PRESERVE THE HARVEST SERIES & CANNING HOMEMADE BLACKBERRY SYRUP
Preserve the Harvest Series presents a new fruit or vegetable every Tuesday with the goal of helping you get the most out of fresh fruits and vegetables harvested during peak season. Whether you grow your own fruits and vegetables, buy them at the Farmer’s Market or your local grocery store, it is good to remember the best time to preserve your bounty is when it is plentiful. Preserving the harvest stocks your pantry shelves and freezer with whole foods that you can feel good about, foods that taste great, and this approach saves you money. A sane approach to sustainability! Next up…Blackberries & Canning Homemade Blackberry Syrup
LET’S TALK BLACKBERRIES
Blackberries are bramble fruits and grow on thorny canes or what some may call sticker bushes. Thornless blackberry bushes are available, but the thornless variety can still have small thorns that cause damage . It’s a good idea to wear gloves for protection when working with the canes. While blackberries are easy to grow, it is important to keep a good eye on the developing canes. If left to themselves they can quickly take over an area. Blackberries like lots of sun, soil with good drainage, and plenty of water, especially when fruiting. Treat your plants well and they will give you many years of productive growing seasons.
See the following links for more information on planting, growing and pruning blackberries.
Planting: Planting Blackberries: The National Gardening Association
Pruning: Blackberry Pruning – How To Trim Blackberry Bushes: Gardening Know How
HARVESTING, CARE AND STORAGE OF BLACKBERRIES
Berries ripen over a period of several weeks and once they begin to ripen will need to be picked every 2-4 days. Bird netting can be purchased to cover your berries if you are having an issue with birds eating your crop and don’t want to share. Pick berries early in the morning in the cool of the day. Refrigerate immediately and rinse berries only right before using. Refrigerated berries will keep for up to 5 days.
Blackberries may be frozen with great results. To freeze, rinse berries lightly and place on paper towel to soak up extra moisture. Arrange blackberries on a baking sheet in single layer and place in the freezer until frozen solid. Once frozen, remove berries and place in heavy duty freezer bag or use vacuum sealer. Frozen berries can be stored up to a year.
CANNING HOMEMADE BLACKBERRY SYRUP
Today’s recipe is adapted from one of my favorite berry cookbooks; The Berry Bible
By Janie Hibler. The Berry Bible has 175 recipes that use every berry imaginable. I love the fact that she includes recipes for wild, fresh and frozen berries. If you enjoy making recipes with berries you should check this one out. I increased the amount of fruit suggested and decreased the sugar. To make the syrup a little thicker I simply cook it a little longer. I also left out the butter and baking soda in her recipe. It always makes me a bit nervous to use fats when using a water bath method for canning.
For many years I resisted making fruit syrups. I couldn’t see the benefit since I don’t like fruit syrup on my pancakes. I missed out. There are so many ways to use this delicious syrup. I like to make mine a little bit on the thick side making it useful for so many things. Spoon homemade canned blackberry syrup over ice cream or use to brighten up a salad dressing. The recipe also works well as a glaze on ham or poultry. Think outside the box and you will be amazed at the versatility of this syrup.
SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED
- Water Bath Canner
- Quart Jars with Lids and Bands
– Just the right size for 1 pie. - Utensil Set
– Not absolutely necessary, but makes the job of canning a whole lot easier. - Large non- reactive pot
- Food Mill
or Juicer – I have a food mill and a juicer. Each have their pro’s and con’s. My Omega juicer does do a great job at getting all the seeds out and removing the pulp with little waste, but I have to clean it a few times while juicing. The hand cranked food mill works well too, but with a little more waste. It also takes twice as long.
The following recipe is processed using a water bath canning process. If you have never canned before or need a refresher the National Center for Home Food Preservation is the gold standard of information. I would encourage you to head over and read their general canning information.
- ¼ cup fresh lemon Juice (about 2 medium sized lemons)
- 6-7 cups of fresh blackberries, rinsed and drained, pureed and seeded. Amount of puree should equal 3 cups.
- 1 box (1.75 ounce) powdered pectin
- 2½ cups sugar
- Pour blackberry puree and lemon juice into a large nonreactive pan.
- Add pectin and mix thoroughly.
- Place the pan over medium high heat and bring to a full boil, stirring constantly.
- Add sugar, mix thoroughly and simmer until syrup is slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat, fill sterilized 8 oz canning jars leaving ½ inch headspace.
- Wipe rim of canning jar and apply lid and band.
- Process in hot water bath for 10 – 15 minutes depending on elevation.
Homemade Blackberry Syrup shared with:
*Savvy Southern Style: Wow us Wednesday *Dizzy, Busy and Hungry: Wine’d Down Wednesdays *Crafty Allie: Worthwhile Wednesdays *The Shady Porch: Party on the Porch *Smart School House: Whimsy Wednesday *My Paper craze: Creative Spark *My Crafty Wife: The Wednesday Roundup *Homestead Lady: Green Thumb Thursday *Organized 31:Inspire us Thursday *Living Well Spending Less: Thrifty Thursday *The Deliberate Mom: Shine *Calm Healthy Sexy: Let’s Get Real *Nancherrows: Friday’s Unfolded *Ruffles and Rainboots: Thank Goodness it’s Thursday *Happy and Blessed Home: Family Fun Friday *The Diary of a Real Housewife: Friday Favorites *Kitchen Dreaming: The Weekend Social *A Dish of Daily Life: Foodie Friday’s *Sondra Lyn at Home: Share it Sunday *2 Crochet Hooks: Snickerdoodle Sunday *Baking in Pyjamas: Sweet and Savoury *Mrs Tee Love Life Laughter: The Mommy Monday Blog Hop *Create With Joy: Inspire Me Monday *Bloggers Brags: Pinterest Party *Plucky’s Second Thoughts * 21st Century Housewife: Hearth and Soul Hop *It’s a Ginger Snap: Motivate Me Monday *Yesterfood: Treasure Box Tuesday *Craving Some Creativity: Turn It Up Tuesday * An Extraordinary Day: Craft Room Makeover *Lou Lou Girls: Lou Lou Girls *Our Table For Seven: Share Your Stuff Tuesday’s * Mandy’s Recipe Box: Totally Talented Tuesday’s *Designed by BH:Twirl and Take a Bow *Creative K Kids: Tasty Tuesday’s
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Lauren says
Is it possible to halve this recipe?
Absolutely!
Dawn Hembree says
Love this recipe! Others call for a ton of sugar and this recipe really lets the natural blackberry taste stand out! It’s awesome on pancakes & waffles! I also don’t seed mine. I cook down then run it through the blender and then jar/process. Thanks for the recipe!
I am glad you enjoyed it.
Malia Montague says
Do you use the low sugar pectin or regular pectin for this recipe?
Either would work.
Kim says
I actually tried this recipe tonight, but my syrup is turning into jelly….What did I do wrong?
Hi Kim.
In answer to your question, blackberries have a lot of natural pectin in them. Heating the syrup to high will cause the syrup to jell. Try keeping the temperature below 218 degrees and see if that helps. Cutting back on the sugar may be helpful as well. Hope this helps.
Blessings,
Shari
Carla says
Hello, if you were to make this without pectin how would that change the cooking time?
Thanks!
Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. I have been working long hours and am only catching up on the weekends as I am able. Cooking without pectin will increase your cooking time. It all depends on the water content of your berries. Slow simmering until the syrup begins to thicken and sheet off the spoon. I hope this helps.
Shari
This looks incredible! Pinned. Hugs! Lou Lou Girls
Kimberly recently posted…Olive Garden Inspired Steak Gorgonzola with Alfredo Sauce
You are sweet. Thanks!
Blessings,
Shari
I would put that on pancakes for sure. Yum. Pinned to the Creative K Kids Tasty Tuesday board. Thanks for linking up.
Dina recently posted…When the game stands tall free movie passes to local peeps!
Thanks Dina, always a pleasure.
Blessings,
Shari
So yummy!!! And your photos are just gorgeous- Thanks for linking w/ Twirl and Take a Bow! (I’m pinning xo)
Robin recently posted…Comment on Beach House Decorating Ideas by Vicky
Thank you Robin. The pleasure was all mine!
Blessings,
Shari
Great post. Love Blackberries. Thanks for partying with us at Share it Sunday. You had some of the top votes so we featured you this week at Share it Sunday 40. Sharing out on FB as well, this week.
Denise Murtha recently posted…Share it Sunday {40}
Thank you Denise. This week I am on vacation so I haven’t had the time to go by and check out all the parties. I am hoping for a little downtime this evening. Can’t wait to see all the great links.
Blessings,
Shari
Such an interesting post and great use for blackberries. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!!
Laura@Baking in Pyjamas recently posted…Dark Orange and Ginger Brownies
Thank you Laura.It is always a pleasure.
Blessings,
Shari
Thanks for the wonderful post, I haven’t done any canning by myself, sure going to try. Thanks for sharing with Hearth and Soul blog hop. Pinning it.
Swathi recently posted…Winter Melon/Ash Gourd Juice
Thank you. Canning is nice come winter and I am looking for a fresh taste of the garden. Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
Thanks for sharing your recipe with us at Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy!
I’m excited to share that you’ll be one of our Featured Guests at this week’s party (Week 136).
Congrats and have a fabulous weekend! ?
That is awesome! Thank you ?
I have been on the fence about trying my hand at canning! I think this just may have pushed me over ? I am going to invest in a canning kit this weekend. So many fruits are coming in to season in our area I really am missing out! I have pinned and will be visiting your blog often!
Maureen recently posted…Monthly Grocery Shopping Experiment
I Think that’s great Maureen. Feel free to stop in anytime if you have any questions. I love to help.
Blessings,
Shari
sneh says
Amazing recipes and wonderful website. Thanks for visiting my blog.
sneh recently posted…Cool and Crunchy Summer Salad
It was a pleasure. Thanks for returning the love.
Blessings,
Shari
Thank you for sharing this at Green Thumb Thursday, too! My blackberries are just babies but someday I WILL make this! http://homesteadlady.com/green-thumb-thursday-8714/ Come share some more!
tessa – Homestead Lady recently posted…Green Thumb Thursday – 8/7/14
It was my pleasure! It has taken a few years for my blackberries to produce. I am finally enjoying the fruits of my labor ? Thanks for stopping by!
BLessings,
Shari
Kim says
What a great recipe – I am going to have to try this one! Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brag Pinterest Party.
Thanks Kim. I appreciate you stopping by and your kind comment.
Blessings,
Shari
Sounds wonderful! I’m trying to talk myself into learning how to make jellies and jams … Someday I will convince myself ?
Heather recently posted…Moist & Delicious Strawberry Bread
You will be glad you did Heather. The process is not as difficult as it may seem and the taste is so fresh. Thank you for taking a moment and stopping by to share.
Blessings,
Shari
Thanks for coming and linking up at #The Weekend Social. Please be sure to come back next week starting Thursdays at 9PM EST on Kitchen Dreaming.com ! I hope to see you there!
Always a pleasure, thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
Blackberry Syrup! Oh yes please….that sounds AMAZING…I would skip the pancakes and go right for the ice cream! Oh…how wonderful would it be on a bowl of oatmeal? YUMMY…Pinning now!
Kim @ The Cookie Puzzle recently posted…Party in Your PJs #14
Thanks Kim. You and I think alike. Love Blackberry Syrup on ice cream, yum! Thanks for stopping in.
Blessings,
Shari
Wow! this sounds so good! I’m thinking over vanilla cream!
Jessica recently posted…Gluten Free Breakfast Pizza
Sounds great to me! Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
I love blackberry everything. They are finally ripe in my area, I’ll definitely be making this one!
Nicole Ramage recently posted…Fresh Garden Salsa recipe
Me too Nicole. Our Blackberries are already just about played out. Very sad. I can’t bring myself to pay $3.00 for 8 Blackberries in the store so I will have to wait till next season for more. They are always delicious while they last! Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
Those pictures are stunning. We grew up on blackberry jam…those are great tips! #FoodieFridays
Thank you Christine. It is always a pleasure coming to your party.
Blessings,
Shari
You have the most tempting recipes! This looks so delicious! We have wild blackberries growing in our yard but the birds got them before I did. ? I’m a bit behind this year. They got most of my blueberries too.
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life recently posted…7 Delicious Dinners and 7 Delightful Desserts at #FoodieFridays
I have put bird netting over everything this year. Even so the sneaky little birds still pecked at my cherries. It is one of those things I have to let go of. What will be will be, but I am a bit greedy and I DON’T like to share! ?
Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
Yum! I love fresh preserves and this looks yummy! Thanks for sharing at Fridays Unfolded!
Alison
Nancherrow
Always a pleasure! Thank you for stopping by and taking a moment to share.
Blessings,
Shari
Such beautiful pictures! We usually freeze our blackberries, and make syrups and things as we need them during the winter, but I like the idea of canning them too.
Thank you Elise. When I have had it with canning and I don’t want to even look at a canning jar, all the extras go in the freezer for later. For me there is something about all those beautiful jars lined up in my pantry. Old fashioned I guess, but I can’t help myself. So glad you stopped by.
Blessings,
Shari
Bee-u-ti-ful!! Pinning and sharing!
Jenny.U recently posted…Unstuffed Green Peppers
Thanks! ?
Elizabeth says
Your pictures make me need to find blackberries ASAP. Although I’m not sure if I’d be able to stop myself from eating the berries long enough to make the blackberry syrup.
I was out picking again today for tomorrows post and I am so grateful they are right in my backyard. I do admit a few never make it into the pail ? Thanks for stopping in.
Blessings,
Shari
i’ve never had blackberries before. In fact, they are not grown in this part of the world! Looking at your beautiful photos makes me want to try them
agy recently posted…An Eventful Weekend – Singapore Mini Maker Faire
I am sorry you have missed out. I am sure there are many wonderful things in the area where you live that you could share with me. Maybe some day ? Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to share.
Blessings,
Shari
Beautiful photos, Shari!
Perfecting timing too. I want to make a fresh fruit preserve for our guests this weekend . . . and this recipe looks like it will be perfect.
Thanks so much for sharing,
Suzanne
Simply Suzannes at Home recently posted…watermelon and rose water
Thanks Suzanne. I hope you and your guests enjoy them. Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to share. I greatly appreciate it.
Blessings,
Shari
Tracy @ Our Simple Life SC says
I made this last year and we used it all winter long. I would highly recommend it! This year I made blackberry pie filling and can’t wait to pull a jar out this winter. http://oursimplelife-sc.com/blackberry-pie-filling-recipe/
Tracy @ Our Simple Life SC recently posted…How to Make Ice Tea – Honey Lemon
Blackberry pie filling is on my list of to do’s. Lately I have been making raspberry juice and canning it because I have so many raspberries. I am hoping I will be able to do the same thing with my blackberries next year. Thank you for stopping by and taking a moment to share.
Blessings,
Shari
I have a heritage blackberry plant in a pot right now growing like a weed and I will be planting it in the ground next spring. I can’t WAIT to harvest and do this. Thanks
How exciting. I love it when that first harvest comes in! Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
Shari, I am seriously drooling right now and wish I either grew blackberries or had time to go to the store right now to get some to make this syrup. I am totally pinning and need try before the summer is over now!! ?
Janine Huldie recently posted…Emma’s Day Out At American Girl Doll Store & More in NYC
Thanks Janine. I hope you enjoy it!
Blessings,
Shari
Shari, I LOVE all the preserving you are doing and how you share it with all of us. This is another recipe I haven’t made, other syrups, but never blackberry. Thank you for sharing all the wonderful dishes and preserves coming out of your kitchen. Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
Thanks Carrie. It is fun to have others to share my passions with. I appreciate your kind comments ?
Blessings,
Shari
Shari,
I love blackberry syrup and make it most summers. We can pick fresh blackberries from the Peach Orchard across the street, BUT you blackberries are HUGE AND AMAZING! Your blackberry syrup sounds wonderful too. It would be so good on everything. I love it over pound cake, pancakes, ice cream, biscuits, and more. YUM!
Blessings,
Diane
stumbled, pinned, tweeted!
The berries are huge this year and oh so juicy. I am making a Lemon Pound Cake with a Blackberry Coulis for Thursday’s Post today. So it’s off to the blackberry patch for more blackberries! Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
Shari
Of course, Shari, with all this DELICIOUS homemade food coming out of your kitchen your kids will have to marry very special people. Store-bought will not do! LOL
Pinned!
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Fortunately they have and they know all this preserved food is just a phone call away! Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to share.
Blessings,
Shari