How to make Bramble Jam

Here's a quick and easy recipe on how to make Bramble Jam. This can also be used for other types of fruit including strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.

Preparation time less than 30 mins

Cooking time 30 mins to 1 hour

Ingredients:

310g/11oz caster sugar

1kg/2¼lb perfectly ripe blackberries

110g/4oz caster sugar

1 lemon, juice only

1. Making the jam: place the sugar in a heavy-based pan and warm over a medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon. Add the blackberries and mix, just breaking them up a little. Cover with the lid and boil rapidly for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and cook for a further 5 minutes until the temperature reaches 100C/212F/½ Gas. Skim off any impurities then sprinkle in the sugar together with the lemon juice. Stir in and cook for a few more minutes.

2. Testing for setting point: check for setting point by placing a little of the jam on a cold saucer and putting in the fridge for a few minutes. If setting point has been achieved, the jam should wrinkle when pushed with a finger. Pour the jam into the clean jars through a funnel and seal, preferably with a screw top. Leave to cool.

3. Sterilising the jam: place the filled jars, with their lids still on, into a large pan of cold water, on double layer of paper or cloth, or a wired grid. (This keeps the jars away from the direct heat on the bottom of the pan.) Bring to the boil gently, then simmer for 20-25 minutes from boiling point. Remove from the water with tongs, and leave to cool. Dry, label and store in a dark cool place. The jam keeps well, for up to a year, but once opened, it is wise to store it in the fridge.

Comments

[Monica May]

Missing pectin can be supplemented by adding lemon juice, which is rich both in pectin and acid content. Allow 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to each 4lb of fruit. Alternatively, add 1/2 teaspoon of citric or tartaric acid to the fruit before cooking. (Taken from "The Cookery Year")

[jean newman]

i dont want to use pectine at all in my jams as it makes the jam taste and also alters the texture , could you offer an alternative please