Blackcurrant jam is a delightful and versatile spread that captures the essence of the summer season. Known for its rich, deep purple hue and intense flavor, this homemade jam is a true treat for the senses.
Made from fresh, ripe blackcurrants, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of the fruit with a touch of tartness, creating a perfectly balanced and utterly delicious preserve.
Blackcurrant jam is almost impossible to find in grocery stores. So making your own is your best bet in order to enjoy this flavor and this way you've got a homemade version, which is always best. Your own creation is always worth the time and effort. Plus, you can't even compare the taste of homemade jam to store-bought.
I used a little natural xanthan gum for thickening the jam but you may also use freshly squeezed lemon juice. The lemon will add a little more sourness to the jam, but you can adjust that by adding a bit more sugar.
This jam is great to serve over pancakes, waffles, buttered toast, or as a filling for piroshki, rugelach, sweet buns, etc. I personally prefer this jam over my favorite bread, lightly buttered and topped with jam. It goes perfectly with a cup of hot tea or coffee for breakfast or afternoon snacks.
Whether slathered on warm toast, used to elevate a cheese board, or incorporated into a variety of baked goods, this blackcurrant jam is sure to become a pantry staple.
With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, making this jam at home allows you to savor the taste of summer all year round.
Want to learn how to make this blackcurrant jam recipe? Then keep on reading.
Table of Contents
- What is Blackcurrant Jam?
- What Makes This Blackcurrant Jam Recipe Special?
- What You Need to Make Blackcurrant Jam at Home
- How to Make Blackcurrant Jam Step-by-Step
- Tips for Making the Best Blackcurrant Jam Ever
- Serving Suggestions for Blackcurrant Jam
- Recipe Variation Ideas for Blackcurrant Jam
- How to Store Leftover Blackcurrant Jam
- Similar Recipe You'll Love
- Printable Card
What is Blackcurrant Jam?
Blackcurrant jam is a type of fruit preserve made from blackcurrants, which are small, tart berries that grow on a shrub. The berries are cooked down with sugar and sometimes other ingredients like lemon juice or pectin to create a thick, sweet spread.
There are several reasons why blackcurrant jam is considered to be good. Firstly, blackcurrants are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, so the jam retains some of these health benefits. Secondly, the tartness of the blackcurrants balances well with the sweetness of the sugar, creating a deliciously balanced flavor.
Plus, blackcurrant jam can be enjoyed on toast, scones, or pastries, and it can also be used as a filling for cakes or tarts. It adds a burst of fruity flavor to any dish and is a popular choice for breakfast or tea time.
What Makes This Blackcurrant Jam Recipe Special?
Easy to make: This blackcurrant jam recipe requires only a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills, making it a breeze for anyone to make.
Versatile: This jam can be used in a variety of ways, from spreading it on toast to using it as a filling for pastries or even adding it to sauces for a touch of sweetness.
Deliciously sweet and tart: The combination of the natural sweetness of blackcurrants and a hint of tartness creates a perfectly balanced flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
Long shelf life: It can be stored in jars for months, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness long after the blackcurrant season is over.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it yourself, this blackcurrant jam is sure to impress with its vibrant color and rich flavor.
What You Need to Make Blackcurrant Jam at Home
All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this blackcurrant jam recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:
- Blackcurrant berries: Of course, you’ll need some delicious blackcurrant berries for this canned blackcurrant jam. It’ll add a burst of fruity flavor and a vibrant purple color as it cooks.
- Organic sugar: We will be using some organic sugar, which will add a touch of sweetness to balance out the tartness of the blackcurrant berries.
- Xanthan gum: We will also need a pinch of xanthan gum to thicken the blackcurrant berry jam, giving it a smooth and jam-like texture. You can use some lemon juice as an alternative as well.
How to Make Blackcurrant Jam Step-by-Step
Making this incredible blackcurrant jam is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:
How to Prep for Blackcurrant Jam
First, you need to pick your berries. This may take some time, but it will be worth it in the end. Make sure to choose ripe berries that are free of stems or leaves.
In a separate bowl, combine the sugar with xanthan gum. If you are using freshly squeezed lemon juice, add it to the bowl as well. Set aside for later use.
Rinse the berries under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Remove any stems or leaves that may still be attached.
Using a food processor or meat grinder, crush the berries until they are liquefied. This will create a smooth texture for your jam.
Transfer the liquefied currants into a large pot. If you have a large quantity of berries, you may need to use multiple pots.
Add the sugar mixture to the pots with the crushed currants. Stir well and make sure that the sugar dissolves completely.
How to Cook Blackcurrant Jam
Now place the pots on the burner and set the temperature to high. Stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved and the berries release their juice. This should take about ten minutes.
As the mixture heats up, you will notice it start to foam. To prevent overflowing, only fill the pots halfway with crushed currants initially. Stir the mixture every minute or so to prevent ingredients from settling at the bottom and burning.
Once the jam starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low/medium and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the jam from settling at the bottom and burning.
While the jam is simmering, wash the canning jars and lids with soap and warm water. Place them on an oven rack, including the lids. Preheat the oven to 250°F and let the jars and lids sterilize for the entire time the jam is simmering.
How to Fill Canning Jars with Blackcurrant Jam
After the simmering time is up, turn off the heat on the jam. Using kitchen gloves, carefully remove one jar and lid at a time from the oven. Place canning rings over the jars to keep the mouth of the jar clean.
Using a large serving spoon or scoop, fill the jars with the jam, leaving a ½-inch headspace at the top. This will allow room for expansion during storage.
Remove the canning ring, place a flat lid on top of each jar, and reattach the canning ring tightly. Set the jars aside to cool completely before storing.
Once the jam has cooled, it will have a thick consistency. Store the jars in a cool, dark place until ready to use. Enjoy your homemade blackcurrant jam!
Your delicious Homemade Blackcurrant Jam is ready to be served!
Tips for Making the Best Blackcurrant Jam Ever
Ripe blackcurrants: For the best flavor, choose blackcurrants that are fully ripe. They should be dark purple in color and slightly soft to the touch.
Removing stems and leaves: Before cooking the blackcurrants, make sure to remove any stems and leaves. These can add a bitter taste to the jam.
Mashing the blackcurrants: To release the juices and flavors of the blackcurrants, use a potato masher or fork to lightly mash them. This will help the jam set properly.
Using a large pot: When cooking the blackcurrant jam, use a large pot to prevent it from boiling over. The jam will bubble and expand as it cooks, so make sure there is enough space in the pot.
Stirring constantly: To prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning, stir it constantly while it cooks. This will guarantee an even cooking process and a smooth consistency.
Properly sterilizing jars: Before transferring the jam to jars, make sure to sterilize them to prevent spoilage. Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water, then rinse them thoroughly. And then follow my recipe instructions.
Serving Suggestions for Blackcurrant Jam
- Spread the blackcurrant jam on freshly toasted bread for a delicious breakfast or snack option. The sweet and tangy flavors of the jam pair perfectly with the crispness of the toast.
- Use the blackcurrant jam as a filling for homemade donuts or pastries. The jam adds a burst of flavor to the baked goods and adds a beautiful color.
- Stir the blackcurrant jam into a bowl of plain yogurt to create a fruity and creamy breakfast or dessert. The jam will provide a natural sweetness and a vibrant color to the yogurt.
- Drizzle the blackcurrant jam over a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a simple and delicious dessert. The combination of the cold ice cream and the sweet jam creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
- Mix the blackcurrant jam with a little bit of balsamic vinegar and olive oil to create a delicious salad dressing. The jam adds a fruity sweetness to the dressing, which compliments the fresh greens and vegetables in the salad.
Recipe Variation Ideas for Blackcurrant Jam
This delicious blackcurrant jam recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:
Spiced: Add a touch of warmth and complexity to your blackcurrant jam by incorporating spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. These spices will compliment the tartness of the blackcurrants and create a jam with a delightful autumnal flavor.
Vanilla: Enhance the sweetness of the blackcurrants by adding a hint of vanilla extract or fresh vanilla bean seeds. The vanilla will add a subtle, floral note to the jam, balancing out the tartness and creating a more well-rounded flavor profile.
Lemon: Brighten up the blackcurrant jam by adding the zest of a lemon. The citrusy aroma and tangy flavor of the lemon will compliment the rich, deep flavors of the blackcurrants, resulting in a jam that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Ginger: Add a touch of warmth and spiciness to your blackcurrant jam by incorporating freshly grated ginger. The ginger will provide a subtle kick and depth of flavor, making this jam a perfect choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their preserves.
Elderflower: Infuse your blackcurrant jam with the delicate, floral notes of elderflower. Add a splash of elderflower cordial or a handful of fresh elderflower blossoms to the cooking process to create a jam that is both aromatic and elegant. This is especially enjoyable during the summer when elderflowers are in season.
How to Store Leftover Blackcurrant Jam
You can easily store canned blackcurrant jam in a cool, dry place for up to two years. If you open a jar, then you should place it in the refrigerator and store it this way for up to 2 weeks.
Unfortunately, this blackcurrant jam cannot be frozen. Freezing can alter the texture and consistency of the jam, causing it to become watery or grainy. It is best to enjoy the jam fresh or store it in the fridge for short-term use.
Similar Recipe You'll Love
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Canned Blackcurrant Jam Recipe
Ingredients
Blackcurrant Jam Ingredients
- 11 lbs. – blackcurrant berries
- 8 cups – organic sugar
- 2 tsp. – xanthan gum
Instructions
How to Prep for Blackcurrant Jam
- First, you need to pick your berries. This may take some time, but it will be worth it in the end. Make sure to choose ripe berries that are free of stems or leaves.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar with xanthan gum. If you are using freshly squeezed lemon juice, add it to the bowl as well. Set aside for later use.
- Rinse the berries under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Remove any stems or leaves that may still be attached.
- Using a food processor or meat grinder, crush the berries until they are liquefied. This will create a smooth texture for your jam.
- Transfer the liquefied currants into a large pot. If you have a large quantity of berries, you may need to use multiple pots.
- Add the sugar mixture to the pots with the crushed currants. Stir well and make sure that the sugar dissolves completely.
How to Cook Blackcurrant Jam
- Now place the pots on the burner and set the temperature to high. Stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved and the berries release their juice. This should take about ten minutes.
- As the mixture heats up, you will notice it start to foam. To prevent overflowing, only fill the pots halfway with crushed currants initially. Stir the mixture every minute or so to prevent ingredients from settling at the bottom and burning.
- Once the jam starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low/medium and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the jam from settling at the bottom and burning.
- While the jam is simmering, wash the canning jars and lids with soap and warm water. Place them on an oven rack, including the lids. Preheat the oven to 250°F and let the jars and lids sterilize for the entire time the jam is simmering.
How to Fill Canning Jars with Blackcurrant Jam
- After the simmering time is up, turn off the heat on the jam. Using kitchen gloves, carefully remove one jar and lid at a time from the oven. Place canning rings over the jars to keep the mouth of the jar clean.
- Using a large serving spoon or scoop, fill the jars with the jam, leaving a ½-inch headspace at the top. This will allow room for expansion during storage.
- Remove the canning ring, place a flat lid on top of each jar, and reattach the canning ring tightly. Set the jars aside to cool completely before storing.
- Once the jam has cooled, it will have a thick consistency. Store the jars in a cool, dark place until ready to use. Enjoy your homemade blackcurrant jam!
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