Canning Blackberry Pie Filling: A Beginner’s Guide

Are you tired of letting your blackberries go to waste? Canning blackberry pie filling is a great way to preserve your fruit and enjoy it all year long.

Not only does it save you money, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and avoid any preservatives or additives that may be found in store-bought pie fillings.

To get started, you’ll need a few basic supplies such as canning jars, lids, and rings, as well as a water bath canner. You’ll also need fresh blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.

The process involves cooking the filling on the stove, filling the jars, and processing them in the canner to ensure a safe seal. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to make delicious blackberry pies in no time!

Related Article: Planting Blackberries: Tips for a Successful Harvest

Understanding Canning Basics

The Canning Process

Canning is a great way to preserve food and enjoy seasonal produce all year round. The process of canning involves heating food in jars to kill bacteria and create a seal that prevents spoilage. There are two main methods of canning: water-bath canning and pressure canning.

Water-bath canning is the most common method used for canning high-acid foods like fruits and tomatoes. This method involves submerging jars of food in boiling water for a specific amount of time.

Pressure canning is used for low-acid foods like vegetables and meats. This method involves using a pressure canner to heat jars of food to a higher temperature than boiling water canning.

To ensure that your canned food is safe to eat, it’s important to follow a tested recipe and use proper canning techniques. This includes using the correct amount of headspace (the space between the food and the top of the jar), using new lids and jars, and processing the jars for the recommended amount of time.

Essential Canning Equipment

To get started with canning, you’ll need some basic equipment. Here’s a list of essential canning equipment:

• Canning Jars: Choose jars that are specifically made for canning and are free of chips or cracks.
• Lids: Use new lids for each batch of canning to ensure a proper seal.
• Canning funnel: This funnel makes it easier to fill jars without making a mess.
• Boiling water canner: This large pot is used for water-bath canning. It should be deep enough to cover the jars with at least one inch of water.
• Jar lifter: This tool is used to safely remove hot jars from the canner.

By following these basic canning practices and using the right equipment, you can safely preserve your blackberry pie filling and enjoy it for months to come.

Related Article: Blackberry Lavender Kombucha

Preparing Blackberry Pie Filling

When it comes to making a delicious blackberry pie, the filling is the star of the show. Here’s how to prepare the perfect blackberry pie filling that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Selecting Quality Blackberries

The first step in making a great blackberry pie filling is to choose the right blackberries. Look for blackberries that are plump, firm, and shiny. Avoid berries that are mushy, overly ripe, or have any signs of mold.

If you’re using fresh blackberries, rinse them gently with cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. If you’re using frozen blackberries, let them thaw completely before using them in your recipe.

Blackberry Pie Filling Recipe

Ingredients:

• 7 c. whole blackberries
• 10 tablespoons Clear Jel
• 1 1/2 cups sugar or Stevia
• 2 cups water or grape juice
• 2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice

This recipe makes 2 quarts of pie filling. You will need 1 quart of pie filling to bake one pie–you can double or triple this recipe to make more pie filling.

You can use water, grape juice, or some other type of berry juice for this recipe. The fruit juice will give the pie filling more color. You can also add a few drops of red and blue food coloring if you want your pie filling to be more purple in color.

Clear Jel and cornstarch are not interchangeable in canning. You need to use Clear Jel to thicken your pie filling, cornstarch is not safe for canning.

Related Article: Canning Blackberry Syrup

Place the blackberries in a strainer and make sure all of the stems have been removed from the berries. Give them a good rinse.  Place the Clear Jel in a large stock pot and stir in the sugar, mixing them together well. Add the water or juice, and whisk everything together, mixing well.

Heat, stirring constantly, until mixture becomes thick. It will thicken fairly quickly, so make sure to keep a close eye on it. Stir in the lemon juice and cook for another minute. Stir in the blackberries until the blackberries are evenly distributed.

Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel, 1.5 Lbs.Prepworks by Progressive Canning Funnel for Regular and Wide Mouth JarsGranite Ware Enamel-on-Steel Canning Kit, 9-Piece

Canning Pie Filling Step-by-Step

Canning blackberry pie filling is a great way to preserve your summer harvest and enjoy it all year round. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you can your own blackberry pie filling.

Related Article: Canning Blackberry Jelly: A Beginner’s Guide

Filling the Jars

Start by washing your quart jars, lids, and rings in hot, soapy water and rinsing them well. Make sure to inspect the jars for any cracks or chips before using them. You can also sterilize them by running them through a quick rinse in the dishwasher.

Ladle the hot filling into your prepared quart jars, leaving 1 1/2 inches of headspace at the top. You can measure the headspace with this inexpensive canning funnel. Use a spatula to remove any air bubbles from the jars.

Sealing and Processing

Wipe the rims of your jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue. Place the lids on the jars and screw the rings on tightly.

Place your filled jars in a boiling water bath canner, making sure they are covered with at least 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a boil and process the jars for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the canner for 5 minutes. Then, remove them from the canner and let them cool on a towel for 24 hours.

Check your jars for a proper seal. The lids should be concave and not move when pressed. Store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator and use them within a week.

Serving and Storing Home-Canned Pie Filling

Once you’ve canned your blackberry pie filling, you’ll want to know how to serve and store it properly. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your homemade filling.

Shelf Life and Storage Tips

Home-canned pie filling can last for up to a year if stored properly. To ensure the longest shelf life, store your jars in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Be sure to label your jars with the date they were canned so you can keep track of their age.

Once opened, your pie filling should be refrigerated and used within a week. If you have leftover filling, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to six months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

Creative Ways to Use Blackberry Pie Filling

Blackberry pie filling is delicious on its own, but it can also be used in a variety of desserts and other dishes. Here are some creative ways to use your homemade filling:

• Pie: Of course, blackberry pie filling is perfect for making pies. Simply pour the filling into a pie crust and bake according to your favorite pie recipe.
• Ice Cream Topping: Warm up your blackberry pie filling and drizzle it over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Waffles: Top your favorite waffles with a spoonful of blackberry pie filling and a dollop of whipped cream for a breakfast treat.
• Toppings: Use your blackberry pie filling as a topping for cheesecake, yogurt, or oatmeal.
• Crumbles: Make a blackberry crumble by layering pie filling with a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter, then baking until golden brown.

With these tips and ideas, you can enjoy your homemade blackberry pie filling in a variety of ways.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Canning

Canning your own blackberry pie filling is a great way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure that your home-canned pie filling turns out perfectly:

Use a Tested Recipe

When canning pie fillings, it is important to use a tested recipe to ensure that the pH level is safe for canning. The Washington State Extension Service has a great blackberry pie filling canning recipe that has been tested for safety. You can find it in the “So Easy to Preserve” book or on their website.

Use ClearJel or Modified Corn Starch

To ensure that your pie filling thickens properly, use ClearJel or modified corn starch instead of regular flour or cornstarch. These products are specifically designed for canning and will not break down during processing.

Add Some Cinnamon

Adding a pinch of cinnamon to your blackberry pie filling can really enhance the flavor. Just be sure to use a light hand, as too much cinnamon can overpower the taste of the blackberries.

Add Blue Food Coloring (Optional)

If you want your blackberry pie filling to have a deeper, more vibrant color, you can add a drop or two of blue food coloring. This is completely optional, but it can make your pie filling look even more delicious.

Enjoy Your Home-Canned Pie Filling

Once you have canned your blackberry pie filling, you can use it to make delicious pies, crisps, or even serve it over pancakes. It also pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet and tangy dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you preserve blackberry pie filling through canning?

Preserving blackberry pie filling through canning involves using a water bath canning method to seal the jars. This ensures that the filling stays fresh and safe to consume for a longer period of time.

What are the steps for water bath canning blackberry pie filling?

To water bath can blackberry pie filling, you’ll need to prepare the filling according to a trusted recipe, fill the jars with the filling, and then process the jars in a boiling water bath for the recommended time. It’s important to follow all safety guidelines to ensure that the jars are properly sealed and the filling stays fresh.

Can you can blackberry pie filling without using Clear Jel, and if so, how?

Yes, you can can blackberry pie filling without using Clear Jel. However, it’s important to use a recipe that has been tested and approved for canning without Clear Jel.

What’s the best recipe for blackberry pie filling suitable for canning?

There are many great recipes for blackberry pie filling that are suitable for canning. It’s important to choose a recipe that has been tested and approved for canning to ensure that the filling is safe to store. Look for recipes that use high-acid ingredients and follow all safety guidelines for canning.

How do you thicken blackberry pie filling for canning purposes?

To thicken blackberry pie filling for canning purposes, you can use a thickener such as Clear Jel. It’s important to follow a trusted recipe and use the recommended amount of thickener to ensure that the filling is safe to can.

Is it possible to mix fresh blackberries into already canned pie filling?

Yes, it’s possible to mix fresh blackberries into already canned pie filling. However, it’s important to heat the filling to boiling before adding the fresh berries to ensure that the filling is safe to consume. I

t’s also important to follow all safety guidelines for canning to ensure that the jars are properly sealed and the filling stays fresh.

Place the prepared jars in a boiling water canner, making sure that you have 1 inch of water above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a boil. Process jars for 30 minutes.

Remove the jars from the canner and place on the kitchen counter to cool. If one of your jars does not seal, just place it in the refrigerator and use it in the next week. You can also re-process jars with new lids and rings. Sealed jars can be stored in a cool dark place for 1-2 years.

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