20 Best Blackcurrant Winter Preserves Recipes

Blackcurrant is one of the most beneficial and delicious berries. Rich in vitamins, microelements, and fruit acids, it strengthens the immune system, normalizes metabolism, and improves gastrointestinal function. There are many recipes for preserving blackcurrants for the winter. Let's take a closer look at the best options.

What are the benefits of berry preserves for the winter?

Vitamin deficiencies are particularly noticeable in winter, as fresh berries and fruits are unavailable. Therefore, it's essential to stock up on vitamins even in the summer, during the peak berry season. There are many recipes for preparing blackcurrants that preserve all the valuable nutrients. When prepared correctly, these products store well and become an indispensable treat for everyday and festive meals.

Preparation of raw materials

For winter preparations, it is necessary to select ripe blackcurrant berries of approximately the same size, moderately dense texture, without the slightest signs of damage.

The selected fruits should be thoroughly washed under running water, the stems removed, rinsed again and dried, placing them on a large dish.

Selecting containers for cooking

To preserve blackcurrants, you'll need glass containers of suitable volume. They should be free of cracks, chips, rust, or other defects.

Each jar must be washed and sterilized before use.

Rub the container with baking soda and rinse with warm water.

Sterilization can be carried out in any convenient way:

1. Place the jars on a rack or baking sheet in an unheated oven. Close the oven and set the temperature to 100-110 degrees Celsius (212-222 degrees Fahrenheit). Let them sit for twenty minutes, then turn off the oven and leave the jars inside for a while to cool slightly. Remove the jars loosely wrapped in a dry towel.
2. Take a large saucepan and fill it halfway with water. Once it boils, place the lids in. Place a strainer, colander, or wire rack on top, then place the dry, washed jars upside down. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes.
3. Fill the kettle halfway with water and bring to a boil. Place the lids inside, and place a small jar over the spout.
4. Fill the jars with about 2 centimeters of water and microwave. Set the microwave to high power, then set the timer for five minutes. Once the jars are coated with large droplets, drain the water, place the jars upside down on a kitchen towel, and let them air dry.
5. Place the glass jars upside down in a saucepan. Place the lids nearby. Pour cold water until the jars are completely covered. After boiling, sterilize for 15-20 minutes. Then dry the jars by placing them on a clean, natural cloth towel.

What is prepared from this aromatic berry?

Delicious and aromatic blackcurrants can be used to make a huge variety of preserves—jam, preserves, jelly, candied fruit, wine, fruit drink, and much more. Let's look at the best recipes.

Freezing and drying black currants

To freeze currants, select beautiful, ripe, large berries without any damage. Don't wash them, as the water-filled berries can easily become misshapen during freezing.

Spread the blackcurrants on a flat surface and freeze for 24 hours. Afterward, place the berries in a plastic food container or plastic bag for long-term storage. This preserve can be kept in the freezer for up to a year.

There are several ways to dry blackcurrants at home: in a microwave, oven, electric dehydrator, or outdoors.

To preserve the maximum amount of valuable nutrients in the fruit, it's recommended to use a combined method. First, dry them in the sun for several days, then finish the process in the oven:

1. Place the berries evenly on wooden trays, first lining them with parchment.
2. Take it out to the balcony, veranda or attic.
3. Cover the trays with clean gauze.
4. Stir the fruits from time to time.
5. Once they are dry enough, transfer them to an oven preheated to 55°C.
6. Leave for 5 hours.

Dried black currants can be stored throughout the winter.

Preparing raw jam

Those who want to preserve the maximum amount of valuable vitamins and microelements choose to prepare blackcurrants raw without heat treatment.

For the recipe you will need:

• 1 kg fresh berries;
• 2 kg of granulated sugar.

This delicacy is prepared quickly and easily:

1. Rinse the fruits in a colander under running cold water, and then leave them to dry.
2. Grind with a blender or meat grinder.
3. Mix the berry mixture with sugar until it is completely dissolved.
4. Distribute into sterilized glass containers and seal with sterilized lids.

Classic jam

The ingredients you need to prepare are:

• 1 kg of currants;
• 1.5 kg of sugar;
• 1 liter of water.

You need to do the following:

1. Rinse the selected berries in a colander.
2. Mix the fruits with sugar.
3. Let it sit for four hours to release the aromatic juice.
4. Place the container with berries on the stove and cook over medium heat for twenty minutes.
5. Cool.
6. Boil two more times for 25 minutes.
7. Place into sterilized glass containers and seal with polyethylene or metal lids.

Jelly with whole berries

Delicate and aromatic sweet and sour jelly with whole blackcurrant berries will give you a great mood and saturate your body with useful substances.

To prepare it you will need:

• 3 cups ripe berries;
• 750 ml of water;
• 700 g sugar;
• 2 tbsp lemon juice.

The delicacy must be prepared in the following order:

1. Divide the berries into two equal parts.
2. Grind one part in a blender, and leave the other whole.
3. Mix the crushed berry mixture and add lemon juice to them.
4. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Strain the pulp through cheesecloth.
6. Mix the juice with sugar and whole berries.
7. Bring to a boil.
8. Distribute into sterilized containers and seal with airtight lids.

Delicious jam with red wine

The combination of red wine and blackcurrant is suitable for making the most delicious jams.

You need to prepare the following ingredients:

• a kilogram of ripe black currants and sugar;
• fresh juice of one lemon;
• 250 ml dry red wine;
• grated zest of one ripe orange;
• 1 cinnamon stick.

Cooking process:

1. Place washed and dried currants in a thick-bottomed saucepan.
2. Add lemon juice and sugar.
3. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil.
4. Simmer for a few minutes over low heat.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and cover with a lid.
6. Leave overnight in a cool place.
7. The next morning, grind the berry mixture in a blender and return it to the pan.
8. Add cinnamon and orange zest.
9. Add dry red wine and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until desired thickness.
10. Periodically remove foam from the surface.
11. Place in sterile jars and seal with airtight lids.

Berry compote

For a thirst-quenching drink you need:

• 1 kg of currants;
• 1 liter of water;
• 700 g sugar.

You can prepare it like this:

1. Place the washed and dried berries on the bottom of a sterilized container.
2. Pour boiling water over it and let it sit for at least fifteen minutes.
3. Carefully pour the liquid into a saucepan, add sugar and bring to a boil.
4. Pour into jars.
5. Roll up using airtight lids.

Sugar syrup

To make vitamin berry syrup, you need:

1. Grind the berries using any convenient method and leave in a warm place for 12 hours. The fermentation process will release the characteristic aroma and flavor of currants.
2. Strain the resulting liquid and add sugar to it, stir until it is completely dissolved.
3. Boil for a few minutes and add half a teaspoon of citric acid, which will act as a preservative.
4. Strain the vitamin liquid and pour into sterilized containers.
5. Screw on airtight lids.

Pastila and candied fruits

The pastila preserves almost all the beneficial substances of fresh berries. To prepare it you will need black currants, powdered sugar, water and sugar.

First, grind the berry mixture until smooth using a blender or meat grinder. Mix with sugar and water. Then dry in the oven or dehydrator. Cut into equal pieces and roll in powdered sugar.

To prepare candied fruits you need to prepare:

• 1 kg black currant;
• 1.3 kg of sugar;
• 2 cups of sugar.

Add sugar to water, bring to a boil, and strain. Then pour the resulting syrup over the berries and simmer for ten minutes. Let it sit for 12 hours, then simmer the berry mixture again. Strain it through a colander and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Take it out into the fresh air and dry for 5-6 days.

Pickled black currants

This recipe requires the preparation of the following ingredients:

• 1 kg of fruit;
• 1 liter of water;
• 750 g sugar;
• 150 ml vinegar;
• 9 cloves;
• 7 allspice peas;
• 1 cinnamon stick.

Place the ripe fruit in a glass container. Pour boiling water over it, adding all the spices listed above. Sterilize and seal with airtight lids.

Sauces for meat

Meat and fish dishes go perfectly with blackcurrant-based sauces.

To prepare the sauce you will need:

1. Simmer the currants in butter with water and sugar.
2. Add spices, salt and wine.
3. Cool and strain the mixture.
4. Pour into a glass container, close with a secure lid and refrigerate.

Fragrant fruit drink

The ingredients for healthy and tasty fruit drink are:

• 2 cups of selected currants;
• 2 liters of filtered or still mineral water;
• half a glass of granulated sugar.

To prepare the drink, you need:

1. Grind and squeeze the fruits.
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Simmer for fifteen minutes.
4. Strain the resulting mass.
5. Boil the juice and mix with sugar.
6. Add water to the juice.
7. Pour the finished fruit drink into a suitable glass container.
8. Roll up with airtight lids.

Wine

Currants can be used to make exquisite wine. To do this, you'll need:

• 3 kg of berries and sugar;
• 7 liters of high-quality filtered water.

The preparation includes several successive stages:

1. Grind the berries in any convenient way.
2. Place them in a glass bottle.
3. Add granulated sugar and pour in water.
4. Place a clean rubber glove over the neck of the container and leave to infuse for 3-5 months.
5. Pour into bottles, cork and place in a cellar or pantry for further storage.

Jam for diabetics

Blackcurrants can be used to make healthy diabetic jam. It boosts immunity and promotes overall health. It's sugar-free.

It is necessary to:

1. Pour 800 g of berries into a saucepan and mash with a wooden spoon.
2. Add 200 ml of water and put on low heat.
3. Boil until the volume of water is reduced by half.
4. Add 400 g of fruit and continue boiling for another ten minutes.
5. Place in a glass jar, previously scalded with boiling water.
6. Close tightly with an airtight lid.

Redcurrant jelly "5-minute"

To prepare five-minute vitamin jelly you will need:

• 850 g berries;
• 900 g granulated sugar.

Mash the berries to remove the seeds. After simple processing, place the mixture on a piece of cheesecloth rolled into several layers and carefully squeeze out the juice. Mix the juice with sugar to create a thick, smooth paste. Let it sit for half an hour and then pour into sterile glass jars.

Currant jam in the microwave

You can make jam in a microwave oven in a matter of minutes.

You'll need 800 grams of berries and granulated sugar. You can add cinnamon and citrus zest if desired.

First, process the berries: add sugar and mix until smooth. Let them sit for several hours to release the juices. Microwave the mixture and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir and repeat the cooking process for two more 10-minute periods. While still hot, pour into glass containers and seal with lids.

Currant jam in a bread maker

To make this simple recipe you will need:

• a kilogram of berries and sugar;
• 1/3 teaspoon citric acid.

Place the washed and lightly dried berries in the bread machine's container and sprinkle with sugar. Place the container in the bread machine and turn on the "Jam" program. After 25 minutes, the jam will be ready, indicated by a beep. Pour the hot jam into glass jars and immediately seal with lids.

Currant jam with oranges

To prepare vitamin jam you will need:

• 1 kg black currant;
• 300 g of orange and sugar.

Press the berries with a mechanical juicer. Add granulated sugar to the juice. Without peeling the orange, chop it into small pieces and mince it. Mix the currant juice with sugar and pour into a cooking vessel. Add the orange pieces and stir. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Continue simmering for half an hour. While hot, divide into containers and seal.

With the addition of pumpkin

To prepare a healthy dessert, you will need:

• 300 g each of currants and chopped pumpkin;
• a teaspoon of butter;
• 80-100 g of sugar.

First, cut the pumpkin into small cubes and place them in a saucepan. Add the berries, sugar, and butter. Simmer for twenty minutes over low heat, periodically skimming off any foam that forms on the surface. Divide into containers and seal.

With lemon without cooking

For those who prefer sour rather than sweet desserts, try making blackcurrant jam with lemon, which is rich in ascorbic acid.

For the recipe you will need:

• a kilogram of currants and sugar;
• 1 medium-sized lemon.

Wash and dry the currants. Peel the lemon and cut into medium-thick slices. Place alternate layers of currants and lemon in a blender. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Let sit for several hours and then transfer to glass containers. Seal with lids and sterilize.

With the addition of dried apricots

Dried apricots perfectly complement the taste of blackcurrants and are used to make healthy jam.

Ingredients:

• 800-900 g currants;
• 200 g dried apricots;
• 2 kg of sugar.

Before cooking, pour boiling water over the dried apricots and let them sit for several hours to soften. Then drain the water and dry the dried apricots. Grind the currants and apricots alternately in a meat grinder. Transfer the resulting mixture to a bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Stir and let sit for half an hour. Stir again, distribute among glass jars, and seal.

Puréed currants without sugar

This recipe makes a delicious and healthy dessert, perfect for winter. You'll need a kilogram of sugar and berries. Grind the berries in a meat grinder, mixer, or blender. Transfer to a glass container, sterilize, and seal.

Where and how to store blanks?

Heat-treated blackcurrant preserves should be stored in a pantry or kitchen cabinet for two years.

Dried berries can also be stored for up to two years without losing their properties - in glass jars or cloth bags placed in the pantry.

The mashed fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for one year.