Ruby Noir Beet Jam with Black Sesame & Blackberries
HISTORY & LORE
A jam born from the union of earth and orchard—where the deep, grounding sweetness of roasted beets meets the tart burst of ripe blackberries. This luxurious preserve is laced with the nutty depth of black sesame and kissed by Ayurvedic spices, creating a spread that feels both ancient and indulgent. Historically, beets have been used for their rejuvenating properties, while blackberries have long symbolized protection and vitality. Black sesame, a revered ingredient in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, adds a rich, toasty complexity that enhances both the flavor and the nutritional profile. This “Ruby Noir” jam is perfect for artisanal spreads, glazes, desserts, and unexpected pairings that awaken the senses.
DETAILS OF THE RECIPE
Ingredients (Yields 3 Small Jars or ~2 Cups of Jam)
• Base Ingredients:
• 2 medium beets, roasted, peeled, and puréed
• 1 ½ cups fresh blackberries (or frozen, thawed)
• 1 cup raw honey or coconut sugar
• ½ cup water
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for brightness and preservation)
• 2 tbsp black sesame seeds, toasted
• Flavor Enhancements:
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (warming and digestive aid)
• ¼ tsp ground ginger or 1-inch fresh ginger, grated (anti-inflammatory)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (for depth and sweetness balance)
• Pinch of sea salt (to enhance flavors)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beets & Black Sesame:
• Roast beets at 375°F (190°C) for ~40 minutes until tender. Peel and purée until smooth.
• Toast black sesame seeds in a dry pan over low heat for ~2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Jam:
• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine blackberries, honey (or coconut sugar), and water. Simmer over medium heat, mashing the berries as they soften (~5–7 minutes).
• Stir in the beet purée, black sesame, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and salt. Let the mixture cook down until thick (~15–20 minutes), stirring occasionally.
3. Adjust & Preserve:
• Stir in fresh lemon juice and cook for 2 more minutes.
• Remove from heat and let cool slightly. For a smoother texture, blend lightly.
• Transfer to sterilized glass jars and refrigerate. The jam thickens as it cools.
4. Serving & Storage:
• Best enjoyed after resting overnight. Keeps up to 3 weeks refrigerated.
BUSINESS VALUE
• Cost to Make: ~$3–$4 per jar
• Sales Price (gourmet market pricing): $10–$14 per jar
• Profit Margin: 65–75%
• Scalability: Ideal for small-batch production with high-end appeal.
BLUEPRINT RATING
• Flavor Complexity: 10/10 (Earthy, tart, nutty, and sweet with warming spice undertones.)
• Nutritional & Healing Properties: 10/10 (Rich in antioxidants, iron, and digestive benefits.)
• Texture & Consistency: 10/10 (Silky, spreadable, and slightly textured from black sesame.)
• Visual Appeal: 10/10 (Deep garnet hues flecked with ebony sesame create striking contrast.)
• Ease of Preparation: 10/10 (Simple, natural ingredients with easy-to-follow steps.)
• Overall Score: 100/100
VISUAL APPEAL
• Plating: Served in vintage glass jars with handwritten labels for a rustic touch.
• Photography Tips: Natural light with a dark, moody backdrop enhances the deep hues. Scatter whole blackberries and sesame seeds around the scene.
• Ideal Lighting: Soft, golden-hour glow or warm candlelight for an old-world charm.
PAIRINGS & SERVING SUGGESTIONS
• Bread Pairing: Rustic sourdough, rye toast, or buttery brioche.
• Cheese Pairing: Aged gouda, creamy brie, or sharp blue cheese.
• Dessert Pairing: Swirled into yogurt, drizzled over panna cotta, or layered in cakes.
• Savory Pairing: As a glaze for roasted meats or mixed into a vinaigrette.
PRO TIPS & VARIATIONS
• For Extra Depth: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a richer tang.
• For a Smoother Jam: Blend completely and strain for a seedless finish.
• For a Floral Note: Infuse with a hint of dried lavender or rose petals.
• For a Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper.
A beet-blackberry masterpiece, this “Ruby Noir Jam” transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet delight—a sensory experience of color, flavor, and tradition.
MY DIGITAL HOME 