Deliciously Simple: How to Make Very Small Batch Blackberry Jam This Week!

When I was packing school lunches for my boys, I made a mountain of jam. We had a wild patch of Himalayan blackberries right by the house. I’d gather those berries and cook them down with a lot of sugar, some lemon juice, and a packet of pectin. It felt like forever as that mixture bubbled away in the pot, heating up the kitchen during those hot summer days. But seeing the shelves filled with homemade jam for winter made it all worth it.

Now, I mostly make jam just for myself. I whip up small batches for the fridge or freezer instead of canning. I also cut back on sugar, usually using half the amount than what’s typically recommended. It lets the natural berry flavor shine through, which I love. I use this method, which involves boiling the fruit mix, letting it sit overnight, and then repeating the process. This works well with different fruits, and I’ve had success with plums and figs too.

A Quick Jam Recipe

• 3 pints blackberries
• 2-3 cups sugar
• Juice from 1 lemon (optional)

Mix the blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice (if using) in a large pot. Let it sit overnight. The next day, bring it to a boil for about 5 minutes. Let it cool overnight again. Repeat this process one more time. As it sits, the natural pectin from the fruit helps it thicken up.

Interestingly, the history of jam is tied to the rise of sugar production. Back in the day, when the Atlantic slave trade expanded, sugar became more accessible and affordable. This change played a big role in fueling the Industrial Revolution. Foods like jam transformed from luxury items into staples for many families. Nowadays, sugar production raises concerns about labor practices and environmental impacts, and it may soon become less accessible again.

Notably, recent statistics show that sugar consumption in the U.S. has started to decline. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average person consumed around 88 grams of sugar per day in 2020, compared to over 100 grams a decade earlier. This shift may be tied to growing awareness of health issues associated with high sugar intake.

By embracing homemade jams with less sugar, we can enjoy the delicious fruits of summer while also being mindful of our health and environmental impact.

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