As the leaves start to turn yellow and red, and the air becomes crisper, it can only mean one thing: autumn is on its way. This season is a wonderful time to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of nature. And autumn is a time for apple picking, pumpkin carving, and of course – making jam! What could be more emblematic of autumn than apple and blackberry jam? The succulent sweetness of apples, married with the tart juiciness of blackberries, makes for a preserve that’s perfect for topping toast or swirling into yoghurt. It’s also great to have on hand when you’re in the mood for a quick snack. So put on your apron and get ready to savour the tastes of autumn!
Reasons to make blackberry and apple jam
Apple and blackberry jam or blackberry and apple jam, whichever way you say it, is a perfect way to enjoy the bounty of the autumn season. It’s easy to make, and you can customize the flavour however you like.
Homemade jam is so much more delicious than store-bought. When you make jam at home, you can control the quality of the ingredients and the level of sweetness, ensuring that your finished product is exactly to your liking. The flavours of apple and blackberry complement each other perfectly. The sweetness of the apple is tempered by the tartness of the dark berries, resulting in a jam that is both flavorful and well-balanced.
It is also more economical to make your own jam. You can either forage for blackberries and collect some windfall apples or buy the fruit in season. Then making jam from scratch will cost you a fraction of the price of purchasing jars of premade jam. It’s easy to make this deeply fruity jam and with just a few simple ingredients and some time on the stove, you can whip up a batch in no time.
You will then have a versatile preserve to spread on toast for breakfast, use as a filling for pies or pastries, or simply enjoy straight from the jar with a spoon. Your friends and family will be impressed by your cooking prowess and will be begging you for more!
The Making of this Autumn Jam
Making this tasty jam is a simple process that only requires a few ingredients and a bit of time. You start by washing the apples and blackberries and then cutting them into small pieces. Next, place the fruit in a large pot with sugar and water and cook over low heat until the fruit is softened and the mixture thickened.
Once the jam has cooked, it can be ladled into jars and allowed to cool ahead of labelling and storing. The entire process can take less than an hour, making it a great project for even the busiest of people.
And best of all, homemade apple and blackberry jam is delicious – far better than anything you could ever buy at the store. Give it a try. You might just be surprised at how easy (and tasty and satisfying) it is to make your jam.
TIPS
1. Choose the right apples: For tart apple and blackberry jam, go for firmer, tarter apples such as Granny Smith or Braeburn. For sweeter blackberry and apple jam, opt for softer, riper apples like Golden Delicious or Gala Apples.
2. Sort and measure the fruit: Once you’ve chosen your apples, sort through them to remove any that are bruised or browning. Then, weigh or measure out the amount of fruit you’ll need for your recipe.
3. Prepare your kitchen tools and ingredients: Gather all of the tools and ingredients you’ll need before you start cooking.
4. Decide if you prefer a smooth,pip-free jam. Put the blackberries in a blender or food processor and briefly puree, then push the pulp through a sieve to remove the pips.
Personalising your Jam
There are a few ways to customize the flavour of apple and blackberry jam.
- Choose what type of apple to use. For a tart flavour, go with Granny Smith apples. For a sweeter jam, use Golden Delicious apples.
- You can also add another type of fruit to the mix. A popular choice is to add raspberries to the jam for a more tart-sweet flavour combination.
- Replace part or all of the water with apple juice to turn up the apple flavour.
- Add a spice like cinnamon or nutmeg or use apple cider vinegar in place of some of the apple juice for a slightly tangy flavour.
- For a truly indulgent treat, substitute brown sugar for some of the white sugar amounts in the recipe.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try adding a little port wine or brandy to the recipe?
Whichever way you choose to customize it, apple and blackberry jam is sure to be delicious.
Ways to enjoy and use Apple and Blackberry Jam
1. Serve it with warm scones for a classic afternoon tea treat.
2. Spread it on toast or pancakes for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
3. Use it as a filling for tarts or pies.
4. Make a jam and peanut butter sandwich with apple and blackberry jam for a twist on a classic favourite snack.
5. Top vanilla ice cream or yoghurt with apple and blackberry jam for a seasonal fruity dessert.
7. Use it as an ingredient in sauces or marinades for pork, chicken, or duck.
No matter how you enjoy it, apple and blackberry jam is sure to add a touch of autumn taste to your day!
Autumn is the perfect time to make apple and blackberry jam. These two flavours are a classic pairing, and when you add in some warming spices like cinnamon and cloves, the result is irresistible. Not only will this preserve your haul of fresh autumn fruit, but it will also give you a promising taste of what to look forward to enjoying as winter draws near. Get cooking!
For more information see RESOURCES and RECIPES.
Apple and Blackberry Jam Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Kitchen scales
- 1 Chopping board and knife
- 1 Large saucepan
- 1 Long-handled spoon for stirring
- 2 small plates in the freezer (to check for the set)
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Jam Funnel
- Clean, sterilised glass jars with sealable lids
Ingredients
- 500 g apples
- 500 g blackberries
- 1 kg white sugar
- 1 small lemon, juiced (+/- zest)
- 150 ml water
Instructions
- Wash the apples and blackberries and drain off excess water.
- Peel, core and then chop the apples into small pieces.
- Add the apple pieces and water to the saucepan and simmer for 5min to start the softening process.
- Now you can add the blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a saucepan too. Stir off the heat to integrate the ingredients and to make sure that the sugar is dissolved.Simmer for 15min.
- Increase to medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil for around 10 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent burning.
- Take off the heat and test a large drop of jam on a chilled plate – if it wrinkles after a couple of mins it’s set. (If not yet set, boil the jam for another 2 mins and repeat the test until ready.)
- Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Ladle the jam into sterilized jars leaving a 1cm space at the top of each jar. Remove any air bubbles from the jar before sealing tightly.
- Store in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months. Refrigerate once opened.Enjoy!
Notes
TIPS
1. Choose the right apples: For tart apple and blackberry jam, go for firmer, tarter apples such as Granny Smith or Braeburn. For sweeter blackberry and apple jam, opt for softer, riper apples like Golden Delicious or Gala Apples. 2. Sort and measure the fruit: Once you’ve chosen your apples, sort through them to remove any that are bruised or browning. Then, weigh or measure out the amount of fruit you’ll need for your recipe. 3. Prepare your kitchen tools and ingredients: Gather all of the tools and ingredients you’ll need before you start cooking. 4. Decide if you prefer a smooth, pip-free jam. Put the blackberries in a blender or food processor and briefly puree, then push the pulp through a sieve to remove the pips.Personalising your Jam
There are a few ways to customize the flavour of apple and blackberry jam.-
- Choose what type of apple to use. For a tart flavour, go with Granny Smith apples. For a sweeter jam, use Golden Delicious apples.
-
- You can also add another type of fruit to the mix. A popular choice is to add raspberries to the jam for a more tart-sweet flavour combination.
-
- Replace part or all of the water with apple juice to turn up the apple flavour.
-
- Add a spice like cinnamon or nutmeg or use apple cider vinegar in place of some of the apple juice for a slightly tangy flavour.
-
- For a truly indulgent treat, substitute brown sugar for some of the white sugar amounts in the recipe.
-
- If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try adding a little port wine or brandy to the recipe?
Ways to enjoy and use Apple and Blackberry Jam
1. Serve it with warm scones for a classic afternoon tea treat. 2. Spread it on toast or pancakes for a delicious breakfast or brunch. 3. Use it as a filling for tarts or pies. 4. Make a jam and peanut butter sandwich with apple and blackberry jam for a twist on a classic favourite snack. 5. Top vanilla ice cream or yoghurt with apple and blackberry jam for a seasonal fruity dessert. 7. Use it as an ingredient in sauces or marinades for pork, chicken, or duck. No matter how you enjoy it, apple and blackberry jam is sure to add a touch of autumn taste to your day! For more information see RESOURCES and RECIPES.Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.