Simply Scrumptious Blueberry Jam
Make scrumptious blueberry jam at home! Capture summer's sweetness with this easy recipe. Perfect on scones or gifts. Get tips for perfect gelling & canning!
Recipe Introduction: Simply Scrumptious Blueberry Jam !
Fancy a taste of summer all year round? this blueberry jam recipe is dead easy. honestly, anyone can knock this up! it's got that proper sweet and tart thing going on.
It captures the essence of fresh blueberries.
Berry Goodness in a Jar
This recipe for blueberry jam comes from simple, honest home cooking. think grandma’s kitchen, you know? it's proper classic. this beauty is so simple to make! prep is 15 mins and the whole thing takes under 40.
You will yield around 4 jars. perfect for sharing... or not! it is such a sweet experience!
Why You'll Love This Jam
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants. so, blueberries jam is a little bit healthy, right? this recipe for blueberry jam is perfect on scones with clotted cream.
It is also brilliant in a victoria sponge. so it's the perfect addition to the afternoon tea. but honestly, what makes this special? it is just proper homemade loveliness.
Right, let's get into the ingredients.
Right, let's chat about what you actually need to nail this blueberry jam . forget the faff, alright? we're talking essentials only.
Trust me, how to make blueberry jelly is simpler than it sounds.
Simply Scrumptious Blueberry Jam Recipe Card
⚖️ Ingredients:
- 4 cups (approximately 600g) fresh blueberries, washed and stemmed
- 3 cups (600g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 package (1.75 oz or 49g) powdered pectin
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) unsalted butter (optional)
🥄 Instructions:
- Sterilize canning jars and lids according to manufacturer's instructions (or boil in water for 10 minutes). Keep jars hot until ready to fill.
- In the large saucepan, combine blueberries, lemon juice, and butter (if using).
- Sprinkle the powdered pectin evenly over the blueberry mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Gently mash the blueberries with the back of a spoon or potato masher as they cook.
- Add the granulated sugar all at once, stirring constantly until dissolved.
- Continue to cook over high heat, stirring constantly, until the jam reaches the gel stage (220°F (104°C) on a candy thermometer, or passes the cold plate test - see below).
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Ladle the hot jam into the prepared jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace.
- Run a non-metallic spatula or bubble remover along the inside of each jar to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth. Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until fingertip tight.
- Place the filled jars in a boiling water bath canner (or a large pot with a rack). Ensure jars are completely covered with water (at least 1 inch above the lids). Bring the water to a boil and process for 10 minutes.
- Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely on a towel-lined surface for 12-24 hours. As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound, indicating that the lids have sealed properly. Check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid – it should not flex.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Unsealed jars should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients: Get Your Berries Ready!
Okay, so, for this utterly divine blueberry jam , we need some quality ingredients. first, you'll want 4 cups (600g) of lovely, fresh blueberries.
Honestly, the better the blueberries, the better the jam. look for plump, juicy ones. avoid anything that's mushy or moldy! then you'll need 3 cups (600g) of granulated sugar.
Finally, 1/4 cup (60ml) of freshly squeezed lemon juice. don’t skimp! it balances the sweetness perfectly. and don’t forget the secret ingredient: 1 package (49g) of powdered pectin.
Look for the low sugar kind so it doesn’t end up too sweet!. a knob of butter, like, 1/2 teaspoon (2.
5ml) , will reduce foaming, but it's totally optional.
Psst...this recipe is perfect to Canning Jams , you can use it as Jelly Gifts ,
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (Slightly!)
We aren't doing anything too crazy, but essential spice combinations are key!. this time we want to keep it quite simple.
The lemon juice already does a lot of the work to lift the flavor enhancers and aromatics . for a bit of extra va-va-voom, a tiny splash of vanilla extract – i'm talking like, half a teaspoon – can transform the jam into a vanilla jam .
If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of cinnamon is lovely. but honestly, the blueberries are the stars. if you want something more similar to blueberry marmalade , add some zest.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!
Right, you don't need a fancy jam-making kit. honestly, all you really need is: a decent, heavy-bottomed saucepan. a wooden spoon (or any spoon that won't melt, lol).
A few canning jars with lids and rings. a jar lifter to handle the hot jars, if you are going to can it for later.
A canning funnel helps to prevent spills. if you are new to making the recipe for blueberry jam , you can use a candy thermometer.
You can use a big pot instead of a boiling water bath canner, though. just make sure your jars are covered.
Simple! it's all about that delicious blueberry jam , the experience, and how to make the best jam recipes with pectin and remember these are similar to some authentic french jam recipes .
Simply Scrumptious Blueberry Jam : Bursting with Berry Goodness!
Honestly, making blueberry jam at home is easier than you think. forget the shop-bought stuff, you know? this recipe gives you a vibrant, intensely flavored jam.
It's like bottling summer! whether you're a french jam recipes aficionado or a total newbie, you'll be chuffed with the results.
Prep Like a Pro: The Essential Mise en Place
First things first, get your gear sorted. you'll need about 15 minutes to wash those lovely blueberries, measure out the sugar, and squeeze some lemons.
Having everything ready means smooth sailing later. a little effort now saves time and stress later, trust me.
The Secret's in the Steps: Making the Magic Happen
This recipe for blueberry jam is as straightforward as they come. Remember, a happy jam-maker makes happy jam!
- Jar Prep is Key: Sterilize your jars. I usually boil them for 10 minutes . Keep 'em hot until you're ready to fill. Nobody wants dodgy jam, right?
- Blueberry Bonanza: In your biggest saucepan, chuck in 4 cups blueberries, 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon butter. The lemon brightens the flavor. Butter? That's my secret touch to stop foaming.
- Pectin Power: Sprinkle 1 package powdered pectin over the blueberries. This is your jelly gifts secret weapon. Pectin is how how to make blueberry jelly , so its key to get it right
- Simmer and Squish: Bring that mix to a right ol' rolling boil over high heat, giving it a good stir. Gently mash those blueberries. Gets all that lovely flavor out.
- Sweeten the Deal: Tip in 3 cups of sugar, stirring like crazy until it dissolves. No gritty jam allowed!
- Boil and Test: Keep boiling over high heat, stirring always, until it reaches the gel stage. Use a candy thermometer: 220° F ( 104° C) . No thermometer? Do the cold plate test! Honestly, it's foolproof.
- Jar It Up: Take it off the heat and carefully ladle that hot jam into your jars, leaving a little gap at the top ( ¼ inch ).
- Bubble Trouble: Run a spatula down the inside of each jar to release any trapped air. No one wants air bubbles messing with the canning jams process.
Jam-tastic Pro Tips
- Don't Overcook It: Overcooked jam turns into a sticky mess. Keep an eye on the temperature and do that cold plate test. Honestly, blueberry marmalade and great blueberries jam is all about getting the cook just right.
- Vanilla Vibes: For a vanilla jam twist, stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract at the end. Oh my gosh, it's heavenly!
- Get Ahead: Make the jam and store it in the fridge until you're ready to can it. Just make sure it's properly sterilized if you want it to last.
So, there you have it! a super easy recipe for simply scrumptious blueberry jam . get your scone ready and dig in.
This is a fun process, that also produces some amazing jam recipes with pectin. happy jamming, folks!
Recipe Notes
So, you're about to make some seriously scrumptious blueberry jam . awesome! let's chat about a few things that'll make your jam-making journey even smoother.
This is honestly one of those jam recipes with pectin that even i can't mess up.
Serving Suggestions: Get Your Jam On!
Right, so you've got your blueberry jam . now what? don't just stick it in the fridge, okay? think about those cute little jars all lined up as jelly gifts , ready to brighten someone's day.
Presentation is key!
How about a dollop on a warm scone with clotted cream? or swirled into your morning yoghurt? for a fancy touch, try a french jam recipes inspired crostini with goat cheese and blueberry jam .
Honestly, the possibilities are endless. and don't forget to add a cute label!
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh
Okay, so you've got all these lovely jars of homemade blueberry jam . want to keep them at their best? once opened, pop your blueberries jam into the fridge.
It'll happily sit there for a few weeks. unopened jars can last for up to a year in a cool, dark place thanks to the canning jams process.
That satisfying pop when you open a properly sealed jar? chef's kiss! to reheat, a quick zap in the microwave or a gentle simmer in a saucepan works wonders.
Variations: Spice it Up!
Fancy a twist? add a teaspoon of vanilla jam extract after cooking. or, for a bit of winter warmth, stir in a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg.
For a sugar conscious adaptation, simply use a low-sugar pectin. and honestly, you can absolutely play around with other berries too.
Ever tried blueberry marmalade ?
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite!
Each tablespoon packs about 50 calories. you know, mostly sugar, but who's counting when it tastes this good? besides, all those blueberries have got to be good for something! maybe antioxidants or something? hey, every little helps! i mean, it tastes fantastic and is made with love.
Okay, that's all the need-to-know stuff! go forth and make blueberry jam ! it's way easier than how to make blueberry jelly , i promise! don't be afraid to get a little messy and remember the recipe for blueberry jam is only a suggestion.
Have fun and make it your own! you’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't my blueberry jam setting? It's still runny!
Ah, the dreaded runny jam! There are a few reasons why your blueberry jam might not be setting. Firstly, ensure you've cooked it to the correct temperature (220°F or 104°C), or that it passes the "cold plate test." Secondly, using underripe blueberries or not enough pectin can also affect setting. Keep cooking, keep testing, and don't despair - even runny jam is delicious on ice cream!
Can I use frozen blueberries to make this blueberry jam recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, which is great news for jam-making year-round! However, frozen blueberries tend to release more water than fresh ones, so you might need to cook the jam for a slightly longer time to reach the proper setting point. Make sure to thaw and drain them a bit before you start to keep it from being too watery! Like the Great British Bake Off, a little bit of ingenuity can lead to some great bakes.
How long does homemade blueberry jam last, and what's the best way to store it?
Properly sealed and processed jars of homemade blueberry jam can last up to a year (or even longer!) when stored in a cool, dark place – like a pantry. Once opened, it's best to store your jam in the refrigerator, where it should stay fresh for a few weeks. If you didn't process your jam using a water bath canner, it's important to refrigerate it, even if the lid seals.
Is there a low-sugar version of this blueberry jam recipe?
Absolutely! You can make a low-sugar blueberry jam by using a low-sugar or no-sugar-needed pectin. You'll also need to reduce the amount of granulated sugar, but be aware that sugar contributes to the jam's texture and preservation, so you may need to adjust the cooking time. Experiment to find the sweetness level you prefer and always follow the pectin manufacturer's instructions for the best results. Remember, "a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down" but not in this case!
Can I add other fruits or spices to my blueberry jam? What kind of blueberry jam variations are there?
Definitely get creative! Blueberry jam is a great base for flavour experimentation. A touch of vanilla extract adds warmth, while a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg provides a comforting spice. For fruits, consider adding a small amount of raspberries or blackberries for a mixed berry flavour. Lemon zest also makes a great additon for extra freshness.
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