There is nothing more satisfying than picking blackberries and then having a go at making your own blackberry jam. This is a great home-ed activity to do with the kids. It’s free to do, saves you money and gets the family outside in the fresh air and sunshine.
Kids are more inclined to eat foods that they make themselves. This jam tastes delicious on buttered toast.
Do Blackberries Contain Pectin?
Blackberries are naturally high in pectin so you can easily make blackberry jam at home without the need for pectin.
How long does homemade blackberry jam last?
Blackberry jam will last in the fridge for about 3 weeks and can be frozen, lasting for 6 months.
Ingredients:
Blackberries – Weigh the berries that you have picked.
Sugar – We used half the weight of the berries in sugar and used light brown sugar that we had in the cupboard. Granulated sugar is also fine.
Some recipes say to use a 1:1 ratio but we found that the jam tasted great using less sugar. This is also better for your health.
Lemon Juice – Use either fresh lemon or lemon juice from a bottle. We used 1 tbsp of juice in 8 oz of berries.
If you don’t have lemon, you can use distilled vinegar; apple cider vinegar; orange juice or lime juice.
Instructions:
Add all the ingredients into one saucepan and bring to a boil, use medium heat and cook for 10 -15 minutes until the jam starts to thicken. Crush the berries as they cook. You can use a potato masher or just squash them down with a spoon.
When cooked spoon the jam into a jar or use a ramekin. Allow to cool and store in the fridge. We used an old jam jar.
It is that simple to make, with just three ingredients. Enjoy!
You may wish to try Jams With a Twist: 70 deliciously different jam recipes to inspire and delight (National Trust).
