Quick Homemade Blackcurrant Jam Recipe: Tangy Summer Sweetness

Crafting a delightful blackcurrant jam brings pure culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Sweet berries burst with intense flavor that captures summer’s essence perfectly.

Ripe fruits transform into a luxurious spread through careful cooking techniques.

Passionate home cooks appreciate the simple ingredients and straightforward process.

Local gardens often yield these deep purple jewels waiting to become something extraordinary.

Each spoonful promises rich, concentrated taste that connects you to traditional preserving methods.

Grab a wooden spoon and start your delicious preservation adventure today!

Delia Smith Blackcurrant Jam Recipe Questions Answered

• How do I know if the jam has reached setting point?

Drop a small amount of jam on a cold saucer. After 1-2 minutes, push the jam with your finger. If it wrinkles and doesn’t run, it’s ready to set.

• Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Blackcurrants are naturally low in pectin, so reducing sugar might prevent proper setting. For best results, follow the recipe’s sugar ratio exactly.

• How long will homemade blackcurrant jam last?

When stored in sterilised jars and sealed properly, the jam can last up to 12 months in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 4-6 weeks.

Why You’ll Like Delia Smith Blackcurrant Jam Recipe

• Harvest Heaven: Capture the vibrant, intense flavor of fresh blackcurrants at their peak ripeness, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful homemade preserve.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Create a delicious jam with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want to enjoy a burst of fruity goodness.
• Versatile Spread Sensation: Enjoy this jam as a breakfast companion on toast, a pastry filling, or a sweet addition to yogurt and desserts, making it a must-have in any kitchen pantry.
• Preservation Pro: Learn a classic technique of fruit preservation that locks in natural flavors and allows you to savor the taste of seasonal blackcurrants long after harvest season.

What’s Needed For Delia Smith Blackcurrant Jam Recipe

• Blackcurrants: Tart berries that provide the primary flavor and natural pectin for the jam.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the jam's preservation and thickening process.

• Water: Helps soften the blackcurrants during initial cooking.
• Sterilised Jars: Clean containers for storing the finished jam and maintaining its quality and safety.

Steps For Delia Smith Blackcurrant Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Blackcurrants

Wash the blackcurrants thoroughly under cool running water. Carefully remove all stems and any leaves, leaving only the plump, deep purple berries ready for cooking.

Step 2: Soften Fruit

Place the cleaned blackcurrants in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add enough water to barely cover the fruit. Gently simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries become soft and begin to break down, which typically takes about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add Sweetness

Pour granulated sugar into the softened blackcurrants. Stir continuously to help the sugar dissolve completely. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4: Cook to Jam Consistency

Continue boiling the mixture, stirring regularly. The jam will start to thicken and become glossy. Watch for the mixture to reduce and become more concentrated, which usually takes around 15 minutes.

Step 5: Check Jam Setting

Test the jam’s readiness by placing a small amount on a chilled plate. Let it cool for a moment, then gently push the edge with your finger. If the surface wrinkles and doesn’t immediately flow back, the jam is ready. If not, continue boiling and retest after a few minutes.

Step 6: Jar and Preserve

Carefully pour the hot jam into clean, sterilized glass jars. Wipe the jar rims to ensure a clean seal. Close the lids tightly while the jam is still warm. Allow the jars to cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place.

Tips For Better Delia Smith Blackcurrant Jam Recipe

• Prevent Stem Bitterness: Remove every single stem meticulously to avoid bitter undertones in your jam.
• Master Jam Setting: Use the cold saucer test by dropping a teaspoon of jam and checking if it wrinkles when pushed with your finger.
• Sterilize Jars Properly: Wash jars in hot, soapy water and dry in a low oven at 140°C to ensure bacteria-free preservation.
• Control Sugar Sweetness: Adjust sugar quantity based on blackcurrants' natural tartness for balanced flavor.
• Handle Fruit Gently: Use soft stirring techniques to keep blackcurrant texture intact and prevent breaking down fruit completely.

Ways To Tweak Delia Smith Blackcurrant Jam Recipe

• Berry Medley Jam: Replace blackcurrants with a mix of raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries for a vibrant, multi-berry preserve.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use half the recommended sugar amount and add pectin to help the jam set while reducing sweetness.
• Herbal Infusion Jam: Steep fresh mint or lavender during the simmering process to add a subtle aromatic flavor to the traditional blackcurrant jam.
• Spiced Blackcurrant Preserve: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or ginger during the boiling stage for a warming, complex taste profile.

Best Uses With Delia Smith Blackcurrant Jam Recipe

• Savor Creamy Cheese Companions: Pair this vibrant blackcurrant jam with soft, tangy goat cheese or creamy brie for a luxurious spread on crusty artisan bread that balances the jam's intense fruity flavor.
• Elevate Morning Toast: Drizzle the jam over warm, buttered sourdough or thick-cut whole wheat toast to transform your breakfast into a gourmet experience with bursts of deep berry richness.
• Match with Sparkling Beverages: Complement the jam's tartness with crisp prosecco or a light champagne that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the blackcurrant's complex flavor profile.

How To Keep Delia Smith Blackcurrant Jam Recipe Fresh

• Store homemade blackcurrant jam in clean, sealed glass jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Keep away from direct light and heat sources.
• Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• Properly sealed and sterilized jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for 12-18 months. Check seals and discard if any signs of mold appear.
• Once opened, consume refrigerated jam within 2-3 weeks. Always use clean utensils to prevent contamination and preserve freshness.

Blackcurrant Jam Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Sweet summer memories come alive with homemade blackcurrant jam, a delightful preserve bursting with rich, tangy flavor. Crafted with fresh berries and simple ingredients, this jam delivers a taste of pure countryside comfort you’ll savor with every spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 450 grams (3 1/2 cups) blackcurrants

Liquid:

• 450 milliliters (1 pint) water

Sugar:

• 550 grams (2 1/2 cups) sugar

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash blackcurrants, carefully removing all stems and debris.
2. Transfer blackcurrants to a heavy-bottomed pot and add just enough water to barely cover the fruit.
3. Gently simmer over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fruits become soft and release their juices.
4. Incorporate sugar gradually, stirring until completely dissolved.
5. Increase heat and rapidly boil mixture, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, for approximately 15-20 minutes.
6. Perform setting test by placing a small amount of jam on a chilled saucer – if it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, jam has reached setting point.
7. If jam hasn’t set, continue boiling for additional 2-3 minute intervals, retesting after each interval.
8. Remove from heat and let jam rest for 5 minutes to allow fruit particles to distribute evenly.
9. Carefully ladle hot jam into pre-sterilized glass jars, leaving minimal headspace.
10. Immediately seal jars with clean, dry lids while jam remains hot to ensure proper preservation.

Notes

• Test jam’s readiness by placing a small amount on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s perfectly set.
• Avoid stirring too vigorously during boiling to prevent sugar crystallization and maintain a smooth texture.
• Use fresh, ripe blackcurrants for maximum flavor and natural pectin content, which helps the jam set more easily.
• Sterilize jars thoroughly by washing in hot, soapy water and drying in a low oven to prevent bacterial growth and extend jam’s shelf life.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 154
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg