Canning Blackberry Jelly: A Beginner’s Guide

Canning blackberry jelly is a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you have a surplus of fresh blackberries. Canning your jelly allows you to enjoy it all year round, and it makes a great gift for friends and family. With a little bit of preparation and the right equipment, you can easily make your own delicious blackberry jelly.

 

To start, you’ll need fresh blackberries, sugar, and pectin. Pectin is a natural substance that helps the jelly set. You can find pectin at most grocery stores or online. You’ll also need canning jars and canning lids, a canning pot, and a few other basic kitchen tools. Once you have everything you need, it’s time to get started. This recipe makes 3-4 pints of blackberry jelly.

 

 

Related Article: Blackberry Pie (from Fresh Blackberries!)

 

Granite Ware Covered Preserving Canner with Rack, 12-QuartNorpro Jelly Strainer Stand with BagCuisinart CTG-00-3MS Set of 3 Fine Mesh Stainless Steel StrainersPrepworks by Progressive Canning Funnel for Regular and Wide Mouth Jars

 

Ingredients for Blackberry Jelly

 

When it comes to making blackberry jelly, you only need a few ingredients to get started. In this section, we’ll go over the three main categories of ingredients: fruits and berries, sweeteners and pectin, and additional items.

 

Fruits and Berries

 

The star of the show when it comes to blackberry jelly is, of course, the blackberries themselves. You’ll need 5 cups of fresh blackberries to make a batch of jelly. You can use either wild or commercially grown blackberries, as both have plenty of natural pectin.

 

Related Article: Canning Blackberry Pie Filling

 

Sweeteners and Pectin

 

To sweeten your blackberry jelly, you’ll need to add sugar. The amount of sugar you use will depend on your personal preference. If you want to reduce the amount of sugar in your jelly, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or honey.

 

You’ll also need some form of pectin to help your jelly set. There are two main types of pectin: powdered and fruit. Powdered pectin is the easiest to use. 

 

 

Related Article: Blackberry Lavender Kombucha

 

Preparation Process

 

Berry Preparation

 

To make the perfect blackberry jelly, the first step is to ensure that your berries are firm and ripe. You can use a colander to sort and wash the berries, and remove any stems or caps. Crush the berries using a food processor or a potato masher. If they are very seedy, put part or all of them through a sieve or a food mill.

 

Related Article: Planting Blackberries: Tips for a Successful Harvest

 

Canning Preparation

 

Before you start making the jelly, you need to sterilize your equipment. This includes your metal canning lids, Mason jars, and any other utensils you will be using. You can do this by boiling them in water for a few minutes. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s directions for preparing the metal canning lids.

 

Blackberry Jelly Recipe

Ingredients:

5-6 c. blackberries
5 c. sugar
1 pkg. or 6 tbsp. powdered pectin*
1/4 tsp. butter

 

*Note: If you are going to make a lot of jam and/or jelly, then you HAVE to try this powdered pectin that you can buy in bulk from Amazon. Six tablespoons of this pectin is the equivalent to one box of Suregel pectin. This is the ONLY way to buy pectin inexpensively if you are going to buy a lot of it (like I do!). 

 

Hoosier Hill Fruit Pectin, 2 lb bag

 

 

You can prepare this recipe with any kind of berry. You can also combine berries if you want a mixed berry jelly. Just make sure you end up with 3 1/2 c. juice to prepare the jelly.

 

Wash blackberries and remove stems. Place blackberries in large stock pot with about 1 c. water to keep them from sticking to bottom of pot. Bring to boil and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until blackberries are soft.

 

Extract juice from blackberries with a jelly bag or fine mesh strainer. Measure juice, adding a little water if necessary to get exactly 3 1/2 cups of juice.

 

Related Article: Canning Blackberry Syrup

 

Pour blackberry juice into a large stock pot. Sprinkle the pectin on top of the juice and use a whisk to mix it together. Stirring constantly, heat until boiling. Boil for one minute.

 

Add the butter and return to a boil. Add the sugar to the pot all at one time (measure it and have it ready ahead of time). Stir until sugar is dissolved. Return to a boil and boil for one minute.

 

Canning Process

 

Before filling your jars, make sure they are sterilized and ready to go. You can sterilize your jars by boiling them in a pot of water for 10 minutes or by running them through a dishwasher cycle. Once your jars are sterilized, you can start filling them with your blackberry jelly.

 

Using a funnel and a ladle, pour the hot jelly mixture into sterilized Mason jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. You can easily measure the head space with this canning funnel. Wipe the rims of the jars with a dampened clean paper towel to remove any residue. Place the sterilized metal canning lids on the jars and screw on the rings.

 

Place the jars in a water bath canning pot and cover them with boiling water. Fill the canner with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Boil pints for 10 minutes or half pints for 5 minutes. Remove the jars from the pot and let them cool on a towel for 24 hours. This allows the jelly to set properly.

 

Related Article: Blackberry Pie Bars

 

 

 

Related Article: 10 Easy Homemade Jelly Recipes

 

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Jelly

 

Achieving the Perfect Texture

 

When it comes to making jelly, achieving the perfect texture is key. You want your jelly to be firm but not too hard, with a smooth, spreadable consistency. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the perfect texture:

• Use the right amount of pectin: Whether you’re using liquid or powdered pectin, it’s important to measure it accurately. Too little pectin can result in a soft, runny jelly, while too much can make it hard and rubbery.
• Skim off any foam: As your jelly cooks, foam will rise to the surface. Skim it off with a spoon or a fine mesh skimmer to prevent it from affecting the texture of your jelly.

 

Ensuring a Good Seal

 

In addition to achieving the perfect texture, it’s important to ensure that your jelly seals properly. A good seal will help preserve your jelly and prevent it from spoiling. Here are a few tips to help you ensure a good seal:

 

• Use clean, sterilized jars: Before you begin, make sure that your jars and lids are clean and sterilized. You can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through a dishwasher cycle.
• Fill the jars to the right level: When filling your jars, leave 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. This will allow for expansion during processing and help prevent the jars from breaking.
• Process your jars properly: To ensure a good seal, process your jars in a water bath canner for the recommended amount of time. For half-pint jars of seedless blackberry jelly, this is typically 5 minutes. After processing, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool. You should hear a “pop” as the seal forms. Check the seals by pressing down on the center of the lid. If it doesn’t move, the jar is sealed.

 

By following these tips and tricks, you can create the perfect jelly every time. Whether you’re making seedless blackberry jelly, cherry jelly, or any other kind of jelly, these tips will help ensure that your jelly is crystal clear, perfectly textured, and properly sealed.

 

Serving and Storing

 

Serving Suggestions

 

Congratulations, you’ve made your own delicious blackberry jelly! Now, it’s time to enjoy it. There are so many ways to serve this sweet treat. Here are some ideas:

 

• Spread it on toast or biscuits for breakfast.
• Use it as a glaze for roasted meats or vegetables.
• Mix it with cream cheese for a sweet and tangy dip.
• Drizzle it over ice cream or pancakes.
• Use it as a topping for cheesecake or other desserts.

 

The possibilities are endless! Get creative and find your favorite way to enjoy your homemade blackberry jelly.

 

Storing Your Jelly

 

Proper storage is essential to ensure your blackberry jelly stays fresh and tasty for as long as possible. Here are some tips for storing your jelly:

• After canning, let the jars cool completely before storing them.
• Store your jars in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Use within one year for best quality.
• Once opened, store in the refrigerator and use within a few weeks.

 

If you have any leftover blackberry jelly, you can also use it to make syrup. Simply mix equal parts jelly and water in a saucepan and heat until the jelly has dissolved. Use this syrup to sweeten tea or cocktails, or drizzle it over pancakes or waffles.

 

Remember, homemade jelly doesn’t contain preservatives, so it won’t last as long as store-bought jams. But with proper storage and timely consumption, you can enjoy your delicious blackberry jelly for months to come.

 

Related Jelly Recipes

• Rose petal jelly
• Rootbeer jelly
• Mountain dew jelly
• Apricot jelly
• Pear jelly
• Chokecherry jelly
• Grape jelly
• Dandelion jelly
• Pomegranate jelly
• Lilac jelly

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

My jelly didn’t set. What can I do?

 

Jelly can take from several hours to several days to completely set. Place the jars on a towel on the kitchen counter to cool and don’t disturb them for several days so the jelly has time to set. If after several days the jelly is still not set, then follow these instructions.

 

What is the difference between blackberry jam and blackberry jelly?

Blackberry jam is made by cooking the fruit and sugar together until it thickens and sets. It contains pieces of fruit and has a spreadable texture. Blackberry jelly, on the other hand, is made by straining the fruit to remove the seeds and pulp. It is a clear, smooth spread with no fruit pieces.

 

How do you can blackberries in jars?

To can blackberries, wash them thoroughly and remove any stems. Pack the berries into hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Cover the berries with boiling water, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth, and place the lids and rings on the jars. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.

 

How do you deseed blackberries for jelly?

To deseed blackberries for jelly, crush the berries in a saucepan and bring them to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined strainer or jelly bag, and let it drip into a bowl until all the juice has been extracted.

 

What is the best way to prepare blackberries for canning?

The best way to prepare blackberries for canning is to wash them thoroughly and remove any stems. You can choose to leave the berries whole or crush them slightly to release some of their juices. Pack the berries into hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.

 

What are some tips for making a small batch of blackberry jelly?

For a small batch of blackberry jelly, use 2-3 cups of blackberries and 2-3 cups of sugar. Follow the instructions for deseeding the blackberries and cooking the jelly. Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the jelly reaches the correct temperature for setting.

 

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