| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 256 | 1g | 0g | 67g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 55g | 5g | 1g | 0g |
As a Louisiana native with French ancestry, berry jams hold a special place in my heart and my kitchen. In particular, tonight we take a delightful journey into a centuries-old recipe, the Bilberry Jam. Loved by my French ancestors and perfected to awaken Creole richness with a French twist, this jam brings vibrancy to any food it touches.
A Health-Packed Sweet Treat
What truly enchants me about the Bilberry Jam is its unique blend of flavors that doesn’t compromise the health benefits. Bilberries have been long celebrated by health enthusiasts for their rich antioxidant and vitamin C content. They are praised for supporting heart health and boosting brain function, which further makes this delectable jam not just a delight for your taste buds but also a boon for your health.
Now, don’t confuse bilberries with their close cousin, blueberries; although they resemble each other in appearance and health benefits, bilberries have a more intense, richer flavor profile.
A Versatile Addition to Your Gastronomic Arsenal
One of the remarkable features of the Bilberry Jam is its versatility. You can spread it on toast, use it to sweeten your yogurt, or even dollop some on ice cream. I often find myself reminiscing about my time in France when I pair this jam with a fresh baguette. It also blends seamlessly with many traditional New Orleans desserts. You ever tried a beignet with a hint of bilberry jam? It’s a wild ride for your senses, trust me!
Looking for something more rustic and traditional? Well, this jam works wonders in a Linzer Torte or with clotted cream in a classic Devonshire split; just the way the tartness of the berries adds a new dimension to these already delicious dishes is a revelation of flavors.
With the Bilberry Jam in your kitchen arsenal, you’re not just embracing a tradition that dates back centuries, but you’re adding a health-conscious sweet treat that can elevate your culinary creations to a whole new level. I hope you will love this recipe as much as I do! Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups of bilberries
- 2 1/2 cups of white sugar
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1 packet of fruit pectin (1.75 oz)
- 1/2 cup of water
Method
Step One
First, you will need to carefully wash and pick over the bilberries. Make sure that all stems and leaves have been removed.
Step Two
Place the cleaned bilberries in a large pot. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and water into the pot with the bilberries. Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Step Three
Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring regularly, until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step Four
Once the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Add the fruit pectin to the boiling mixture and keep stirring.
Step Five
Continue to boil the mixture for about 10 minutes, or until it starts to thicken. Make sure to continue stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
Step Six
After the jam has thickened, remove the pot from the heat. Skim off any foam that might have formed on the surface of the jam.
Step Seven
Finally, ladle the hot jam into sterile jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Seal the jars immediately and allow them to cool. The jam can then be stored in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
