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Refrigerator or Freezer Blackberry Jam

Photo Credit
Sam Jones/Quinn Brein
Catherine Boeckmann
Yield
Makes 2 6-ounce jars.
Category
Fruit
Course
Other
Preparation Method
Cook
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Capture the taste of summer! This super-easy Blackberry Jam recipe has so much flavor, and it’s not too sweet! Plus, no special equipment or ingredients are necessary for our no-fuss jam.

Blackberries are naturally high in pectin, so it’s fine to make blackberry jam with no added pectin.

You’ll love this fruit-forward jam that’s full of pungent berry flavor.

Notes:

  • Because this jam isn’t processed, it must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It will last several weeks in the fridge, but can be frozen for up to three months. 
  • It takes longer to cook down the berries than for those recipes with added sugar and a package of pectin. There’s a lot of stirring, but it’s worth it!
  • This is a low-sugar version. For conventional jam, add equal parts sugar and fruit by weight and follow the same instructions. The jam will set faster, and the yield will be much higher, but the taste will be candy-sweet. 
  • Do not double the recipe; it affects the gelling time. Prepare and cook in small batches.
  • There’s nothing wrong with pectin.  Some people don’t have it on hand for a spontaneous jam-making session. Others don’t like the “jello-like” texture. Jam made without pectin is a little softer and looser than jam made with pectin. 
  • Lemon juice helps jam gel, but with certain berries that are high in pectin, it is not necessary. It brings out the flavor of the berries. 
  • If your blackberry jam doesn’t gel, then you didn’t cook it long enough.  Be patient and turn the heat down as it starts to gel to prevent scorching.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh blackberries (remove stems, wash)
1 cup white sugar (granulated)
Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
  1. In a saucepan, mix together mashed berries, sugar, and lemon juice. 
  2. Bring the entire berry mix to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the jam is thickened and reaches the gel stage, about 20 minutes. 
  3. Prepare your canning jars by heating them in a pot of simmering water (180°F).  Keep them hot until ready to use or wash and dry Ball® plastic jam and jelly jars (8 oz).
  4. Ladle the hot jam into the hot canning jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. 
  5. Clean the rims and put caps on after the jam has cooled, and you can handle the jars. Allow the jam to cool completely before moving the jam to the fridge or freezer.
  6. Store in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months
About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana. Read More from Catherine Boeckmann
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Comments

Anne (not verified)

2 years 7 months ago

I cannot wait to try the Blackberry Refrigerator jam next Summer; ty~:)

Joan Clow (not verified)

3 years 11 months ago

I enjoy the comments from seasoned canners as well as questions from people who are new to learning how to enjoy their fruits and berries year round. Your advice is patient and helpful for everyone. I remember long ago when I didn't know what a food mill was.

Ann Mariea (not verified)

4 years ago

The notes say the jam can be frozen for up to 3 months at the top and then for up to 6 months at the end.
Which is correct? I want to try making this.

Denise T (not verified)

5 years ago

I think there's an error here; 4 cups of fruit and 1 cup of sugar cannot possibly make 4 pints of jam. A pint is 2 cups hence 4 would be 8 cups of jam. I believe that you mean it makes 4 CUPS of jam. But wouldn't it be great if the fruit doubled in volume? LOL!

Hi, Denise. Thanks for your feedback. You’re right about the yield being off. This recipe will make about two 6-ounce jars of jam.

Susan Jennings (not verified)

5 years 11 months ago

My boysenberry seems to be very tart. Is there a way to get them to be sweeter?

Mary (not verified)

7 years 10 months ago

I would like to know if you have a recipe for strawberry rhubarb jam?

Barb (not verified)

7 years 11 months ago

Hi. I had a pretty easy Freezer Jam recipe,that made just enough for me.I live alone. But seem to have lost it. Can you help please?