Homemade Blackberry Jam: A Delicious and Easy Canning Recipe
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the sweet and juicy flavors of blackberries, and what better way to preserve their goodness than by making homemade blackberry jam? This recipe is easy to follow and yields a delicious, spreadable jam perfect for enjoying on toast, biscuits, or as a topping for yogurt and ice cream.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups blackberries, fresh or frozen
- 4 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
Equipment:
- Large saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Canning jars and lids
- Jar lifter
- Water bath canner
- Pot holder
- Ladle
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Blackberries:
- Wash and remove any stems from the blackberries.
- If using frozen blackberries, thaw them completely before proceeding.
2. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
3. Cook the Jam:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam reaches setting point.
- To test for setting point, place a small amount of jam on a chilled plate. If it gels quickly when cooled, it's ready.
4. Prepare the Jars:
- Wash and sterilize the canning jars and lids in boiling water for 10 minutes.
5. Fill the Jars:
- Carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth.
- Place the lids on the jars and tighten the bands.
6. Process the Jars:
- Fill the water bath canner with enough water to cover the jars by 1-2 inches.
- Bring the water to a boil and then carefully lower the jars into the canner, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Process the jars for 10 minutes, ensuring the water remains boiling throughout.
7. Cool and Store:
- Carefully remove the jars from the canner using a jar lifter and place them on a clean towel to cool completely.
- Once cool, check the lids for a good seal. The lids should be slightly concave and not pop back up when pressed.
- Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
Tips:
- For a thicker jam, add a tablespoon of pectin to the mixture before cooking.
- If you prefer a less sweet jam, reduce the sugar by 1/2 cup.
- Experiment with adding different spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger, to enhance the flavor.
- To ensure proper sealing, follow the instructions for processing time carefully.
Enjoy your homemade blackberry jam! It’s a perfect treat to enjoy all year round, reminding you of those sweet summer days.
