Blackberry and dark fruit jam

Blackberry and Dark Fruit Jam

Blackberry and dark fruit jam is a sweet delicacy, full of flavors, that reminds us of summers spent in nature, picking fresh and tasty fruits. This classic recipe not only delights our taste buds but is also an excellent way to preserve the flavors of summer for winter. Whether served on a slice of toast, alongside yogurt, or as a filling for pastries, blackberry jam is certainly an inspired choice.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 2 jars of 400-500 g

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg fruits (blackberries, blueberries, and/or elderberries, all well-ripened)
- 1 kg granulated sugar
- 3 glasses of drinking water
- 1 lemon (for juice and grated peel)
- Optional: one tablet of salicylic acid (aspirin) as a preservative

History of Jam:
Jam, as a preservation method, stands out through ancient traditions, when people used sugar to extend the shelf life of fruits. This simple and effective recipe shows us how nature and basic ingredients can create delicious dishes that bring us joy and comfort. Blackberries and blueberries have long been appreciated not only for their taste but also for their nutritional properties, being rich in antioxidants and vitamins.

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Fruits:
Start by washing the blackberries or blueberries under a stream of cold water. If using elderberries, they must be carefully removed from the clusters. After washing, let them drain in a colander for a few minutes to ensure there is no excess water.

2. Boiling the Syrup:
In an enameled pot, add the 3 glasses of water and sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. During boiling, foam will appear on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove this foam so that the syrup remains clean and clear.

3. Consistency Test:
After about 10-15 minutes of boiling, test the syrup's consistency. Take a drop of syrup between your fingers: if it binds and feels sticky, it's time to add the fruits.

4. Adding the Fruits:
Carefully add the drained fruits to the hot syrup. It's important to note that during boiling, you should not stir with a spoon. Instead, lift the pot off the heat and gently shake it to prevent the fruits from sticking.

5. Final Boiling:
Continue to boil on low heat, skimming off the foam that forms. Depending on the type of fruits used, this process may take between 20-30 minutes. The jam is ready when the syrup thickens and binds when tested between fingers.

6. Adding the Lemon:
Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, add the lemon sliced thinly or the grated peel of one lemon, as well as its juice. This ingredient not only adds a note of freshness but also helps preserve the jam.

7. Cooling and Bottling:
Turn off the heat and cover the pot with a cheesecloth, allowing the jam to cool. Once cooled, pour the jam into well-washed and dried jars. You can use either lids or tie the mouth of the jar with clean plastic wrap.

Practical Tips:
- Ensure the fruits are well-ripened and fresh, as they will affect the final taste of the jam.
- Experiment with various fruit combinations: you can add raspberries or even cherries for a more complex flavor.
- If you want to improve the texture, you can lightly mash the fruits before adding them to the syrup.
- The jam keeps best in cool, dark places, and after opening the jar, it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator.

Delicious Combinations:
Blackberry jam pairs perfectly with cottage cheese, natural yogurt, or as a filling for pancakes. You can also use it as a topping for ice cream or as an ingredient in a delicious smoothie.

Nutritional Values (per 100 g):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Sugar: 60 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fiber: 1 g

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of blackberries?
Yes, you can experiment with other berries or even seasonal fruits like peaches or plums.

2. How can I tell when the jam is ready?
The consistency test is essential. If the syrup binds between fingers and has a sticky texture, it’s time to turn off the heat.

3. Is it necessary to use a preservative?
Lemon adds acidity and helps preserve the jam, but if you prefer, you can add a tablet of salicylic acid for even longer preservation.

4. How can I enhance the flavor?
You can add spices like cinnamon or vanilla to give an extra flavor boost to your jam.

5. What other recipes can I try with blackberries?
Besides jam, blackberries are excellent in cakes, smoothies, or even salads. You can try a blackberry tart or a delicious crumble.

Surely, blackberry and dark fruit jam will quickly become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every spoonful of this dish full of memories and flavor!