If you have made the easy Blackcurrant Jam or are looking for something a bit different or more adventurous then the Blackcurrant and Apple jam recipe is a great alternative.
I love this recipe because it is simple to do and because you add apples it is not quite so tart as only blackcurrants which is ideal for when you want something a little sweeter.
Again, this jam is ideal for beginners who have very little jam making experience.
Ingredients for Blackcurrant and Apple Jam:
- 300g of Blackcurrants fresh or defrosted.
- 275g or approx 3 medium Apples (I used Bramley cooking apples. Weight for apples before peeling and coring)
- Total fruit 575g
- 200g water
- 500g of granulated or larger crystal sugar
- 1 Juice of fresh lemon
Pectin Levels
Blackcurrant: High
Apples: High
Note: Apples have high pectin but most of this is on their skins so by having apples you are reducing the pectin levels. You may find a slightly softer jam.
To learn more on pectin see here
Difficulty of Jam
Easy
Equipment Needed
- You need a large saucepan or preserving pan for Jam Making
- One wooden spoon if you have one.
- A selection of Jam Jars. I find one medium, large and small are enough for this recipe.
- A Jam funnel if you have one.
- Jam setting equipment of choice
Tips: After deciding that this recipe was very sweet, I thought my niece who has a huge sweet tooth would love it. Imagine my surprise when she declared it was sour! So, I gave some to my sister who declared that it was sweet to start but then a tartness kicked in and took the edge off, which she liked.
Fruit Preparation
Blackcurrants
If you have your own homegrown Blackcurrants make sure you top and tail them (Some people are quite happy to leave the tops on to save on time). Make sure your fruit is free from leaves and bugs etc and washed.
Apples
Peel and core your apples. I also chopped mine into approx 1 inch (2-2.5cm) squares so they would break down faster when cooking.
As apples go brown quickly I do this when I need them. Lemon should also keep them from browning.
Sterilisation of the Jars
Wash your chosen jars and their lids, rinse and dry then sterilise them.
Make sure they are warm and ready for you jam so they don’t break.
Make lots of Easy Jams, Chutneys and Preserves
Cooking Your Blackcurrant and Apple Jam
Heat your hob to a medium heat. Pop the blackcurrants and your apples into the pan along with the water. Heat them both until soft. This will take about 15 to 20 minutes or so. Feel free to squish them and stir them. This prevents pan sticking and helps the apples mix in.
Allow the water to reduce right down so your fruit is thicker. Now it is time to add all the sugar and your lemon juice. Stir it in thoroughly so it melts into the mixture well.
Bring to the boil then up to the temperature of 105 degrees C. Check for setting. When ready pour into the warm jars. Then pop on the lids to seal.
Jam Evaluation Time
Check you are happy with the strength and sweetness of your jam so you can adapt the recipe to your own tastes later if you want to.
