if you’ve out blackberry picking in the autumn hedgerows, you’re in for a treat! You’ve probably watched them ripen from red to a deep blue colour over the past few weeks and they’re finally ready for picking. I love that we can pick up so many free if you find a good spot but supermarket blackberries are just as juicy and tasty at this time of year. Pick the plumpest, juiciest and deepest in colour and then how about a healthy ketchup alternative; a blackberry ketchup?! Rich in colour, slightly sweet yet tangy, this is a perfect accompaniment to cold meats or as zingy side relish to any meal.

This simple blackberry ketchup base is a delicious alternative to traditional tomato ketchup, with options to spice it up as you wish.

[Perfect to freeze]

 

To make this delicious homemade Blackberry Ketchup, you’ll need….


Ingredients

  • 2 cups of fresh ripe blackberries
  • 300ml apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

Flavour options: you can add further spice to this ketchup by adding freshly grated ginger or cinnamon and nutmeg.

 

Here’s how…

Remove any stalks/leaves from the berries and wash them well. Put them in a saucepan, along with the remaining ingredients including spices if using, but not the sugar and bring to a boil.

Allow them to simmer for 20-25mins until the berries are soft.

Remove from the heat and put through a sieve to remove any seeds.

Now return to a clean pan and add the sugar. Bring to the boil again, stirring to allow the sugar to dissolve and the mixture to reduce.

Season with a little salt and pepper and pour into a sterilised jar. If unopened, this can keep for months. Otherwise, keep a batch in the fridge and use it to liven up any meal!

Healthy Blackberry KetchupTry this with my Easiest Crispy Smashed Potatoes or bring some vibrancy to this Balsamic and Red Onion Tart

Do you know how easy it is to freeze fresh Blackberries?

Simply lay them out in a single layer on a large tray and pop them in the freezer. An hour or so later, scoop them up into a bowl or freezer bag and that’s a winter supply of vitamins and antioxidants sorted! So, if you’ve used up your haul already, it’s worth getting back out there and secure a few for those warming winter crumbles!