Preserving Cassis Blackcurrant: Jams, Jellies, And Other Delights

Natalie Brooks

6 min read

Post on May 21, 2025

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Harvesting and Preparing Cassis Blackcurrants for Preserving

Successfully preserving blackcurrants begins with proper harvesting and preparation. Careful attention to detail at this stage ensures the best possible results in your final product.

Selecting the Perfect Blackcurrants

Choosing ripe, high-quality blackcurrants is crucial for delicious preserves.

• Look for plump, dark berries: Avoid berries that are shriveled or underripe. Fully ripe blackcurrants will be deep purplish-black and easily detach from the stems.
• Avoid damaged or moldy fruit: Carefully inspect each berry for any signs of damage, disease, or mold. Discard any that appear blemished.
• Best picked on a dry day: Harvesting on a dry day prevents excess moisture from affecting the quality and shelf life of your preserved blackcurrants.
• Gentle handling is key: Avoid bruising the berries, as this can lead to spoilage and affect the final taste and texture of your preserves. Use gentle movements when picking and transporting them.

Cleaning and Sorting Your Blackcurrants

Once harvested, your blackcurrants need a thorough cleaning and sorting to remove any unwanted material.

• Rinse gently under cool water: Use a colander to support the berries while rinsing. Avoid using forceful water pressure that could damage the delicate fruit.
• Remove leaves and stems: Carefully pick out any leaves, stems, or other debris that may have been collected during harvesting.
• Inspect for imperfections: Even after initial sorting, carefully inspect each berry for any remaining imperfections. Discard any damaged or moldy fruit.

Measuring and Weighing Your Blackcurrants

Accurate measurement is vital for successful preserving. Many recipes specify quantities by weight, not volume.

• Use a kitchen scale for precise weighing: A kitchen scale provides the most accurate measurement for your blackcurrants, ensuring consistent results.
• Understand the differences in recipes: Some recipes use weight measurements (grams or ounces), while others use volume measurements (cups). Always follow the specific instructions of your chosen recipe carefully.

Making Delicious Blackcurrant Jam

Blackcurrant jam is a classic for a reason—its intense flavour and beautiful colour make it a prized preserve.

Classic Blackcurrant Jam Recipe

This recipe makes approximately 500g of jam.

Ingredients:

• 500g blackcurrants
• 750g granulated sugar
• 1 lemon, juiced

Instructions:

1. Gently crush the blackcurrants with a potato masher.
2. Combine the crushed blackcurrants, sugar, and lemon juice in a large, heavy-bottomed pan.
3. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved.
4. Continue boiling rapidly, without stirring, until the setting point is reached (the jam should wrinkle on a cold plate).
5. Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
6. Carefully pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a small headspace.
7. Seal the jars immediately and allow them to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Jam Setting

Achieving the perfect jam set requires attention to detail.

• Using a jam thermometer: A jam thermometer ensures you reach the correct setting point, which is crucial for preventing spoilage.
• Understanding the wrinkle test: The wrinkle test involves placing a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it's set.
• Adding lemon juice for pectin boost: Lemon juice helps to improve the setting of the jam by providing extra pectin.

Variations on Blackcurrant Jam

Experiment with different flavours to create unique blackcurrant jams.

• Spiced Blackcurrant Jam: Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground ginger during cooking for a warm, spiced flavour.
• Mixed Berry Blackcurrant Jam: Combine blackcurrants with raspberries or strawberries for a more complex flavor and a vibrant colour.
• Blackcurrant and Orange Jam: The citrusy notes of orange complement the tartness of blackcurrants perfectly.

Creating Exquisite Blackcurrant Jelly

Blackcurrant jelly offers a lighter, more delicate texture than jam.

Blackcurrant Jelly Recipe

This recipe makes approximately 500ml of jelly.

Ingredients:

• 500g blackcurrants
• 700ml water
• 750g granulated sugar
• 1 lemon, juiced

Instructions:

1. Gently crush the blackcurrants and simmer in the water for 20 minutes.
2. Strain the mixture through a jelly bag or cheesecloth to extract the juice.
3. Measure the juice; you should have approximately 600ml.
4. For every 600ml of juice, add 750g of sugar.
5. Bring the juice and sugar to a rolling boil, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.
6. Continue boiling rapidly until the setting point is reached (the jelly will wrinkle on a cold plate).
7. Pour into sterilized jars and seal.

Understanding Jelly Setting

Jelly setting relies on the balance of pectin and acidity.

• Using commercial pectin: Commercial pectin is available and simplifies jelly making, offering a consistent set.
• Relying on natural pectin: Blackcurrants contain natural pectin, but the amount can vary depending on the ripeness and variety.
• Adjusting acidity with lemon juice: Adding lemon juice enhances the acidity and aids in setting the jelly.

Flavor Combinations for Blackcurrant Jelly

Enhance your blackcurrant jelly with complementary flavors.

• Mint Blackcurrant Jelly: A few fresh mint leaves added during the simmering process create a refreshing twist.
• Ginger Blackcurrant Jelly: A small piece of fresh ginger adds a spicy warmth.
• Elderflower Blackcurrant Jelly: Elderflower cordial adds a floral complexity.

Beyond Jam and Jelly: Exploring Other Preserving Methods

The versatility of blackcurrants extends beyond jams and jellies.

Blackcurrant Chutney

Blackcurrant chutney offers a sweet and tangy condiment perfect for cheese or meats. Search online for numerous blackcurrant chutney recipes.

Blackcurrant Cordial

Blackcurrant cordial is a refreshing summer drink. Recipes can easily be found online.

Blackcurrant Liqueur

Blackcurrants create a rich and complex liqueur. Online resources provide numerous blackcurrant liqueur recipes.

Freezing Blackcurrants

Freezing preserves the flavour and nutrients of blackcurrants for later use. Simply wash and dry the berries, then spread them in a single layer on a baking tray before transferring to freezer bags.

Conclusion

Preserving cassis blackcurrants allows you to enjoy the intense flavor of this unique fruit year-round. From the classic simplicity of blackcurrant jam to the elegant complexity of blackcurrant jelly, the possibilities are endless. By following these tips and recipes, you can transform your harvest into delicious homemade preserves that will delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family. Start your preserving journey today and discover the joy of making your own cassis blackcurrant jams, jellies, and other delightful creations!