Blackberry Jelly

Blackberry Jelly is a traditional British recipe for a classic jelly (clear jam) of crab apple and blackberry juice that's boiled with sugar until it reaches the setting point and stored in jars, which is typically used at tea time or is used as a base for cakes. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic British version of: Blackberry Jelly.

prep time

20 minutes

cook time

45 minutes

Total Time:

65 minutes

Additional Time:

(+over-nigh draining)

Makes:

6 jars

Rating: 4.5 star rating

Tags : Wild FoodVegetarian RecipesBritish Recipes


Ingredients:

400g crab apples, washed and chopped
1.4kg blackberries, washed
1.2l water
75g sugar per 100ml liquid

Method:

Place the apples and blackberries in a heavy-bottomed saucepan along with the water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, until the apples are very soft.

Pour into a jelly bag or a sieve lined with several layers of muslin and allow to drain into a bowl (do not be tempted to squeeze the bag as this will only make the jelly cloudy.

The following morning discard the fruit (I tend to freeze them to make pies later) then measure the volume of the liquid and add 75g sugar per 100ml of fluid.

Place the juice and the sugar in a saucepan, heat through then add the sugar, stirring until completely dissolved. Bring to a boil and cook rapidly for about 15 minutes. Test for setting by placing a plate in the fridge. Spoon a little of the jelly onto the plate, allow to cook then move it with your fingernail. If a crinkly skin forms then the jelly is ready. If not continue boiling for 5 minutes more and test again.

Skim the surface then ladle into sterilized jars that have been warmed in an oven set to 100°C for 5 minutes. Allow 1cm of head space then secure the lid, allow to cool and store.