It’s midsummer and after the delicious strawberries, the currants are now ripe too. These small, sweet and sour fruits, reminiscent of small grapes, are not so popular with many for nothing. The distinctive taste and delicate scent flatter the senses and the fresh juice serves as a healthy thirst quencher throughout the summer. It can also be used to prepare a lot of healthy and delicious delicacies. In addition to juice, jelly, ice cream and cake, you can also make currant jam yourself. Today we will tell you how quick and easy it is!
Make delicious blackcurrant jam yourself and enjoy summer in a jar all year round
Why are currants so healthy?
Currants are among the most popular local berries. It comes in many varieties. Basically, the small berries belong to the gooseberry family. They grow on medium-sized bushes and are harvested from June to the end of August. They are not only very tasty, but also extremely healthy.
Currants contain many antioxidants such as vitamin C, flavonoids and carotenoids, which fight free radicals in the body and thus ensure a strong immune system. At the same time, the cardiovascular system is promoted, blood pressure is regulated and blood circulation is improved.
The popular berries also contain a good amount of fiber. These are known to promote digestion and ensure a healthy intestinal flora.
The eyes can also benefit from currants. The black berries should be preferred here because they contain the two carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These are known to reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. (Source: www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de)
If you want to lose weight healthily, currants are also a perfect addition to your diet plan. Not only are they nutritious, they are also very low in calories.
Freshly picked berries contain the most healthy nutrients
Make currant jam yourself – The simplest recipe
Ingredients:
for 3-4 glasses
- 4 cups red or black currants
- 2 cups granulated sugar, adjust according to the type of berry
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Preparation:
- First you should sterilize the jars in which you plan to store the jam. You can do this by washing them thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Then rinse them well and put them in a 120°C oven for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can run them in the dishwasher.
- Prepare the red or black currants. Wash the fruit with cold water and remove all stems and leaves. A fork could be really helpful here.
- Then it goes to cooking. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, place the currants, water, and lemon juice. Then cook the berries over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they begin to release their juice and soften. This should take around 6-7 minutes.
- As soon as the currants are soft enough, add the granulated sugar to the saucepan and stir well. Continue cooking over medium-high heat, again stirring frequently. This way you avoid sticking or burning.
You can really easily make your own blackcurrant jam
- After the sugar has completely dissolved, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. At the same time, scoop the foam that forms on the surface. Continue cooking until the jam has reached the desired consistency.
- You can do a test to be sure that the degree of doneness is reached. To do this, you should put a small amount of the jam on a chilled plate and press it down lightly with your finger. If it wrinkles, the jam is ready. If not, continue cooking and testing in a few minutes.
- When the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat. Carefully fill the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1 cm free space at the top. Place the lids on the jars and tighten the rings.
Alternatively, you can immediately turn the screw-top jars with the hot jam upside down
- If you want to keep the jam for a longer period of time, you can process the jars in a water bath. Submerge the filled and sealed jars in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Then remove them from the water bath and let them cool down. If you hear the lids pop, the seal is good.
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Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature and once cool, check that the lids are properly closed. This works best if you press the center of each lid. If it doesn’t bounce up and down, then you’ve done the right thing.
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Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. When the jars are opened in the fridge, the jam will keep for about 2-3 weeks.
Extra tip: Only use clean, dry spoons to scoop the jam out of the jar to prevent it from hardening and spoiling faster.
Also, don’t leave the jar full of jam open
Enjoy your delicious, home-made blackcurrant jam with bread and rolls, pancakes and waffles or just like that, for a snack in between. It also goes well with other desserts such as ice cream, cake, brownies and the like. And some people love to garnish their juicy steak or hearty ribs with it. Just give it a try and find your own preferences!
Make currant jam yourself and keep the delicious fruit longer
So you always have a delicious dessert with you
Or you can start your day with a light breakfast of toast, quark and jam
Fresh herbs give the home-made blackcurrant jam that certain something
