If you have grown your blackcurrants yourself you will need to remove the tails (stalks) and wash your currants. Some people also prefer to remove the tops as well. It does take ages (and I mean ages) so you may prefer not to do this. Make sure you have removed all debris, bugs or leaves from the currants.
Do you need to top and tail blackcurrants before freezing?
Preparing Fresh Blackcurrants and Redcurrants For The Freezer. To prepare your black and redcurrants for the freezer give them a wash to remove any bugs or dirt that may be on them. There’s no need to top and tail them – that’s down to personal preference.
How do you prepare blackcurrants?
To prepare: To remove the berries from the stalks, hold each stalk at the top with the berries at the bottom and run a fork down each one. The berries should come away easily, without being damaged. To cook: To stew blackcurrants add a little water and 50g sugar per 450g of fruit, simmer gently until just tender.
How do you remove blackcurrant stalks?
Place a bowl under your currants and run the fork down the stem of the currants using a small amount of pressure. This will pluck the currants off of the stem quickly and with one movement instead of removing each individually by hand.
How do you know when blackcurrants are ready to pick?
Blackcurrants are ready to pick when they are dark and shiny, but still firm. Pick currants on a dry day, as wet currants will quickly go mouldy. Harvest whole trusses, rather than individual berries. They can be eaten fresh and will keep for several days after picking.
Can you freeze blackcurrants before making jam?
Frozen blackcurrants are perfect for jam, not only do they provide a delicious flavour, but as we freeze our blackcurrants as soon as they have been harvested, during the peak of their short season, you can make high-quality jam at any time of the year.
Can I use frozen blackcurrants for jam?
Frozen blackcurrants are perfect for jam. Just put them in the pan with the water the same as fresh blackcurrants. What is this? Blackcurrants freeze really well.
How is black currant jam made?
Instructions
- Add the black currants to a deep pot along with the sugar and lemon juice.
- Stir to combine and turn the heat to high, stirring every now and then until the mixture starts to bubble and become hot.
- Use a potato masher to mash the currants until they begin to fall apart.
What is the best way to use blackcurrants?
Black currants are most frequently used in infusions, jams, jellies, pies, tarts, and baking, and are also dried for use in tea.
How do you prune blackcurrants after fruiting?
Some pruning can be done at picking time. Prune sprawling branches laden with fruit for easy picking, cutting back to strong upright growth, but delay the main pruning until winter. Cut out a quarter to a third of the branches each year, aiming to remove old unproductive wood, weak growth and low-lying branches.
Do you need to top and tail gooseberries?
How to prepare gooseberries. Top and tail (snip off the stem and the flower ends from each one with some kitchen scissors), then wash. If you’re planning to sieve the cooked berries there’s no need to top and tail.
Do blackcurrants continue to ripen after picking?
Pick off blackcurrants from their clusters after you’re done harvesting the “strigs.” This saves a lot of time and you won’t have to keep standing out in dry, hot weather. You can keep blackcurrants on their “strigs” so they stay fresh longer. They won’t keep ripening, though.
Can you eat blackcurrants straight from the bush?
While black currants have a strong taste, they’re delicious to eat raw when they’re ripe. You can also use them in a variety of recipes.
How do you prune an overgrown blackcurrant bush?
Prune out branches growing low to ground. Prune away any crossing shoots or branches. Prune out the clutter using thinning cuts (the removal of shoots or branches at their point of origin), to keep the currant open. Always cut away to an outward facing bud.
Why is my blackcurrant jam not setting?
If there isn’t enough pectin in the fruit itself and you don’t add extra pectin, the result is runny jelly or jam. Additionally, if the fruit is overripe, its pectin levels are lower. Added pectin comes in a couple of forms. You can find powdered pectin and liquid pectin at grocery stores and online.
How long should jam cool before putting in jars?
Once the jam has set, leave it to settle for 15 minutes or so – particularly with jam containing whole fruit, such as strawberry or damson, or chunky marmalade – to prevent the fruit from rising to the top when it’s poured into the jar. Then pour into clean, dry, hot jars, filling them as near to the top as possible.
How do you get the seeds out of blackberries for jam?
Rinse the berries in cool water, and toss in sugar. Allow to macerate, refrigerated, overnight. In a large saute pan, warm the berries over medium heat, until softened. Press the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or food mill, to remove the seeds.
What can you do with blackcurrant pulp?
Mix pulp into baked goods like muffins, cakes, bread, dehydrated or baked cookies, and granola bars.
Can I use caster sugar to make jam?
Coarse-grain white granulated sugar is best for jam-making as it ensures a good clear jam, but fine caster sugar can also be used. The coarse grains dissolve more slowly and evenly, giving a better result. Granulated sugar with added pectin is also available, but it shouldn’t be necessary to use this.
Do blackcurrants contain pectin?
Blackcurrants have enough pectin (the thing that makes jam set) in them that you should be fine with normal sugar. The usual sugar to fruit ratio for jam is 50/50, but this makes for a very sweet finished product – to let the flavour of the fruit come through more, we’ve taken the sugar down a bit.
How do you dry black currants?
Place currants in a single layer on your dehydrator trays; I like to keep some space between the berries so be sure to use two trays if needed. Set your dehydrator to the fruit and berry setting (typically around 115 degrees fahrenheit, but check instructions on your dehydrator for suggestions).