Blackberries are found in plenty during early spring and summer. These deep purple colored berries are filled with sweet juice and are rich in antioxidants. They are used in making pies, cobblers and jams. Unlike jam, which is made from crushed berries that include the pulp along with juice, jelly is made entirely from juice only. If you are of the opinion that for making blackberry jelly, you need to be an expert chef then you are certainly mistaken. Anyone possessing basic kitchen skills can make jelly on his/her own. Here’s a guide that will help you out in making blackberry jelly. So, go ahead and prepare a yummy jelly for your family.
Complexity level: Basic
Time Required: 50 minutes
Resources Required:
- Canning jars
- Lids
- Pans
- Jelly bags
- Bowls
- Pectin
- Sugar
- Blackberries
Instructions:
1. Wash jars and berries
- First of all, wash all the berries in order to make them free of dirt and dust. You also need to remove the stems and caps from berries.
- The jar in which the jelly will be stored must also be cleaned. Wash it thoroughly in soapy water and then rinse it with tap water. Once the jar and the lids have been cleaned then place them in boiling water and keep them hot until it is filled with the jelly.
2. Squeeze out the juice from berries
Place all the rip berries into the jelly bag and squeeze out their juice into a bowl. Repeat this step until you have collected 4 cups of juice. Pour this juice into a kettle and add sugar to this juice.
3. Cook the juice along with other ingredients
- Place this kettle on the stove and start cooking it on high heat until the juice comes to rolling boil. One thing that you must keep in mind is that you have to constantly stir the contents of kettle.
- Once the mixture comes to rolling boil, then add pectin to it. Continue stirring it until it starts boiling again. Boil it for one more minute until jelly starts sliding from spoon in a sheet.
4. Pour the mixture into the jars
- Remove the kettle from the flame. Some foam may have collected over the top, skim it.
- Pour the jelly into the pre-heated jars leaving a little space at the top. Place the lids on the jar and then invert it for a few moments.
- Allow the jar and its contents to cool down to room temperature. Store the jar in a cool and dry place.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I store blackberry jelly?
There are few things which must always be kept in mind while storing blackberry jelly:
- The jar containing the jelly must be closed with vacuum sealed lids.
- Always store it in a cool and dry place away from the reach of rodents.
- It must be consumed within 2 years.
- The jelly must be discarded if it develops an off flavor, appearance or odor.
Quick Tips:
- You can reduce the amount of foam on top of the jelly by adding 1 tablespoon of butter into the boiling jelly mixture.
- You can check for the proper seal on the jar by pressing the top of the lid. It is not sealed properly if it makes a clicking or a popping sound.
Things To Watch Out For:
- You need to be careful while pouring the jelly mixture into the jar as the mixture will be hot and you can burn your skin.
- Make sure that the lid and the jar don’t get cooled before the jelly mixture is poured into it.
