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Hi all,

I'm planning on making blackberry jam this weekend, and using apples for the pectin.  Does anyone know whether the apples have to be cooking apples, or will eating apples do? I have access to an eating apple tree, but not sure about getting hold of cooking apples other than paying for them.

Thanks

Kate

I hope so!

I made some at the weekend, using 1lb of blackberries and 1lb of sweet apples. (blackberries from Epping Forest, apples from my tree!) I chopped up the apples quite small, although it might ever be worth grating them as they don't mush down like cooking apples do, but it was quite nice to have bits in.

(It tasted pretty good, shame I'm giving it all away as Christmas presents!)

Did the jam set?

I think you'll find that eating apples don't "fall" when cooked, it's only cooking apples which do this. When they"fall" it males a thicker jam. However if you don't mind pieces of apple, why worry as long as it tastes good. ;D

If you have trouble with it setting put some lemon juice in to help.

thanks for all the replies :-) will let you know how I get on.

Hi

i made blackberry and apple jam for the first time at the weekend. I though our tree had cooking apples but by the sounds of it they are eating apples as they stayed in chunks. The jam is still a bit runny although i did the test for setting. It still tastes wonderful although it is the consistency of branston pickle, runny juice and chunky bits.

Was wondering if it will set in time, and is it best to leave it a while before eating it, like chutneys (2-3months)?

Jo

I added a bit of lemon juice too (wasn't sure why - just following the recipe, so thanks DP).

I think it's set. It's hard to tell without opening a jar and ruining someone's present. And I don't eat sugar anyway.

I put mine in the fridge.

They won't really set with age, but jam is better, like chutneys, if left to mature for a month or so.  If I end up with a softer jam, like my cherry jam, I keep it in the fridge.  I like homemade jam because it isn't as gelatinous as shop bought commercial jams.

I have always adored homemade jams, with crusty bread and real butter . . .
Shop made stuff is mostly awful ...

Or perhaps on scones with clotted cream . . . he he he

Getting you all dribbling again...

Derekthefox  ;D

oooooooooooooooooo Derek...a big dollop of good homemade strawb jam in the middle of a bowl of PROPER, oven baked rice pudding!  :P

Stop it ! ! ! Another T shirt I have just dribbled over ! (The white one in the avatar . . . )

Derekthefox :D

I have just finished making blackberry and apple jam and wanted to thank Miss Barritone for her recipe but it has dissappeared, there must be two threads on jam making.  Anyway it is delicious and I am looking forward to eating it!

Must be a jamming kinda day tulippa as I have just made 3Ib of marrow and ginger jam!

Definately a jammin type of day. I've just made another 6lb of blackberry jam. Think I'll move on to the blackberry and apple curd next week. I have a great deal going with the kids in our street. We have a lot of blackberry bushes and a few apple trees growing wild near us. For every 3lb of fruit they bring me I give them 1lb of jam. I get at least 1 delivery every day

Have just  looked in on this thread and I must have read your mind EJ, having posted rice pudding with a dollop of jam for my comfort food.  ;D busy_lizzie

Quote from: EJ - Emma Jane on September 10, 2005, 18:24:46
Must be a jamming kinda day tulippa as I have just made 3Ib of marrow and ginger jam!

Heh - since I tried this the other week I've made a second batch and suspect I have enough marrows appearing for a few more... have got a load of cheap packs of ginger from the Chinese supermarket  ;) (daft - when you work it out by the gram, what Bart's and Schwartz sell for £1.20, Tesco sells for 49p and the Chinese sells for 19p! So lots more jam... the saving on the ginger is enough to fund getting pectin enhanced sugar so it definitely sets!)

I can also recommend using a hand blender on the simmered marrow to get it to disintegrate.

Luckily a family gathering at the weekend helped me 'lose' a few surplus jars... amazing how many folk suddenly like jam when you mention it!  ;D ;D

moonbells

Quote from: EJ - Emma Jane on September 10, 2005, 18:24:46
Must be a jamming kinda day tulippa as I have just made 3Ib of marrow and ginger jam!

EJ, can you post the recipe please?....I've got a marrow that is in need of a new home! :)