Homemade Black Currant Jam (Printable Version)

Tangy-sweet preserve made with ripe blackcurrants, ideal for spreading or swirling.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruit

01 - 2.2 pounds fresh blackcurrants, cleaned and stems removed

→ Sweetener

02 - 2 pounds granulated sugar

→ Acid

03 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

# Directions:

01 - Place a small plate in the freezer to use later for testing jam consistency.
02 - In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine blackcurrants and lemon juice. Gently crush some berries using a potato masher to release their natural juices.
03 - Add sugar and stir to combine thoroughly. Allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes to further extract juices from the berries.
04 - Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes clear.
05 - Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rapid rolling boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
06 - Boil hard for 10 to 15 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. Test setting point by placing a drop of jam on the chilled plate, waiting 1 minute, then gently pushing with your finger—the jam is ready when it wrinkles.
07 - Remove from heat and let the jam rest for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to distribute the fruit evenly throughout the mixture.
08 - Using a ladle, carefully transfer the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving approximately 0.2 inches of headspace. Seal the jars immediately.
09 - Allow the sealed jars to cool completely at room temperature. Label with the date and store in a cool, dark place.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Uses fresh, simple ingredients for a clean flavor.
  • Naturally rich in pectin for a reliable, thick set.
  • Easy to prepare with no specialist equipment required.
  • Perfect for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
02 -
  • Ensure your jars and lids are thoroughly sterilized before filling.
  • Leave exactly 0.5 cm of headspace to ensure a proper vacuum seal.
  • Let the jam sit for 5 minutes after boiling to ensure the fruit stays evenly dispersed throughout the jar.
  • Once opened, store in the refrigerator and consume within 4 weeks.
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