Vibrant Raspberry-Currant Jam
This delectable Raspberry-Currant Jam strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy, making it a delightful addition to your breakfast table or afternoon tea. By utilizing the natural pectin in currants, this recipe allows for a lower sugar content while still achieving a beautifully set, flavorful jam. You can choose between tart red currants paired with luscious red raspberries or opt for the deep flavors of black currants with rich black raspberries. This homemade jam is not only a delicious treat but also a fantastic way to preserve seasonal berries, ensuring that their bright flavors can be enjoyed all year round.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red Currants or Black Currants
4 cups (Fresh, washed)
Water
1/3 cup (N/A)
Red Raspberries or Black Raspberries
6 cups (Fresh, rinsed and drained)
Sugar
3 cups (N/A)
Instructions
1
Start by washing the currants thoroughly under cold running water. Place them in a medium saucepan along with the 1/3 cup of water.
2
Cover the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue boiling until all the currants have burst, releasing their juices.
3
Once cooked, pour the currant mixture through a fine sieve set over a bowl to separate the puree from the skins and seeds. Use a spatula to press down on the solids, extracting as much puree as possible. Discard any leftover solids.
4
Carefully rinse the raspberries under cool water and allow them to drain well in a colander.
5
In a large pot, combine the reserved currant puree, rinsed raspberries, and sugar. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
6
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
7
Once boiling, increase the heat to medium-high and cook the mixture at a hard boil, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until it nearly reaches gel stage. To check for the gel stage, you can place a small amount of the jam on a cold plate and return it to the freezer for a minute; it should firm up.
8
After reaching the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface.
9
Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Seal with sterilized lids.
10
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrant Raspberry-Currant Jam?
Vibrant Raspberry-Currant Jam is a homemade preserve that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy flavors using seasonal berries.
What types of currants can be used in this recipe?
You can use either tart red currants or deep-flavored black currants for this jam.
What types of raspberries are suitable for this jam?
This recipe works well with either luscious red raspberries or rich black raspberries.
Why does this recipe use currants?
Currants are used for their natural pectin content, which helps the jam set beautifully with less added sugar.
How much sugar is required for this jam recipe?
This recipe requires 3 cups of sugar for every 4 cups of currants and 6 cups of raspberries.
How should I prepare the currants before cooking?
Currants should be washed thoroughly under cold running water before starting the process.
Why is water added to the currants at the beginning?
One-third cup of water is added to help the currants soften and burst during the initial boiling phase.
How do I extract the currant puree?
Once the currants have burst from boiling, pour them through a fine sieve and press down with a spatula to separate the puree from the seeds and skins.
What should I do with the leftover currant skins and seeds?
After extracting the puree through a sieve, the leftover solids should be discarded.
How should the raspberries be prepared?
Raspberries should be carefully rinsed under cool water and allowed to drain well in a colander.
In what order are the ingredients combined?
Combine the reserved currant puree, rinsed raspberries, and sugar in a large pot after the currants have been processed.
What is the first step in cooking the combined fruit and sugar?
Place the pot over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
How long does the jam need to boil?
The mixture should be cooked at a hard boil for about 20 minutes or until it nearly reaches the gel stage.
How can I tell if the jam has reached the gel stage?
Place a small amount of jam on a cold plate and put it in the freezer for one minute; if it firms up, it has reached the gel stage.
Why is it important to stir the jam while boiling?
Stirring helps prevent the sugar from burning and ensures even cooking throughout the mixture.
What is the 'skim off foam' step?
After removing the pot from the heat, use a spoon to remove any foam that has formed on the surface for a clearer jam.
How much headspace should be left in the jam jars?
Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of the jars before sealing.
Do the jars and lids need to be sterilized?
Yes, the hot jam should be poured into sterilized jars and sealed with sterilized lids.
What is the final processing step for the jars?
Process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly.
Is this recipe considered a low-sugar jam?
Yes, because it utilizes the natural pectin in currants, it allows for a lower sugar content than many traditional recipes.
Can I mix red currants with black raspberries?
Yes, you can choose to mix different varieties of currants and raspberries to create unique flavor profiles.
What makes this jam a good choice for breakfast?
Its sweet and tangy profile makes it a delightful addition to morning toasts or afternoon tea snacks.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
This recipe requires 4 main ingredients: currants, raspberries, sugar, and water.
How many cups of raspberries are needed?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of fresh raspberries.
How many cups of currants are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of fresh currants.
Why is a fine sieve necessary?
A fine sieve is necessary to ensure the seeds and skins of the currants are completely removed from the puree.
Can this jam be stored for a long time?
Yes, by using the water bath canning method, you can preserve the seasonal berry flavors to enjoy all year round.
What consistency should the jam have?
The jam should be beautifully set and firm, achieved through the natural pectin and the 20-minute hard boil.
Is this jam suitable for gifting?
Yes, homemade jams in sterilized jars are fantastic treats for friends and family.
What is the best way to wash the berries?
Berries should be washed gently under cold or cool running water to avoid bruising the delicate fruit.