Blackberries...

[mangled]

Hello all -

We're about to have a bumper crop of blackberries. I'm talking buckets. While the neighbor is using his to make homemade wine, we're wondering what to do with all of ours.

I'd like to can some preserves, but I've honestly never canned before. I have all the equipment.

Anyone have any ideas on canning, recipes, etc?


Thanks -
Em

 

[BettyR]

We make enough jam with ours to last the year then freeze the rest for making pies, cobblers, coffee cakes, muffins, kolaches, parfaits and so on.

 

[Happy Chooks]

For jam, I cook the berries until soft and cool until I can push through a fine mesh sieve (or you can use a food mill). Then for every cup of pulp add 2 cups of sugar - cook over medium low heat stirring frequently until it thickens and gets shiny. (it will gel on a frozen spoon)

Add to sterile jars and water bath 10 minutes. Be sure to use new seals - you don't reuse the seals. (You can reuse the jars and bands)

 

[michickenwrangler]

About to open myself to more teasing ... but DBF LOVES my blackberry jam and he's pouting until they come back in season and I make some more. Hopefully just a few more weeks.

 

[oberhaslikid]

Here is a site to make pie filling.You can never have enough jam.I freeze most of mine but also make pie filling.
http://canningusa.com/IfICanYouCan/PieFillingBlackberry.htm

 

[Dar]

you can also wash and freeze the blackberries for baking and others things at a later date...

(it took me a minute there I thought you were talking about the phone...LOL time for a nap)

 

[Anna_B_Happy]

Quote:
I agree with freezing some. I have heard that people with limited freezer space will can whole berries in simple syrup, then use them the same as fresh after straining the syrup. At any rate, we use our frozen ones all year round, in muffins, pies, cobblers, over pancakes/ waffles, in fruit salads, in smoothies, well you get the idea.

If you have more than you need, put an ad on craigslist or freecycle for the rest. Many people will buy or trade for fresh berries.