Blackberry jam

Blackberry jam

If you are looking for a delicious and versatile dessert, blackberry jam is the perfect choice! Not only will it indulge your taste buds, but it will also add a touch of vibrant color and flavor to your meals. Whether you use it for cakes, pancakes, ice cream or simply on a slice of bread, this jam is a real treat. What's more, using gelfix will guarantee a perfect consistency without having to spend too much time in front of the stove.

Total cooking time: 1 hour (including cooling time)
Number of servings: about 6 x 250 g jars

Ingredients:
- 2 kg fresh blackberries
- 500 g sugar
- 1 sachet of gelfix (500 g)

Utensils needed:
- A large saucepan
- A food processor or blender
- A strainer
- Sterilized jars
- A cooling cloth or blanket

Step by step:

1. Preparing the blackberries: Start by rinsing the blackberries under a stream of cold water. Make sure to thoroughly clean them of any impurities. Put them in a colander and let them drain completely of water.

2. Puree the blackberries: Transfer the drained blackberries to a food processor and puree until finely pureed. This is where the delicious blackberry flavor will start to release!

3. Straining the puree: Once pureed, use a strainer to separate the juice from the seeds. You can use a spatula to help strain the puree through the strainer. You'll notice that the seeds and a few bits of pulp will collect in the strainer. Don't worry, this is perfectly normal!

4. Cooking the jam: Take the resulting blackberry juice and put it in a large saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process will concentrate the flavors and help the jam thicken.

5. Add the sugar: In a separate bowl, mix the sugar with the contents of the gelfix sachet. This will prevent clumps from forming when you add it to the blackberry puree. After the 30 minutes, add the sugar and gelfix mixture to the saucepan and simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring constantly.

6. Bottling the jam: Once the jam is ready, pour it hot into sterilized jars. Make sure the jars are very hot to prevent them from bursting. After filling the jars, turn them upside down for 5 minutes. This trick will help create a vacuum and ensure better preservation.

7. Chilling: Wrap the jars in a blanket or cloth and chill them slowly for 1-2 days. This step is essential to preserve the flavor and texture of the jam.

8. Storage: Once they have cooled completely, store the jars in your pantry, where they will keep perfectly for the winter.

Useful Tips:
- Blackberry selection: Choose fresh blackberries, free of blemishes or mold. Ripe blackberries have a more intense flavor and will make the jam tastier.
- Variations: You can experiment with flavors by adding a little lemon juice or a dusting of cinnamon for a unique taste.
- Uses: Blackberry jam goes great with yogurt, pancakes, muffins, or as a topping for ice cream. You can also use it in cakes, such as blackberry tarts or rolls.

Nutritional benefits:
Blackberries are high in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and fiber, making them a healthy ingredient for jams. Eating blackberry jam can help strengthen the immune system and maintain digestive health.

Calories:
A 100g serving of blackberry jam contains about 250 calories, so it's best to enjoy it in moderation!

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other fruits? Yes, this recipe can be adapted with other berries such as raspberries or blueberries.
- How do I know if the jam is ready? A simple test is to put a spoonful of jam on a cold plate. If it doesn't run, it's ready to bottle.

Blackberry jam is a simple and quick, yet flavorful recipe that's perfect for adding a little extra sweetness to your life. Savor this treat all year round and enjoy the pleasant memories it will create around your table! Enjoy!