Wild Blackberry Jelly with Sure Jell

Making wild blackberry jelly with Sure Jell is a delightful way to capture the sweet taste of summer in a jar! This easy recipe allows you to create your own homemade jelly that can elevate breakfast toast, desserts, and even savory dishes. With its vibrant flavor and beautiful color, wild blackberry jelly is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a picnic or a cozy brunch at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Process: Making wild blackberry jelly is straightforward and requires minimal equipment.
• Fresh Flavor: Using fresh wild blackberries ensures a deliciously rich taste that store-bought jellies can’t match.
• Versatile Uses: Enjoy this jelly on toast, in desserts, or as a glaze for meats.
• Preservation: Canning allows you to enjoy the taste of wild blackberries year-round.
• Family Tradition: This recipe can become a cherished family tradition, passed down through generations.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to have your tools ready. Proper equipment makes the process smoother and helps achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Tight-knit strainer
• Ladle
• Funnel
• Canning jars with lids

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Necessary for cooking the blackberries and ensuring even heat distribution while making the jelly.
• Tight-knit strainer: Helps efficiently separate juice from pulp, ensuring a smooth jelly texture.
• Ladle: Makes transferring the hot jelly into jars safer and less messy.
• Funnel: Prevents spills when pouring the jelly into jars, keeping everything tidy.

Ingredients

Making wild blackberry jelly may be easier than you think! Follow this step by step guide and you’ll be able to enjoy that fresh wild blackberry flavor all year long!

For the Jelly

• Fresh wild blackberries – about 2 1/2 quarts
• 4 1/2 cups of sugar
• box of Sure-Jell
• 1 tsp butter

How to Make Wild Blackberry Jelly with Sure Jell

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Start by gathering all supplies needed for making your wild blackberry jelly.

Step 2: Wash Blackberries

Carefully wash and inspect the blackberries to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 3: Cook Blackberries

Place the washed blackberries in a large pot. Add enough water so that the berries don’t burn on the bottom. Cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes until they begin to break down.

Step 4: Strain Juice

Strain out the juice using a tight-knit strainer. It’s best to do this in small batches for efficiency.

Step 5: Measure Juice

Ensure you have 3 3/4 cups of blackberry juice. If necessary, add up to 1/2 cup of water to reach this amount. Keep in mind that more water means less flavor.

Step 6: Prepare Jelly Mixture

Pour the blackberry juice back into a large pot. Add the box of Sure-Jell and butter; this helps reduce foam during heating.

Step 7: Boil Mixture

Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil while stirring continually.

Step 8: Add Sugar

Once boiling, add sugar and return to a full rolling boil. Boil for one minute while stirring constantly.

Step 9: Fill Jars

Remove from heat and fill jars to the neck using a ladle and funnel to prevent spills.

Step 10: Seal Jars

Wipe off the tops of each jar before putting on lids and rings.

Step 11: Water Bath

Process jars in a water bath for ten minutes or allow them to sit aside until sealed. Listen for pops indicating that they have sealed correctly.

How to Serve Wild Blackberry Jelly with Sure Jell

Wild blackberry jelly is a delightful treat that can elevate many dishes. Whether you want to enjoy it on breakfast favorites or as part of a sweet dessert, there are plenty of ways to serve this homemade jelly.

On Toast and Bread

• Classic Breakfast: Spread a generous layer of wild blackberry jelly on warm toast or freshly baked bread for a perfect start to your day.
• French Toast Topping: Drizzle over French toast for an added burst of fruit flavor that pairs beautifully with maple syrup.

In Desserts

• Yogurt Parfait: Layer your wild blackberry jelly with yogurt and granola for a deliciously healthy dessert or snack.
• Ice Cream Swirl: Mix into vanilla ice cream for a refreshing and fruity treat that’s perfect for warm days.

With Cheese

• Cheese Board Addition: Serve alongside soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a sweet and savory combination that is sure to impress guests.
• Grilled Cheese Twist: Spread some jelly inside your grilled cheese sandwich for an unexpected but delightful flavor contrast.

How to Perfect Wild Blackberry Jelly with Sure Jell

To ensure your wild blackberry jelly turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both the flavor and texture of your jelly.

• Use Fresh Berries: Always opt for ripe, fresh wild blackberries. They provide the best flavor and pectin content needed for proper jelling.
• Mash Thoroughly: When extracting juice from the berries, mash them well to maximize the amount of juice you get, which enhances the overall taste.
• Measure Accurately: Be precise with your measurements, especially with sugar and juice, as this affects the consistency of your jelly.
• Watch the Boil: Keep an eye on the boiling process; it should be at a full rolling boil when adding sugar to ensure proper jelling.
• Test with Spoon: To check if it’s ready, use a spoon to drop some jelly onto a plate; if it holds its shape after cooling, it’s perfect!
• Seal Properly: Make sure lids are tightened well before water bathing to prevent leaks during processing.

Best Side Dishes for Wild Blackberry Jelly with Sure Jell

Wild blackberry jelly pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its sweet and tangy flavors. Here are some delicious options:

1. Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits provide a perfect canvas for spreading wild blackberry jelly, making them an ideal pairing.
2. Pancakes: Serve pancakes topped with butter and a generous dollop of jelly for a delightful breakfast treat.
3. Savory Muffins: Complement the sweetness of the jelly by serving it alongside savory muffins like cheddar or herb flavors.
4. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can balance the richness of the jelly, adding more texture and flavors to your meal.
5. Oatmeal: Stir some wild blackberry jelly into hot oatmeal for a naturally sweetened breakfast option loaded with flavor.
6. Cheese Crackers: Simple cheese crackers topped with wild blackberry jelly make for an easy yet elegant appetizer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making wild blackberry jelly can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping Berry Inspection: Always inspect your blackberries before use. Discard any moldy or overripe berries to ensure the best flavor and quality in your jelly.
• Not Straining Juice Properly: If you don’t strain the juice well, your jelly may end up grainy. Use a fine strainer and work in small batches to extract maximum juice.
• Ignoring Sugar Measurements: Accurate sugar measurement is crucial. Too little sugar can prevent the jelly from setting properly, while too much can make it overly sweet.
• Forgetting to Wipe Jar Tops: Neglecting to wipe the tops of jars before sealing can lead to a poor seal. Always clean the rim thoroughly to ensure an airtight seal.
• Underestimating Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process. Allow the jelly to cool completely and check for seals before storing it away.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your wild blackberry jelly in an airtight container.
• It can last for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Wild Blackberry Jelly with Sure Jell

• Use freezer-safe containers or jars designed for freezing.
• The jelly can be frozen for up to one year; just leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.

Reheating Wild Blackberry Jelly with Sure Jell

• Oven: Preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 200°F) and place the jar inside until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between, until warm.
• Stovetop: Place jelly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until melted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen blackberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen blackberries! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before using them in your recipe.

How do I know when my blackberry jelly is set?

You can perform a spoon test. Dip a spoon into the jelly after boiling and let it cool slightly; if it coats the spoon without running off, it’s set.

Can I customize my wild blackberry jelly with Sure Jell?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or vanilla for a unique flavor twist that complements the blackberry taste.

What is Sure Jell?

Sure Jell is a brand of pectin that helps jell fruits into jams and jellies by providing structure. It’s essential for achieving that perfect consistency in your wild blackberry jelly.

Final Thoughts

Wild blackberry jelly with Sure Jell is not only easy to make but also bursts with fresh flavor, making it perfect for spreading on toast or using in desserts. You can easily customize this recipe by adding other flavors or fruits. So gather those ripe blackberries, and enjoy making this delightful treat!