Blackcurrant Syrup, Prepared Cold
Ingredients: For approximately 7 liters of syrup and 5 jars of 720 ml fruit: - 3 kg black currants - 6 kg sugar - 3 liters of water - 1 tablespoon heaped, citric acid - ½ tablespoon salicylic acid or preservative
Wash the black currants very well, carefully removing the stems to avoid bitterness in the syrup. Use multiple waters to ensure that the fruits are free from any impurities. Once washed, let them drain in a strainer so that the excess water is completely removed. In a larger pot, with a capacity of at least 10 liters, add the drained currants along with boiled and then cooled water, lemon salt, and salicylic acid lightly dissolved in a little cold water. This combination will help preserve the syrup and enhance the flavor of the fruits.
Homogenize the mixture well, gently crushing the fruits with a wooden spoon or a potato masher to release the natural juices. Let the mixture sit for 24 hours in a cool place, covered with cheesecloth, to allow the flavors to develop. The next day, add sugar to the fruit and water mixture, stirring continuously to facilitate its dissolution. It is important to stir from time to time to ensure that the sugar is fully integrated and the syrup becomes sweet and aromatic. Let the mixture sit again for 24 hours.
After the two days of waiting, you will notice that the mixture has acquired an intense flavor and a rich color. Now is the time to strain the mixture through double cheesecloth to separate the fruits from the syrup. Make sure to squeeze the cheesecloth well to extract as much syrup as possible. The obtained syrup can be poured into sterilized bottles that have been preheated to prevent spoilage.
Once you have filled the bottles with syrup, carefully cap them, then label with the date and contents. Store them in a dark and cool place, such as a pantry. Black currant syrup is a natural delicacy that retains all the nutrients from the fruits and can be consumed for 2-3 years, thus providing an explosion of flavor on winter evenings or as an ingredient in various desserts. This syrup is perfect for adding a sweet note to lemonades, cocktails, or simply to be enjoyed with mineral water.
