jerseyanbreakfast
Jersey Black Butter
Traditional dark spiced fruit preserve, a Jersey delicacy served with cream.
Prep
30 min
Cook
120 min
Servings
20
Difficulty
Medium
★★★★★
4.6(198 ratings)#preserve#spiced#traditional#breakfast#heritage
About This Recipe
Jersey Black Butter is a thick, dark preserve made from apples and spices that has been produced on Jersey for centuries. It's traditionally served on toast with Jersey cream for a luxurious teatime treat.
Ingredients
Serves 20
- 2 kgcooking apples(peeled and chopped)
- 300 gdemerara sugar
- 2 tbspmixed spice
- 1 tbspground ginger
- 300 mlcider vinegar
- few cloveswhole cloves(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Prepare apples
Peel, core, and chop apples into small pieces.
- 2
Combine ingredients
Place apples, sugar, spices, and vinegar in a large heavy pot.
- 3
Simmer
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring frequently, until very dark and thick.
- 4
Test consistency
Drop a spoonful on a cold plate - it should wrinkle when pushed with a finger.
- 5
Jar and cool
Pour into sterilized jars while hot, seal, and cool completely.
Pro Tips
- →
Stir frequently near the end to prevent sticking
- →
Use an old preserving thermometer if you have one
- →
Serve with Jersey cream for authentic experience
Variations
- •
Add cinnamon sticks for different flavor
- •
Include a touch of brandy
- •
Mix in grated nutmeg
Storage
Keeps unopened for up to 2 years. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 4 weeks.
History & Origin
Jersey Black Butter is a traditional Jersey preserve dating back centuries, made annually by island families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called black butter?
Because the long cooking process darkens the apples to an almost black color.
Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes, on low setting for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (40g / 1.4 oz) · 20 servings total
Calories80kcal
Protein0g
Carbohydrates20g
Fat0g
Fiber1g
Protein0g
Carbs20g
Fat0g
Time Summary
Prep time30 min
Cook time120 min
Total time150 min
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