No canning required with this berry good recipe
Making homemade jelly can be a delightful and rewarding experience. That might be most true when it combines the flavors of sweet blackberries and aromatic lavender. This easy-to-follow recipe for blackberry lavender freezer jelly is perfect for beginners and seasoned jelly-makers alike. It’s a great way to preserve the taste of summer and enjoy it all year long. Let’s dive into the details of this unique and delicious recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Blackberry-Lavender Freezer Jelly
To make this flavorful jelly, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups of fresh or frozen blackberries
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender (make sure it’s food-grade)
- 1 package of powdered pectin (1.75 ounces)
- 5 cups of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
Equipment Required for Making Blackberry Lavender Jelly
Here’s the list of equipment you’ll need:
- A large pot
- A small saucepan
- A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- A measuring cup
- A spoon or ladle
- Sterilized freezer-safe jars with lids
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Blackberry-Lavender Jelly
1. Prepare the Blackberries
Start by washing the blackberries thoroughly. If you’re using frozen blackberries, allow them to thaw completely. Once they’re ready, place the blackberries in a large pot and add the water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will help to break down the berries and release their juices.
2. Infuse the Lavender
While the blackberries are simmering, take a small saucepan and add 1 cup of water. Bring the water to a boil, then remove it from the heat. Add the dried lavender to the hot water and let it steep for about 10 minutes. After steeping, strain the lavender-infused water through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the lavender buds, leaving you with a fragrant lavender tea.
3. Extract the Blackberry Juice
Once the blackberries have simmered, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the mixture. Press the berries to extract as much juice as possible. You should end up with about 4 cups of blackberry juice. Discard the leftover pulp or save it for another use, like adding to smoothies or baked goods.
4. Combine Ingredients
Pour the blackberry juice back into the large pot and add the lavender-infused water. Stir in the lemon juice, which helps to balance the sweetness and ensure the jelly sets properly. Gradually add the powdered pectin, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring frequently.
5. Add the Sugar
Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, it’s time to add the sugar. Add the granulated sugar all at once, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil and let it boil for exactly 1 minute. This step is crucial for the jelly to set properly, so be precise with your timing.
6. Skim Off Foam
After boiling for 1 minute, remove the pot from the heat. You may notice some foam on the surface of the jelly. Skim off the foam with a spoon to ensure a clear, smooth jelly.
7. Fill the Jars
Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized freezer-safe jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any sticky residue, then seal the jars with their lids.
8. Cool and Freeze
Let the jars cool to room temperature before placing them in the freezer. This helps to ensure the jars don’t crack from the sudden temperature change. Once cooled, transfer the jars to the freezer. The jelly will last for up to a year in the freezer.
Tips for Perfect Jelly
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh blackberries and culinary lavender will give you the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh, frozen blackberries work just as well.
- Sterilize Your Jars: Make sure your jars are properly sterilized to avoid any contamination and to ensure your jelly stays fresh.
- Be Precise with Boiling: The rolling boil is essential for the pectin to activate and for the jelly to set properly. Don’t skip this step.
- Cool Completely Before Freezing: Allowing the jelly to cool before freezing prevents the jars from cracking and ensures the jelly sets properly.
Serving Suggestions for Blackberry Lavender Jelly
Blackberry lavender freezer jelly is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Spread on Toast or Biscuits: A classic way to enjoy jelly is by spreading it on a slice of toast or a warm biscuit.
- Pair with Cheese: This jelly pairs beautifully with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese. It’s perfect for a sophisticated snack or appetizer.
- Use in Desserts: Swirl it into yogurt, use it as a filling for pastries or cakes, or drizzle it over ice cream for a delicious treat.
- Glaze for Meats: Use the jelly as a glaze for roasted meats like chicken or pork to add a sweet and aromatic flavor.
- Serve Over Sponge Cake: Need a quick sweet treat? Top a bakery-purchased sponge cake with a dollop of this jelly and then top with freshly whipped cream.
The Takeaway: Blackberry-Lavender Freezer Jelly Will Become a Family Favorite
Making your own blackberry lavender freezer jelly is a fun and rewarding project. Not only will you have a delicious spread to enjoy throughout the year, but you’ll also have a unique gift to share with friends and family. The combination of sweet blackberries and fragrant lavender creates a jelly that’s both flavorful and aromatic. With this easy recipe, you’ll be able to preserve the taste of summer and savor it all year long. So gather your ingredients, sterilize your jars, and start making your own delicious blackberry lavender freezer jelly today!
She has a B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education/English and a Spanish Minor. In addition, she holds a Certificates in Natural Health and Herbology from accredited programs. She pursued these natural wellness certifications due to her love for herb gardening.
Despite freelancing to make a living, her love is "all things home."
Deborah grew up in a family that grew a large vegetable garden and a fruit orchard, helping her parents pull weeds and can home-grown foods as part of her childhood. In fact, she had no idea that she could purchase veggies and fruits in pre-packed steel cans until she went to college and made a food run.
Today, she lives in Bertie County, North Carolina, an agricultural rural area with more chickens than people. She lives with her husband and two rescue pets a sweet toy fox terrier and a cat who showed up one day and moved into the house. Together, they enjoy DIY projects, furniture refinishing, gardening, and canning.
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