Sure! Here’s a detailed recipe for Homemade Blackberry Jam, perfect for those looking to enjoy a burst of fruity goodness on their toast, pancakes, or even as a filling for pastries. This recipe yields approximately 7 8oz jars, making it ideal for sharing or storing for later enjoyment.
Homemade Blackberry Jam
Ingredients:
- 5 cups fresh blackberries 🫐
- 7 cups granulated sugar 🧁
- 1 packet powdered fruit pectin 🥄
Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients: Begin by carefully measuring out the blackberries, ensuring they are ripe and free from any defects. Transfer the berries into a large pot, preferably an 8-quart one, as this will accommodate the cooking process comfortably.
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Measure Sugar: In a separate large bowl, measure out the granulated sugar. This step ensures that all ingredients are ready for the cooking process, making it smoother and more efficient.
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Incorporate Pectin: Gradually add the powdered fruit pectin to the blackberries in the pot. Stir constantly to ensure even distribution and to prevent clumping. The pectin will help thicken the jam and give it that perfect, spreadable consistency.
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Bring to Boil: Place the pot over high heat and bring the berry mixture to a full boil, stirring continuously to prevent sticking or burning. It’s crucial to reach a vigorous boil to activate the pectin and ensure proper setting of the jam.
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Add Sugar: Once the berry mixture is boiling vigorously, add all of the measured sugar at once. Stir vigorously to dissolve the sugar completely into the berry mixture. This step adds sweetness and helps preserve the jam.
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Re-Boil: After adding the sugar, continue stirring and bring the mixture back to a full, hard boil. This stage is essential for activating the pectin and ensuring that the jam sets properly. Stir constantly to prevent scorching.
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Boil: Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute, maintaining the high heat and stirring continuously. This brief boiling period helps further activate the pectin and thickens the jam to the desired consistency.
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Prepare Jars: While the jam is boiling, prepare your canning jars by washing them thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and place them in a large pot of hot water to sterilize. Keep the jars hot until ready to fill.
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Fill Jars: Once the jam has boiled for 1 minute, remove it from the heat. Using a ladle, carefully fill each hot, sterilized jar with the hot jam, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during processing.
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Seal Jars: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue or spills. Place canning lids and rings on the jars, tightening them fingertip-tight to ensure a proper seal.
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Process Jars: Place the filled and sealed jars in a canner filled with very hot water, ensuring that the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal them properly and preserve the jam.
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Set Aside to Cool: After processing, carefully remove the jars from the canner and set them upright on a clean towel to cool completely. Allow the jars to cool undisturbed for at least 12 hours to ensure a proper seal and set of the jam.
Once cooled and set, your Homemade Blackberry Jam is ready to enjoy! Spread it generously on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or use it as a delicious filling for cakes and pastries. Store any unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year, and refrigerate after opening for optimal freshness. Enjoy the sweet taste of summer all year round with this delightful homemade treat! 🍇🍯
