Wild Blackberry Jelly with Sure Jell

Making wild blackberry jelly with Sure Jell is not only straightforward but also allows you to savor the delightful taste of fresh blackberries throughout the year! This homemade jelly is perfect for breakfast spreads, desserts, or as a gift. Its vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor make it a standout addition to any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare – With just a few simple steps, you can create delicious jelly without any fuss.
• Fresh Flavor – Using wild blackberries ensures your jelly bursts with natural sweetness and flavor.
• Versatile Uses – Perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over desserts, or even as a topping for yogurt.
• Year-Round Enjoyment – Preserve the taste of summer by canning this jelly for enjoyment all year long.
• Customizable – Adjust the sweetness or combine with other fruits to create unique flavors!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your wild blackberry jelly, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything on hand will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot – This is essential for cooking the blackberries and boiling the mixture properly.
• Tight-knit strainer – Ensures that you extract all the juice from the berries while keeping seeds out of your jelly.
• Ladle – Helps in transferring the hot jelly into jars without spillage.
• Funnel – Prevents mess when filling jars, making cleanup easier.

Ingredients

To make delicious wild blackberry jelly with Sure Jell, you’ll need:

• 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 Your Supplies

Start by gathering all supplies needed. This includes your ingredients and tools listed above.

Step 2: Prepare the Blackberries

Carefully wash and inspect the fresh wild blackberries. Remove any stems or bad berries.

Step 3: Cook the Blackberries

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

Step 4: Strain Out The Juice

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

Step 5: Measure Juice Quantity

You will need 3 3/4 cups of blackberry juice. If necessary, add up to 1/2 cup of water to reach this quantity. Keep in mind that adding too much water will dilute the flavor.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients in Pot

Pour the blackberry juice back into a large pot. Add the box of Sure-Jell and 1 tsp butter, which helps reduce foam during cooking.

Step 7: Boil Mixture

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

Step 8: Add Sugar and Boil Again

Add 4 1/2 cups of sugar, then return to a full rolling boil. Boil for one minute while stirring constantly.

Step 9: Fill Jars

Remove from heat and use a ladle and funnel to fill your jars up to their necks.

Step 10: Seal Jars

Wipe off any spills from jar tops before placing on lids and rings securely.

Step 11: Water Bath Process

Process your jars in a water bath for about 10 minutes or set aside until sealed. Listen for the pop sound which indicates that they have sealed properly.

Enjoy your homemade wild blackberry jelly with Sure Jell!

How to Serve Wild Blackberry Jelly with Sure Jell

Wild blackberry jelly is a delightful treat that can elevate many dishes. Whether you’re spreading it on toast or using it in desserts, there are numerous ways to enjoy this sweet, fruity preserve.

Spread on Toast

• A classic way to enjoy wild blackberry jelly is by spreading it generously on warm, buttery toast. The contrast of flavors creates a heavenly breakfast option.

Pair with Cheese

• Serve wild blackberry jelly alongside a cheese platter. Its sweetness complements creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese, adding an extra layer of flavor.

Drizzle over Pancakes

• Pour wild blackberry jelly over pancakes or waffles for a fruity twist. It adds a delicious touch that enhances your breakfast experience.

Blend into Yogurt

• Mix a spoonful of wild blackberry jelly into plain yogurt. This simple addition transforms your yogurt into a sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for snacks or breakfast.

Use in Desserts

• Incorporate wild blackberry jelly into desserts like cakes or tarts. It can serve as a filling or glaze, giving your desserts a burst of berry flavor.

Add to Sauces

• Mix some wild blackberry jelly into savory sauces for meats. It adds depth and sweetness that pairs well with grilled chicken or turkey dishes.

How to Perfect Wild Blackberry Jelly with Sure Jell

Perfecting your wild blackberry jelly is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your jelly turns out just right.

• Use ripe blackberries: Ripe berries yield more juice and flavor, making your jelly taste better.
• Mash berries thoroughly: Ensure you extract as much juice as possible from the cooked blackberries for a richer flavor.
• Measure accurately: Use precise measurements for sugar and juice to achieve the right consistency and sweetness.
• Stir constantly: While boiling, stir the mixture continuously to prevent sticking and burning at the bottom of the pot.
• Check jar seals: After processing, make sure each jar has sealed properly by pressing down in the center of the lid; it should not pop back.
• Store properly: Keep sealed jars in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness and quality for longer periods.

Best Side Dishes for Wild Blackberry Jelly with Sure Jell

Wild blackberry jelly pairs beautifully with various side dishes, enhancing their flavors with its sweet tartness. Here are some great options to serve alongside it.

1. Savory Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits offer a buttery base that complements the sweetness of the jelly perfectly.
2. Cream Cheese Dip: A creamy dip made from cream cheese mixed with herbs pairs wonderfully with crackers and wild blackberry jelly.
3. Grilled Chicken Salad: Toss together grilled chicken, greens, and fruits drizzled with wild blackberry jelly vinaigrette for a fresh salad option.
4. Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses like cheddar and gouda which taste divine when paired with the fruity jelly.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances well with the tangy notes of the wild blackberry jelly.
6. Pancakes or Waffles: These breakfast favorites become even more delightful when topped with warm wild blackberry jelly.
7. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits tossed together enhance not just color but also flavor when accented by dollops of wild blackberry jelly.
8. Oatmeal Bowl: Stirring in some wild blackberry jelly gives oatmeal an irresistible fruity twist that makes for a heartwarming breakfast option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making wild blackberry jelly can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect Juice Measurement: Always ensure you have the right amount of blackberry juice. If you’re short, add water carefully, but remember that too much water will dilute the flavor.
• Overcooking the Berries: Cook the blackberries on medium heat for just about 15 minutes. Overcooking can lead to loss of flavor and texture.
• Not Straining Properly: Use a tight-knit strainer to ensure all juice is extracted. Failing to strain well means you’ll end up with pulp in your jelly.
• Ignoring Boil Times: When adding sugar, bring the mixture back to a full rolling boil for exactly one minute. Not timing correctly can affect the jelly’s set.
• Skipping Jar Preparation: Always wipe the rims of jars before sealing. This step ensures proper sealing and prevents spoilage.
• Neglecting Storage Guidelines: Follow storage instructions carefully to maintain freshness. Improper storage can lead to mold or spoilage.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight jars.
• Jelly can last up to 1 year in the fridge after sealing.

Freezing Wild Blackberry Jelly with Sure Jell

• To freeze, use freezer-safe containers.
• Jelly can be frozen for up to 1 year without losing flavor.

Reheating Wild Blackberry Jelly with Sure Jell

• Oven: Place jars in a warm oven until heated through; avoid overheating which may cause glass breakage.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each session to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Gently heat on low, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making wild blackberry jelly with Sure Jell.

How do I know if my Wild Blackberry Jelly with Sure Jell has set properly?

You can check by placing a spoonful on a cold plate; if it gels and holds shape after cooling, it’s set.

Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

Yes! You can mix blackberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for added flavor.

Why is my Wild Blackberry Jelly runny?

A runny consistency often indicates insufficient boiling time after adding sugar. Make sure to boil for a full minute.

How long does it take for Wild Blackberry Jelly with Sure Jell to cool?

Allow at least 24 hours at room temperature before refrigerating so that it sets properly and flavors meld.

Final Thoughts

Wild blackberry jelly is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it spread on toast, drizzled over desserts, or even mixed into yogurt! Feel free to customize this recipe by blending different berries or adjusting the sweetness level according to your taste preferences. Give it a try and savor that fresh berry flavor throughout the year!