Description
This easy homemade blackberry jam recipe captures the vibrant flavor of fresh or frozen blackberries, balanced with a touch of lemon juice and sugar. Perfect as a spread for toast, a topping for desserts, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this small-batch jam comes together on the stovetop in just 30 minutes. The optional lemon zest adds an extra hint of brightness for a well-rounded preserve.
Ingredients
Scale
Jam Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare blackberries: Place the blackberries in a large saucepan. Using a potato masher, gently mash the berries to release their juices, creating the base for your jam.
- Add sugar and lemon juice: Stir in the granulated sugar and lemon juice to the mashed berries. These ingredients help sweeten and preserve the jam while enhancing the flavor.
- Cook mixture over medium heat: Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture starts bubbling gently.
- Boil to thicken: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Continue cooking for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. The jam thickens and should reach 220°F (105°C) on a candy thermometer or pass the wrinkle test on a chilled plate.
- Add lemon zest: If using, stir in the lemon zest at this stage to infuse additional citrus flavor into the jam.
- Cool and jar: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the jam cool slightly. Carefully transfer it to sterilized half-pint jars and seal with lids.
- Store or process: Store the jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process them in a boiling water bath canner to extend shelf life for several months.
Notes
- For a smoother jam texture, strain the cooked mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds before jarring.
- This recipe yields approximately 2 half-pint jars, ideal for small batch consumption or gifting.
- Use fresh blackberries when in season for the best flavor; frozen berries work well if fresh are unavailable.
- Make sure to sterilize jars and lids properly to prevent spoilage if storing for long-term.
- The lemon juice acts as a natural preservative and balances the sweetness of the jam.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
