| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 268 | 1g | 0g | 70g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 58g | 3g | 1g | 0.04g |
One of my go-to treats that never fails to charm the taste buds is a classic — Blueberry Jam. The love I have for this recipe is deep-rooted in my childhood memories spent in the heartland of Southern cuisine, Charleston, South Carolina. This fruit-based spread is a testament to Southern hospitality, bringing a delightfully sweet touch to many a Southern breakfast or baked good.
A Summertime Must-Have
Blueberry Jam captures the essence of summer for me. Blueberries, known across the South for their health benefits, are plump pockets of nutrition that burst with antioxidants. Each spoon of this jam not only delivers a rush of sweet, fruity flavor but also rolls in plenty of health benefits.
Ingredients and Preparation
The real beauty of this homemade Blueberry Jam recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients. Just a handful of fresh blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, a bit of vanilla, a pinch of salt, and pectin to get the right consistency. The process is equally straightforward — a refreshing detour from my usual Southern culinary adventures.
Pairs Perfectly
This Blueberry Jam, with its perfect balance of sweetness and tang, is similar to recipes like peach or strawberry preserves. It will find a way to your heart through a variety of dishes: slathered over biscuits, drizzled over pancakes, or even acting as the surprise element in a cheese board. It elevates even the simplest snack into a gourmet treat — not unlike what we could find in Charleston.
So, next time you spot fresh blueberries at the grocery store, I hope you’re reminded of my Blueberry Jam recipe. The joy it brings to your kitchen and the happiness it spreads at the dining table will make all the efforts worthwhile.
You can find more inspiring recipes like this in dedicated cooking series and recipe books such as Southern Plate: Classic Comfort Food That Makes Everyone Feel Like Family or Trisha’s Southern Kitchen on Food Network.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups of fresh blueberries
- 1 cup of white sugar
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 package of pectin (1.75 oz)
Method
Step One
Begin by carefully washing the blueberries. After washing, put them in a saucepan and use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to crush them.
Step Two
After you’ve crushed the berries, combine them with a cup of white sugar in the saucepan. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step Three
Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the saucepan. Stir all the ingredients well to incorporate them.
Step Four
After mixing all the ingredients thoroughly, bring the mix to a boil over medium heat, stirring continuously. Once your mixture is at a full boil, add a package of pectin (1.75 oz).
Step Five
Boil the mixture for a full minute, continuing to stir. After boiling, reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about thirty minutes.
Step Six
Quickly ladle the jam into a sterilized jar, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Seal the jar and let it cool down. After cooling, store the jam in the fridge. Your blueberry jam is now ready to be enjoyed!
