Homemade Black Currant Jam (Printable)

A vibrant preserve made with ripe blackcurrants and fresh lemon juice, ideal for spreading on toast or swirling into yogurt.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruit

01 - 2.2 pounds fresh blackcurrants, cleaned and stems removed

→ Sweetener

02 - 2 pounds granulated sugar

→ Acid

03 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

# How To Make It:

01 - Place a small plate in the freezer to prepare for testing the jam's setting point later.
02 - Combine blackcurrants and lemon juice in a large saucepan. Gently crush some berries with a potato masher to release their natural juices.
03 - Stir in sugar until combined. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to draw out additional juices from the fruit.
04 - Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until all sugar has dissolved completely.
05 - Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rapid, rolling boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
06 - Boil vigorously for 10 to 15 minutes, skimming off any foam that forms on the surface. Test for set by placing a drop of jam on the chilled plate, wait 1 minute, then push gently with your finger—if the surface wrinkles, the jam is ready.
07 - Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to disperse fruit evenly throughout the jam.
08 - Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Seal immediately with lids.
09 - Let jars cool completely at room temperature, then label and store in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate after opening and consume within 4 weeks.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Blackcurrants have this incredible depth of flavor that store-bought jam can never quite capture, like eating sunshine itself
  • The process is surprisingly forgiving and the results feel like something your grandmother would have proudly displayed on her pantry shelf
02 -
  • Do not walk away from the stove during the rapid boil phase. Jam can go from perfect to burned in literally seconds.
  • The wrinkle test is more reliable than any thermometer. Trust your senses and the plate test over gadgets.
03 -
  • Invest in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Thin pans heat unevenly and increase the risk of scorching your precious jam.
  • Sterilize your jars in the oven while the jam cooks. Timing everything to come together at once feels like kitchen wizardry.
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