Simple Blackberry Jam Recipe

This Simple Blackberry Jam is an easy and fresh recipe, which is made with juicy blackberries and lemon. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe for preserving summer fruit, ready in about 45 minutes.

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Simple Blackberry Jam Ingredients

• 5 cups blackberries
• ½ cup water
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 3 ½ to 4 cups sugar
• 2 sheets gelatin (or 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin)

How To Make Simple Blackberry Jam

1. Prepare the fruit: In a large, non-reactive pot, combine the blackberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, and water. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, mashing the blackberries with a potato masher or the back of a spoon as they heat up.
2. Add sugar and cook: Add the sugar to the pot and stir until it has completely dissolved. Continue to simmer for about 20 minutes, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
3. Prepare the gelatin: While the jam is cooking, soak the gelatin sheets in a small bowl of ice water until they become soft and pliable (about 5 minutes). If using powdered gelatin, sprinkle it over 2 tablespoons of cold water and let it “bloom” for 5 minutes.
4. Add gelatin and finish: Remove the boiling jam from the heat. Squeeze any excess water from the softened gelatin sheets and stir them into the hot jam until they have completely dissolved.
5. Cool and store: Let the jam cool completely. As it cools, it will thicken. Once cool, pour the jam into clean, sterilized canning jars. For long-term storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Otherwise, store in the refrigerator.

Recipe Tips

• How do I know when the jam is set? The most reliable method is the cold plate test. Before you start, place a small plate in the freezer. When you think the jam is ready, put a small spoonful on the cold plate and return it to the freezer for a minute. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready.
• Can I use frozen blackberries? Yes, frozen blackberries work perfectly. There is no need to thaw them first; just add them directly to the saucepan with the other ingredients. The initial cooking time may be slightly longer.
• Do I have to use gelatin? Gelatin helps the jam to set. If you prefer not to use it, you can cook the jam for a longer period (30-40 minutes) until it thickens naturally from the pectin in the fruit and the reduction of liquid.
• Can I make this without seeds? Yes. After simmering the fruit initially (step 1), you can press the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds before adding the sugar and continuing with the recipe.

What To Serve With Blackberry Jam

This classic preserve is wonderfully versatile and is a staple on the breakfast table.

• Spread on hot, buttered toast or croissants
• Served with warm scones and clotted cream
• Swirled into plain yogurt or oatmeal
• As a filling for thumbprint cookies or layer cakes

How To Store Blackberry Jam

• Refrigerate: If you are not processing the jam in a water bath, it must be stored in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 1 month.
• Canning: Properly sealed and processed jars of jam can be stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry for up to one year.

Blackberry Jam Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
• Calories: 55 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 0g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Red Pepper Jam Recipe
• Berry Chia Jam Recipe
• Rhubarb Jam Recipe