Are you ready to experience the burst of summer sunshine in every spoonful? This homemade blueberry jam recipe with honey is incredibly easy, unbelievably delicious, and far surpasses anything you'll find in a store. Forget artificial flavors and preservatives; let's create a healthy, delicious spread bursting with the vibrant taste of fresh blueberries and the subtle sweetness of honey. This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks looking for easy recipes and seasoned jam-makers alike! It's the perfect addition to your breakfast toast, scones, or even as a unique glaze for grilled chicken. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh blueberries (about 2 pints)
- 1 ½ cups honey (adjust to your preferred sweetness)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, but adds wonderful flavor)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Blueberries
Gently rinse the blueberries and remove any stems or leaves. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This ensures your jam won't be watery.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan (stainless steel or copper works well), combine the blueberries, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), and salt. Stir gently to mix everything together.
Step 3: Simmer the Jam
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the jam has thickened. You'll know it's ready when a small amount dropped onto a chilled plate wrinkles slightly when cooled. This is the “wrinkle test” and is a reliable way to check for proper setting.
Step 4: Sterilize Jars
While the jam simmers, sterilize your jars and lids. You can do this by washing them in hot, soapy water, then rinsing and placing them in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring your jam stays fresh.
Step 5: Fill and Seal
Carefully ladle the hot blueberry jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, then seal with the lids and rings.
Step 6: Process (Optional, but Recommended for Long-Term Storage)
For longer shelf life, process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This creates a vacuum seal, preventing spoilage. If you skip this step, store the jam in the refrigerator and use it within a few weeks.
Tips for the Best Blueberry Jam:
- Use ripe blueberries: The flavor will be richer and more intense.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked jam can become too thick or lose its vibrant color.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a sweeter jam, add more honey. If you like a tart jam, reduce the honey slightly.
- Use a candy thermometer: For more precise cooking, a candy thermometer ensures the jam reaches the correct setting point.
Variations:
- Spiced Blueberry Jam: Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cloves during simmering for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Blueberry Lemon Balm Jam: Add a handful of fresh lemon balm leaves during the last 5 minutes of simmering for a unique herbal twist.
- Blueberry Lavender Honey Jam: Incorporate a teaspoon of culinary lavender flowers for a sophisticated floral note.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the amount of honey used. A typical serving (approximately 1 tablespoon) will contain roughly:
- Calories: 40-60
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Sugar: 9-13g
This homemade blueberry jam with honey is a delicious and healthy addition to your pantry. Enjoy the sweet taste of summer all year round! Let us know in the comments how your blueberry jam turned out! We love seeing your homemade creations.