Small batch recipe for quick and easy blackcurrant jam. Made with less sugar than most recipes suggest, it’s sweet and sharp with a lovely fruity flavour. The addition of chilli gives a delicious warmth that’s very much present, but not completely obvious. It also complements the blackcurrant notes beautifully. Try it once and you won’t look back.
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Blackcurrant jam was one of the first jams I learned to make when I was growing up. That’s mostly because my mother grew a lot of blackcurrants in her garden. She still does in fact. But also because it’s one of the easiest jams you can make.
The idea of flavouring blackcurrant jam with chillies is not my own. But when I came across it several years ago, I had to try it and I’ve not looked back since.
Does Blackcurrant Jam Need Added Pectin?
No, blackcurrant jam doesn’t need any additional pectin. Nor does it need to be made with jam sugar. Blackcurrants have plenty of pectin of their own. This makes blackcurrant jam one of the easiest jams to make. It sets quickly and easily.
In fact I never add either jam sugar or commercial pectin to any of the jams I make. If fruit is low in pectin, I’ll add some other fruit which is high in it to compensate. Lemons are one of the best as they tend to bring out the flavour of the original fruit, rather than mask it. So, for example, my easy strawberry jam is made with three ingredients only: strawberries, sugar and lemon.
Apples are also a good fruit to use as they are high in pectin and don’t have too much flavour of their own. They’re good to use alongside fruits that need some extra bulk as well as pectin. This fig, apple and pomegranate jam is a good example.
Easy Blackcurrant Jam
As I’ve already mentioned, blackcurrant jam is one of the easiest jams to make. It’s also very quick. There’s no need for lemons, there’s no need for added pectin. It requires only two ingredients: blackcurrants and sugar. Or at least it does if you don’t count water.
Like raspberry jam, it’s a little seedy. If you find this really unappealing, you could cook the blackcurrants first and pass them through a sieve. But that’s really quite a faff and you’d be better off making blackcurrant jelly instead. You can follow my recipe for hedgerow jelly if you want to go down this route.
The quantities I’ve given in the recipe is for a small batch. It makes three 250 ml jars. As it’s only a small amount, it doesn’t take long to reach setting point. Somewhere between five and ten minutes should do it. But if you double or triple the quantities, it will take longer.
It’s a good idea to add labels unless you’re going to be eating the jam right away. I usually don’t bother but regret it later when I find jars several months down the line and wonder what on earth is in them.
Blackcurrant jam is at its best in the first six months, but it should last for up to a year if you keep it in a cool dark place. Once you’ve opened the jar, however, it’s best to keep it in the fridge.
How To Make Easy Blackcurrant Jam
You can make this easy blackcurrant jam in two simple stages. The whole thing should be done within twenty minutes, twenty five at the most. Before you start, wash and sterilise your jars. If you’re not sure how to do this, I have a whole post on how to sterilise glass jars and lids.
Stage One
Find a large saucepan and place the blackcurrants, water and chilli (if using) in it. Bring to the boil, then simmer for five minutes or until the currants are soft.
Turn off the heat and add the sugar. Stir until all of the crystals have dissolved.
Stage Two
Place the pan back on a medium high heat and bring the blackcurrants to a rolling boil. Boil for five minutes then take the pan off the heat and test to see if the jam has set. See the section on how to do this a little further down the post.
If it hasn’t place the pan back on the heat and continue to boil for a further two minutes. Repeat the process until setting point is reached.
If any scum forms on the top, remove it with a slotted spoon. I find it rarely does with blackcurrant jam though.
As soon as setting point is reached, give it a good stir and pour the jam into your warm sterilised jars. It’s best to fill them almost to the top as this helps prevent spoilage. I use a stainless steel ladle and stainless steel jam funnel* as they can both handle hot liquids and I can sterilise them easily along with the jars.
Clap the lids on and twist them tight. Then label. As soon as the jars are cool, you can put them away to store.
Blackcurrant Chilli Jam
The secret to using chilli in this blackcurrant jam is to add just enough to give a gentle warmth, but not enough so that anyone would know it’s there.
It’s not just the warmth that makes this jam so special though. Depending on what sort of chilli you use, it imparts its own subtle flavour to the jam, which makes it even more delicious. I only ever make blackcurrant jam with chillies now.
How much chilli you use will very much depend on the type of chilli and how hot it is. For the recipe I’ve stated one red chilli, but you might want more or less. Chop it finely and add at the simmering stage. You can leave the seeds in or out. Again, it will depend on how hot your chilli is.
We grow rocoto chillies, which are large, fleshy and quite hot. They work well in this sort of concoction. We keep a load of them in the freezer, halved and already deseeded. I use one half only. The heat is just right for us. There is a definite warmth, but steam doesn’t come screaming out of your ears.
I got the idea to add chillies to this jam from the queen of preserves Vivien Lloyd via Katie over at Feeding Boys and a Firefighter. It was Sue at A Little Bit of Heaven on a Plate that suggested it and what a brilliant suggestion it was. Rather than add the chilli to a muslin bag and pull it out at a later date, I add the chillies directly.
How To Tell When Jam Is Set
To test for setting point, use the wrinkle test. Remove the pan from the heat after it’s boiled for five minutes. Place half a teaspoon of the blackcurrant liquid onto a cold plate. Leave for thirty seconds, then push your finger up against the jam.
If it wrinkles it’s set. If it’s still runny, it’s not. Boil the jam for two more minutes and test again. Repeat until the jam is set.
Before you start to make the jam, place a couple of saucers in the fridge or freezer. Use these to test if your jam is set.
Alternatively you can use a thermometer. As soon as the temperature reaches 105℃/220°F, it should be set. I’ve never used a thermometer, however, as the wrinkle test is simple and it works well for me.
Can You Make Blackcurrant Jam with Frozen Blackcurrants?
If you don’t have fresh blackcurrants, it’s fine to use frozen ones. You will need to add a few extra to the recipe though. Use four hundred and forty grams, rather than four hundred.
Defrost the currants first, then continue as per the recipe.
How To Use Blackcurrant Jam
Blackcurrant jam is delicious, but as it has quite a robust flavour, it tends to appeal to adults rather than children. It was my least favourite jam when I was a child, but now I really like it.
As with any other jam, it’s delicious just spread on bread with butter. Likewise it’s just what you need for a good cream tea, along with homemade scones and Cornish clotted cream. In fact it goes particularly well with these dark chocolate scones.
You can use it to sandwich cakes together. Why not try it in a Victoria sponge to ring the changes? However, its robust nature really lends itself well to chocolate bakes. You can see this in action with this Scandinavian chocolate cake and these chocolate Viennese whirls.
And of course, don’t forget about the humble jam tart. Homemade pastry filled with homemade jam is both satisfying and a real treat.
There are plenty of other bakes in which to try out your blackcurrant jam. I’m always coming up with new ways to use jam as I often find old jars of the stuff hiding in the back of the cupboard. So here are a few more ideas: blackcurrant honey cakes, jammy flapjacks and hot chocolate Victoria sandwich.
And don’t forget it as a breakfast delicacy either. A spoonful on top of a bowl of porridge is a lovely way to start the day. Or better still, why not try it on my chocolate porridge?
Other Jam Recipes You Might Like
- Chocolate blackberry jam
- Fig, apple & pomegranate jam
- Gooseberry jam (with optional elderflower)
- Plum jam (with variations)
- Strawberry jam
- Vanilla apricot jam
Keep in Touch
Thanks for visiting Tin and Thyme. If you make this easy blackcurrant jam, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. And do please rate the recipe. Have you any top tips? Do share photos on social media too and use the hashtag #tinandthyme, so I can spot them.
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If you’d like more recipes for preserves, follow the link and you’ll find I have quite a lot of them. All delicious and nutritious, of course. And for more blackcurrant recipes, I have a post on All The Blackcurrant Recipes You Will Ever Need.
Choclette x
Blackcurrant Chilli Jam
Easy Blackcurrant Jam – The Recipe
Easy Blackcurrant Jam With Optional Chilli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 400 g blackcurrants stalks removed, washed and drained
- 100 ml water
- 1 red chilli (optional) deseeded (I use half a rocoto chilli)
- 310 g granulated sugar
Instructions
- Place the blackcurrants, water and chilli (if using) into a large pan. Bring to the boil and simmer for five minutes or until the fruit is tender.400 g blackcurrants, 100 ml water, 1 red chilli
- Take off the heat and pour in the sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.310 g granulated sugar
- Crank up the heat and bring the blackcurrants to a rolling boil. Boil until setting point is reached. This usually takes between five to ten minutes.
- If any scum has formed on the top, scoop it off with a metal spoon and discard. Stir.
- Using a ladle and jam funnel, pour into warm sterilised jars. Cap immediately with clean sterilised lids and twist tight.
Notes
Larger Batch
To make 4-5 jars instead of 3, use the following quantities:- 600g blackcurrants
- 150ml water
- 1 ½ chillies (optional)
- 450g sugar
Prep Time
Prep time will very much depend on what state your blackcurrants are in. If they’re homegrown, this obviously doesn’t include picking time and you may need to strip them off of their stalks if that hasn’t already been done. For the purposes of this recipe, I’m assuming the blackcurrants are ready to go.Wrinkle Test
To test for setting point use the wrinkle test. Remove the pan from the heat after it’s boiled for five minutes. Place half a teaspoon of the jam onto a cold plate. Leave for thirty seconds, then push your finger up against the jam. If it wrinkles it’s set. If it’s still runny, it’s not. Boil the jam for two more minutes and test again. Repeat until the jam is set.How Long Will It Last?
Blackcurrant jam is at its best in the first six months, but it should last for up to a year if you keep it in a cool dark place. Once you’ve opened the jar, however, it’s best to keep it in the fridge.Please note: calories and other nutritional information are per serving. They’re approximate and will depend on exact ingredients used.Nutrition Estimate
Sharing
I’m sharing this recipe for easy blackcurrant chilli jam with Sew White for #CookBlogShare.
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Pat Thebo says
I use chilis in many of my jams. Like that black currant goes well too. I also use Ginger in jelly’s and jams. Biggest hit is blackberry ginger ginger( for ginger lovers). Other favorite is red currant clove jalapeño.
Choclette says
Ooh, I like the sound of your jam and jelly making. Not sure I’d have thought of blackberry and ginger, but I often add ginger to my blackberry crumbles, so yes.
Emily says
Blackcurrants and chili sound like an intriguing and delicious combination, I’d love to try this!
Choclette says
The chilli gives a lovely hint of warmth, but is not at all obvious. It’s delicious.
Manda says
Really nice. I will plant more blackcurrant bushes for next year.
Choclette says
Glad you liked it. Just about to go and have some on toast now. And yes, do plant some more blackcurrants, they’re not only delicious but a veritable superfood.
Julia says
I’ve never thought of using chillies in blackcurrant jam and I had a good harvest of them this year. With so few ingredients I know what I’m going to be doing later. Blackcurrants are my absolute favourite berry next to raspberries so blackcurrant jam on toast (the best way!) here I come.
Choclette says
Woohoo for blackcurrants. Enjoy your harvest. They’re so flavourful and just brilliant in jam. It’s so easy to make. I only ever make mine with chilli now.
sherry says
i agree about pectin; i just add lemon juice. love chilli with sweet things – as in my latest blog post for cherry compote 🙂
Choclette says
You don’t even need lemon juice for blackcurrant jam as it has plenty of its own pectin. Spiced cherry compote sounds awesome.
Corina Blum says
It looks delicious and must be so good with just a little chilli in. We went fruit picking yesterday and almost picked some blackcurrants but then went for redcurrants instead!
Choclette says
Thought you might approve of the chilli. Redcurrants are so pretty and they make fantastic jelly, but for me it’s blackcurrants for flavour.
angiesrecipes says
Lovely! I would love mine with chilli!
Choclette says
I think you’ve made the right choice there Angie 😀