Easy Homemade Blackcurrant Jam Recipe: Sweet Summer Bliss

Sweet memories of summer gardens burst alive with this delightful blackcurrant jam recipe that captures pure fruit essence.

Ripe berries picked at peak ripeness create an extraordinary spread bursting with intense flavor.

Homemade preserves always taste more vibrant and authentic than store-bought versions.

Precise cooking techniques help you unlock the deep, rich notes hidden within these tiny dark gems.

Soft hints of tartness balance perfectly against natural fruit sugars during careful preparation.

Clusters of glossy berries transform into a luxurious, silky preserve that makes breakfast toast feel like a gourmet experience.

Your kitchen will smell wonderfully fragrant as these berries simmer and meld into a delectable jam you’ll cherish.

Why River Cottage Blackcurrant Jam Recipe Is A Must-Make

• Preserve Seasonal Bounty: Capture the rich, tangy essence of blackcurrants at their peak, transforming fresh fruit into a delightful spread that captures summer's vibrant flavors.
• Master Simple Preservation Skills: Learn an approachable jam-making technique that requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen tools, perfect for beginners wanting to explore home canning.
• Create Versatile Breakfast Companion: Craft a homemade jam that elevates morning toast, scones, and pastries with its deep, intense blackcurrant profile and natural sweetness.
• Gift-Worthy Culinary Creation: Prepare a personalized, artisanal preserve that makes a thoughtful homemade gift for food lovers, showcasing your cooking skills and care.

Ingredients In River Cottage Blackcurrant Jam Recipe

• Blackcurrants: Fresh, ripe berries packed with vibrant flavor and natural pectin for jam setting.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus juice that helps balance sweetness and aids in jam preservation.

• Sugar: Essential ingredient that provides sweetness and helps create the jam's thick, spreadable texture.

• Water: Helps soften the blackcurrants and create initial cooking liquid for the jam.

How To Prepare River Cottage Blackcurrant Jam Recipe

Step 1: Crush and Soften Blackcurrants

Place fresh blackcurrants in a large pot and add water. Gently mash the berries to release their natural juices and help them break down. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the fruit to become soft and release its rich flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Pulp

Strain the cooked blackcurrants through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth if you prefer a smoother jam. Weigh the resulting fruit pulp to determine the amount of sugar needed for the perfect consistency.

Step 3: Create the Jam Base

• Granulated white sugar
• Fresh lemon juice

Stir the ingredients gently to combine, ensuring the sugar begins to dissolve.

Step 4: Boil and Thicken

Heat the mixture on medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Allow the sugar to completely dissolve and the mixture to reach a rolling boil. Continue boiling vigorously for exactly 10 minutes, which helps activate the pectin and create the jam’s signature thick texture.

Step 5: Check Jam Consistency

Test the jam’s readiness by placing a small amount on a chilled plate. Run your finger through the jam – if it wrinkles and doesn’t immediately flow back together, it has reached the perfect setting point.

Step 6: Jar and Preserve

Remove the jam from heat and let it cool slightly. Skim off any foam that has formed on the surface. Carefully pour the hot jam into clean, sterilized glass jars. Seal the jars immediately to preserve the jam’s freshness and prevent contamination.

Step 7: Store and Enjoy

Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. Store the sealed blackcurrant jam in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, refrigerate and enjoy within several weeks.

Tips For Better River Cottage Blackcurrant Jam Recipe

• Strain Smoothly: Use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove seeds and create a silky-smooth jam texture.
• Measure Precisely: Weigh pulp accurately to maintain the perfect sugar-to-fruit ratio for ideal setting and sweetness.
• Test Set Confidently: Place a small amount of jam on a chilled plate and run a finger through it – a wrinkled surface means it's ready to set.
• Preserve Perfectly: Sterilize jars in boiling water or dishwasher to prevent bacterial growth and extend jam's shelf life.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a cinnamon stick during cooking to enhance the blackcurrant's natural richness.

Twists You Can Try On River Cottage Blackcurrant Jam Recipe

• Berry Blend Jam: Replace blackcurrants with a mix of raspberries and blackberries for a vibrant, multi-berry flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Version: Reduce sugar to 250g per 500g pulp and use pectin for better setting, ideal for diabetic-friendly options.
• Spiced Currant Preserve: Add cinnamon stick or ginger during simmering to create a warm, aromatic jam with subtle background notes.
• Herbal Infusion Jam: Steep fresh mint or lavender during cooking to introduce a delicate herbal undertone to the traditional blackcurrant recipe.

Best Matches With River Cottage Blackcurrant Jam Recipe

• Pair with Creamy Cheeses: Spread this rich, tangy blackcurrant jam on a slice of brie or camembert for a luxurious flavor combination that balances sweet and creamy textures.
• Complement with Buttery Scones: Serve alongside warm, freshly baked scones to create a classic British-inspired breakfast or afternoon tea experience that highlights the jam's vibrant fruitiness.
• Match with Bold Red Wines: Enjoy a glass of full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that echoes the deep, intense berry notes of the blackcurrant jam, creating a sophisticated taste harmony.
• Enhance with Vanilla Ice Cream: Drizzle the jam over creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert that offers a perfect contrast between cool, smooth ice cream and the jam's bright, sharp flavor.

How To Store River Cottage Blackcurrant Jam Recipe Right

• Store homemade blackcurrant jam in clean, sterilized glass jars with tight-fitting lids in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 12 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• Properly sealed and processed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for 6-12 months. Check for any signs of mold or unusual odors before consuming.
• Gently warm small portions of refrigerated jam in a microwave or saucepan. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Use low heat to prevent burning and maintain fresh flavor.

FAQs About River Cottage Blackcurrant Jam Recipe

• Are blackcurrants high in nutrients?

Blackcurrants are packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and beneficial compounds that support immune health and may help reduce inflammation.

• Can I use frozen blackcurrants for this jam?

Yes, frozen blackcurrants work perfectly. Thaw them completely before starting the jam-making process and drain any excess liquid.

• Why add lemon juice to the jam?

Lemon juice helps activate pectin, which is crucial for achieving the right jam consistency and provides a natural preservative effect.

• How long will this homemade blackcurrant jam last?

When properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, the jam can last up to 12 months. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 4-6 weeks.

Blackcurrant Jam Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade blackcurrant jam delivers pure summer nostalgia with its rich, deep purple hue and intense berry flavor. Sweet-tart notes dance across your palate, promising a delightful spread perfect for morning toast or afternoon scones.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 600 grams (21.16 ounces) blackcurrants

Sweeteners:

• 400 grams (14.11 ounces) caster sugar
• 400 grams (14.11 ounces) granulated sugar

Liquids:

• 100 milliliters (3.38 fluid ounces) water
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

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Instructions

1. Gently simmer fresh blackcurrants with water in a large pot for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the fruits to soften and release their vibrant juices.
2. Optional: Press the cooked mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds, then precisely measure the resulting fruit pulp.
3. Incorporate granulated sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the pulp, maintaining the recommended ratio for optimal consistency.
4. Apply low heat, stirring carefully until sugar completely dissolves, creating a smooth and glossy mixture.
5. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, maintaining a vigorous bubble for exactly 10 minutes to develop the jam’s characteristic texture.
6. Perform the set test by dropping a small amount of jam onto a chilled plate, checking for wrinkles when gently pushed with a fingertip.
7. Remove from heat and allow the jam to rest momentarily, skimming away any foam that develops on the surface.
8. Carefully transfer the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving minimal headspace, and securely seal while still warm to ensure proper preservation.

Notes

• Use fully ripe blackcurrants for the most intense flavor and natural pectin content.
• Consider leaving some seeds for extra texture and nutritional benefits if you enjoy a rustic jam.
• Sterilize glass jars thoroughly before pouring jam to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life.
• Swap white sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a lower glycemic index alternative that maintains a rich, deep taste.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 213
• Sugar: 52 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 3.5 g
• Protein: 1.4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg