Blackcurrant Jam Recipe

Blackcurrants are about so much more than just squash - this blackcurrant jam recipe is so easy to make and you can enjoy it year-round and not just when it's in season. If you've got a glut of fruit, this is the easiest way to use it up - blackcurrant jam makes a really lovely gift for loved ones and will keep for a long time unopened. Once you've opened a jar, try and eat it within a couple of weeks and keep it in the fridge. If you see any mould appearing, it's no longer good to eat.

How To Make Blackcurrant Jam

Ingredients

• 1.8kg blackcurrants
• 1.7 litres water
• 2.7kg granulated sugar
• small knob butter

Method

1. Leave the blackcurrants to soak in a sink filled with cold water. Pull them off their stalks and put into a preserving pan with the water. Bring to the boil and simmer, uncovered, for about 40 minutes, until the fruit is softened and the water reduced.

2. Add the sugar, stirring frequently until the sugar has dissolved, bringing it up to a gentle boil. Let it bubble for 10 minutes then test for a set - put a spoonful on to a chilled saucer then place it in the fridge for 5 minutes. Turn the jam right down in the meantime. The test should have set to a jam-like consistency if you push it with your finger. If not, return to the heat, re-boil then test again.

3. Add the butter, stir well. Cool the jam for 10 minutes to prevent the fruit sinking in the jar; ladle into sterilised jars - don't fill to the top. Let the jam cool before covering.