Ingredients
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- 16 cups blackcurrants
- 10 cups granulated sugar
- 8 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 tsp lemon zest
Nutritional Information
Calculated based on standard values with available measurements and may therefore not be accurate.
Nutritional information not available.
Blackcurrant Jam
Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Blackcurrants:
Wash the blackcurrants thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves.
Crush the blackcurrants gently using a potato masher or fork. This will release their juices and help the jam set.
Step 2
Cook the Jam:
Transfer the crushed blackcurrants to a large, heavy-bottomed pot.
Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using) to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Step 3
Simmer and Skim:
Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar.
Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface using a slotted spoon.
Step 4
Monitor and Stir:
Continue to cook the jam, stirring occasionally, for about 30-45 minutes or until it reaches the desired thickness. The jam should start to look glossy and coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5
Test and Finish:
To test the jam's readiness, place a small amount on a chilled plate and let it cool. It should gel and hold its shape.
Alternatively, you can use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. The jam should reach around 104°C (220°F).
Step 6
Into the Jars:
Remove the pot from the heat and let the jam cool for a few minutes.
While the jam is still warm, carefully ladle it into clean, sterilised jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
Wipe the rims of the jars clean to ensure a proper seal.
Place the sterilised lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they're fingertip-tight.
Step 7
Cool and Store:
Allow the jars to cool to room temperature before storing them in a cool, dark place.
The jam will continue to set as it cools. After a few hours or overnight, the jam should be fully set.
Step 8
Enjoy:
Spread your delicious homemade blackcurrant jam on toast, scones, or use it as a filling for pastries.
The jam can be stored for several months in a cool, dark place, or you can process the jars in a water bath canner for longer shelf life.
Recipe Story
Hello, dear friends and fellow food lovers! Today's recipe is a true gem that harks back to simpler times and cherished traditions – the timeless Blackcurrant Jam. As we gather our ingredients and prepare to embark on this culinary journey, let's take a moment to delve into the rich history and heartwarming context that surrounds this beloved preserve.
Blackcurrant jam carries with it the essence of centuries past, when our grandmothers and great-grandmothers diligently preserved the bounty of summer to enjoy throughout the year. These small, vibrant berries were a staple in British gardens, cherished for their distinctive tartness and deep purple hue. The art of preserving fruits as jams and jellies allowed families to relish the taste of sunshine, even on the gloomiest winter days.
In the rolling countryside and quaint cottages of Britain, blackcurrant bushes were lovingly tended to, their plump berries carefully harvested at the peak of ripeness. This cherished fruit soon found its way into kitchens, where generations worked their culinary magic to create exquisite jams that were treasured and shared.
Our recipe today pays homage to this tradition, marrying the zingy brilliance of blackcurrants with the comforting sweetness of sugar and the bright acidity of lemon. The process itself is a labor of love, as the berries are gently crushed and cooked down, their flavours intensifying into a velvety concoction that captures the very essence of summer.
So, as we roll up our sleeves and embark on this delightful journey, let us remember the generations before us who lovingly stirred their pots of jam, preserving not only the flavours of the season but also the cherished memories and stories that make this recipe so special. Together, let's create a batch of Blackcurrant Jam that carries forth this timeless tradition, inviting a taste of nostalgia and the satisfaction of a homemade treasure that can be enjoyed, shared, and savoured for years to come.
