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Blackberry jam or preserves is a sweet, spreadable condiment made by cooking blackberries with sugar and often lemon juice until thickened. It is a popular way to preserve the summer berry harvest, with origins in home kitchens across Europe and North America. The 'preserves' style typically includes whole or chunky fruit pieces, while jam is smoother.
This is a high-carbohydrate food, primarily from natural fruit sugars and added sugar, with negligible fat and protein. A typical 1-tablespoon serving provides about 50 calories and is a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, especially if seeds and skins are included.
Culturally, making blackberry jam is a cherished late-summer tradition in many regions, often involving foraging for wild berries. Nutritionally, blackberries are exceptionally high in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which give them their deep purple color and may offer health benefits beyond basic vitamins.