Tips for Making Blackcurrant Jam

Making blackcurrant jam is a delicious way to preserve the summer bounty of blackcurrants.

Choose ripe blackcurrants for your jam.

The fruit should be plump and firm, with a deep purple colour. Avoid blackcurrants that are soft or beginning to shrivel as this could compromise the taste and shelf-life of the jam.

Don't over-cook the blackcurrants.

Cook them just long enough to release their juices and soften them slightly. Overcooking will make the jam too dark and thick.

The addition of a little acidity

This will balance the sweetness of the blackcurrants. Lemon juice or citric acid are both good options. This will also help to preserve the colour of the jam. You may consider adding the zest of the lemon. I have also added the 2 'shells' of the lemon after juicing to the jam mix. NOTE: the presence of the lemon skins will contribute more pectin to the blackcurrant mixture which is already high in pectin. You need to be aware that this may mean that the cooking time to reach the set point will be reduced. These lemon halves may also add a subtle bitter note to the overall flavour which, depending on your taste, can be quite pleasant, interacting with the sweet, tart foundation flavours. Remove the halves before ladling the jam into jars.

Additional pectin rarely needed.

Blackcurrants are naturally rich in pectin, so you do not usually need and additional pectin or other thickener.

Jam texture

If you prefer a smooth jam, blend the weighed amount of blackcurrants ahead of cooking.

Fruit-full addition

You can also set aside a small number of fresh blackcurrants to stir through the mixture towards the end of the cooking process to have the pleasure of a few pieces of whole fruit in the jam. With these tips in mind, you can easily make a blackcurrant jam that is perfect for enjoying all year round.  

Flavour-enhancing Options

Blackcurrant jam is delicious on its own, but you can also customize it with different flavour variations.

1. 1. Reduce the lemon juice and add some orange juice +/-orange zest for a bright zingy complementary taste that is just a bit different to the traditional.
   2. Ginger - If you're looking for something a little more exotic, why not try blackcurrant and ginger jam? The ginger gives the jam a spicy warm note that pairs perfectly with the blackcurrants.
   3. Vanilla extract is always a winner with sweet preserves; just makes it a bit more luxurious.
   4. Cinnamon adds a deeper earthy flavour note.

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Ways to Use and Enjoy Blackcurrant Jam

• • Spread on toast or scones.

• • Use it to finish off cakes and cookies; or stir through a muffin batter before baking.

• • Add to yoghurt or ice cream.

• • In smoothies or milkshakes.

• • As a glaze for meats or poultry - it is especially good with rich, gamey meats.

• • In dressings for salads - a teaspoon added to a standard vinaigrette makes for something different and special.

• • Mixed with whipped cream as a dessert topping.

For more information see RESOURCES and RECIPES.