Blackberry Jam

Blackberry Jam: A Spring Delight in a Jar

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Number of Servings: Approximately 6 jars of 400g

Do you remember the warm summer days when blackberries were ripening in the sun, waiting to be picked? This blackberry jam recipe will take you back to those joyful moments, bringing the sweet-tart taste of these delicious fruits directly to your table. Blackberry jam is not just a delicacy, but also an excellent way to preserve the flavor of summer for winter.

Ingredients Needed:
- 2 kg of fresh blackberries
- 900 g of sugar
- Juice of one lemon
- One crushed aspirin (optional, for preservation)

Ingredient Details:
Blackberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, being an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber. Choose ripe blackberries, free of spots or mold, to achieve a jam with an intense flavor. Sugar not only sweetens but also helps preserve the jam, preventing the growth of bacteria. The lemon juice not only adds a fresh taste but also helps stabilize the color of the jam.

Preparation Method:

1. Preparing the Blackberries:
Wash the blackberries well under a stream of cold water, ensuring that you remove any impurities or leaves. Use a sieve to drain them completely. This step is essential because wet blackberries can dilute the jam, making it less consistent.

2. Cooking the Blackberries:
In a large pot, add the cleaned blackberries and sugar. Gently mix to combine the ingredients. Place the pot over medium heat and let the mixture boil for about 30 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Removing the Foam:
During the boiling process, a foam will appear on top of the jam. Use a skimmer or a slotted spoon to remove it. This step will help achieve a clearer and more appetizing jam.

4. Adding the Lemon:
When the jam is almost ready (after about 30 minutes), add the juice of one lemon. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly. The lemon will help enhance the flavors and give a fresh note to the jam.

5. Preparing the Jars:
While the jam is boiling, prepare the jars. Wash them well with warm soapy water and then rinse. Place the jars in a preheated oven at 100 degrees Celsius for 10-15 minutes to sterilize them. This step is crucial to prevent contamination of the jam.

6. Bottling:
When the jam is ready, remove the jars from the oven (using kitchen gloves to avoid burns). Fill each jar with hot jam, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top. You can add a crushed aspirin on top of the jam for extra preservation (this step is optional but recommended).

7. Sealing and Cooling:
Seal the jars tightly with the lids and place them back in the turned-off but still warm oven to cool slowly. This will help the jam stabilize and preserve better. Leave the jars in the oven until they are completely cool.

Serving Suggestions:
Blackberry jam is versatile – you can use it on toast, pancakes, or as a filling for pastries. A delicious combination is with cottage cheese, and for a savory breakfast, add it to your favorite yogurt. Feel free to experiment with other ingredients, such as nuts or Greek yogurt!

Possible Variations:
For a more exotic blackberry jam, try adding a few fresh mint leaves or a bit of grated ginger during cooking. These flavors combine perfectly with the sweetness of the blackberries.

Nutritional Benefits:
Blackberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and minerals like calcium and potassium. This jam can be a good source of energy if consumed in moderation, containing about 250 calories per serving (one tablespoon of jam).

Frequently Asked Questions:
- What can I do if the jam doesn’t thicken? If you notice that the jam hasn’t thickened enough, you can boil it again for a few minutes, adding a little sugar or a thickening agent like pectin.
- How can I tell if the jam is well-preserved? A simple method is to check if the lid is tightly sealed – if it’s bulging, it means the jam hasn’t preserved correctly.

By trying this blackberry jam recipe, you will not only bring a touch of summer into your pantry but also enjoy a dish full of health and flavor. Savor every spoonful and share this delicacy with your loved ones!