Blackberry Jam

You may have noticed that in September and October blackberries are everywhere. Look at the hedgerows to see the white and pink flowers turn into plump black berries. The easiest way to get lots of tasty jam for the price of a bag of sugar is an afternoon of picking fruit. Before you go out picking, take a look through what Dan has to say. The Blackberries in Three Little Wood burrow grow in thickets, with thorns and stinging nettles, so I always wear long sleeve shirts and trousers.

Pick as many blackberries as you like. You can always freeze any left over ones.

What you need

• 450 grams of juicy ripe Blackberries
• 450 grams of granulated sugar
• 170 ml water
• Empty jars 2 to 4 and a responsible adult to help you as making jam can be dangerous as it is very hot.

Instructions

• Weigh out the ingredients
• Wash and dry the Blackberries before you start. You can dry them by putting them on a plate with some kitchen roll to soak up excess water and juice.
• Put the berries in a saucepan and add the water.
• Heat the berries and water for 20 minutes on a low heat, add a lid to the saucepan but remember they get hot so ask for the help of an adult.
• Stir the berry juice and add the sugar.
• Keep it on a low heat and stir in the sugar until there are no lumps left. Do not touch the jam it will be super hot so ask for help.
•  When you have done this turn the heat up for 5 to 10 minutes but do not let it stick
• With the help of an adult pour the jam through a sieve into a bowl and then transfer the jam into the jars and let it cool and settle. Then put a small round piece of greaseproof paper on top on the jar before you put the lid on it.
• Put it in the fridge and eat your tasty jam as you please.

P.S when picking your blackberries, try picking some elderberries, as they grow very near to blackberries.

Elderberries grow higher, so picking with someone taller helps.