Canning Blackberry Simple Syrup: A Delightful Treat

If you’re looking for a way to capture the essence of summer and enjoy it all year round, canning blackberry simple syrup is the perfect solution. This delightful syrup is not only versatile but also incredibly easy to make. You can drizzle it over ice cream, cheesecake, or even use it to sweeten your tea or create a flavorful salad dressing. Let’s dive into how you can make and can this delicious syrup using fresh blackberries from your local farmer’s market or, if necessary, frozen blackberries.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of fresh blackberries (or frozen if fresh are unavailable)
• 5 cups of granulated sugar
• 2 Tbls cornstarch
• 1 tsp of lemon juice

Equipment:

• Canning jars with lids
• Large pot
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Funnel
• Ladle
• Potato Masher
• Tongs
• Water bath canner (or a large pot with a rack)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Blackberries:

If using fresh blackberries, rinse them thoroughly under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. If you’re using frozen blackberries, let them thaw completely before beginning the process.

2. Making the Syrup:

1. In a large pot, combine the blackberries, sugar, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
3. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. During this time, the blackberries will break down, and the syrup will start to thicken.
4. After 10 minutes, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the mixture into another pot, separating the syrup from the solid blackberry bits. Press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
5. Return the strained syrup to the pot and stir in the lemon juice. Bring it back to a gentle boil for another 2 minutes.

3. Canning the Syrup:

1. While the syrup is simmering, prepare your canning jars by washing them in hot, soapy water and rinsing well. Place the jars in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes to sterilize them.
2. Once the jars are sterilized, use tongs to carefully remove them from the boiling water and place them on a clean towel to dry.
3. Using a funnel, carefully ladle the hot syrup into the jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
4. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any syrup residue.
5. Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight.

1. Place the filled jars in a water bath canner or a large pot with a rack, ensuring that they are covered by at least 1 inch of water.
2. Bring the water to a boil and process the jars for 10 minutes. Adjust the processing time if you are at a high altitude (consult a reliable canning guide for specifics).
3. After processing, use tongs to carefully remove the jars from the water and place them on a towel to cool. As they cool, you should hear a popping sound, indicating that the jars have sealed properly.

5. Storing the Syrup:

Once the jars have cooled completely, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed. Label the jars with the date and store them in a cool, dark place. Properly sealed jars can last for up to a year.

Using Your Blackberry Simple Syrup:

• In Tea: Add a spoonful to your hot or iced tea for a sweet, fruity twist.
• Over Ice Cream: Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream for a delicious summer treat.
• Over Cheesecake: Pour it over a slice of cheesecake for an added layer of flavor.
• Salad Dressing: Mix it with olive oil, vinegar, and a pinch of salt for a delightful salad dressing.

Canning blackberry simple syrup is a wonderful way to enjoy the rich, sweet flavor of blackberries year-round. Whether you’re using fresh berries from your local farmer’s market or frozen ones, this syrup is sure to add a special touch to your favorite dishes and beverages. Happy canning!

Farmhouse 40

Simple Blackberry Syrup

A delicious, delightful, berry taste that makes teas, desserts and salad dressings extra delicious.

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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 cups fresh blackberries
• 5 cups white sugar
• 2 Tbls. - cornstarch
• 1 tsp. - lemon juice

Method

 

1. Mash berries, 2 cups at a time with potato masher
2. Cook berries in medium pan, until juices are flowing
3. Remove from heat and run mixture through strainer to remove pulp
4. Cook berry juice in medium pan, until boiling, stirring occassionly
5. Add sugar & cornstarch
6. Stir constantly & bring back to full boil
7. Boil for 1 minute stirring constantly
8. Remove from heat & ladle into hot 1/2 pint jars
9. Clear top of jars edges, add lid seals
10. Put on rings and tighten
11. Add to large canner pot with hot water.
12. Water should cover jar tops by 1"
13. Boil for 10 minutes
14. Let cool in canner if you are only doing one batch
15. Once cool, remove jars from canner and check that lids are sealed. (when you press on center of lids they should not make a pop sound).
16. If one is not sealed you can reheat in canner to get it to seal.

Notes

Do not leave canner unattended. Cook for the recommended time only. Jars will be hot. Handle with care.

Adapted from Grandma Lida's Recipe