Black Currant Jelly (Printable)

Create a vibrant, jewel-like preserve from fresh black currants. This smooth spread captures summer's intense berry essence in every spoonful.

# Ingredient List:

→ Fruit

01 - 2.2 lbs fresh black currants, stems removed
02 - 1 cup water

→ Sugar & Additives

03 - 4 cups granulated sugar
04 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice

# Steps:

01 - Rinse the black currants thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves.
02 - In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the black currants and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
03 - Cook, stirring and mashing occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until the fruit is very soft and releases its juice.
04 - Set a fine-mesh sieve or jelly bag over a large bowl. Pour the cooked fruit and juice into the sieve and let it drain for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator without pressing to keep the jelly clear.
05 - Measure the collected juice. You should have approximately 3 cups. For every cup of juice, use 1 cup sugar.
06 - Return the juice to a clean saucepan. Add the sugar and lemon juice. Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
07 - Increase the heat and bring to a rapid boil. Boil hard for 10–12 minutes, or until the jelly reaches 221°F on a candy thermometer, or passes the wrinkle test on a cold plate.
08 - Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
09 - Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Seal immediately.
10 - Allow to cool at room temperature. Store in a cool, dark place.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Intense Flavor: Made from ripe black currants for a bold, fruity taste.
  • Crystal Clear: A beautiful, translucent finish that looks stunning in jars.
  • Versatile: Ideal for toast, yogurt, or as a professional-quality pastry glaze.
  • Naturally Set: Currants are high in natural pectin, helping achieve a great texture.
02 -
  • Clarity: Never press the fruit while straining to maintain a clear, jewel-like appearance.
  • Wrinkle Test: If you don't have a thermometer, place a small spoonful of boiling jelly on a chilled plate; it should wrinkle when pushed with a finger.
  • Skimming: Remove any foam from the surface after boiling to ensure a smooth texture.
  • Storage: Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place to maintain the vibrant purple color.
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