe blackcurrants. You’ll need about 2 kilograms to make a batch of jam. Make sure to wash them thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves.
2. Sugar
Sugar is a crucial ingredient in any jam recipe as it helps to preserve the fruit and create a sweet taste. You’ll need a ratio of 1:1 with the blackcurrants, so 2 kilograms of sugar should do the trick.
3. Lemon juice
Lemon juice serves two purposes in blackcurrant jam – it adds acidity to help with the setting process and it helps to enhance the overall flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best, and you’ll need the juice of 1-2 lemons.
4. Water
A small amount of water is needed to help dissolve the sugar and create a syrupy consistency. You’ll need about 100 milliliters of water.
Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can proceed with the steps to make delicious blackcurrant jam!
Prepare the blackcurrants
Before starting to make blackcurrant jam, it’s important to properly prepare the blackcurrants. Follow these steps:
1. Wash the blackcurrants
Start by washing the blackcurrants thoroughly. Use a sieve or colander to remove any dirt or debris. This step is necessary to clean the berries before cooking.
2. Remove the stems
Once the blackcurrants are cleaned, remove the stems from each berry. This can be done by gently pulling or twisting the stem until it comes off. Discard the stems as they are not needed for making the jam.
Tip: You can use a fork to easily remove the stems without squishing the berries.
After preparing the blackcurrants, you can move on to the next step of the blackcurrant jam-making process.
Cook the blackcurrants
To make blackcurrant jam, you need to cook the blackcurrants. Cooking the blackcurrants will release their juices and help thicken the jam. Follow these steps to cook the blackcurrants:
- Wash the blackcurrants thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Remove any stems or leaves from the blackcurrants.
- Place the cleaned blackcurrants in a large pan or saucepan.
- Add a small amount of water to the pan, just enough to cover the bottom.
- Heat the pan over medium heat and bring the blackcurrants to a simmer.
- Simmer the blackcurrants for about 15-20 minutes, or until they become soft and mushy.
- Mix the blackcurrants occasionally while cooking to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
- As the blackcurrants cook, their juices will start to release and the mixture will become more liquid.
- Once the blackcurrants have cooked down and softened, remove the pan from heat and let it cool slightly.
Now that you have cooked the blackcurrants, they are ready to be transformed into delicious and flavorful blackcurrant jam.
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