Blueberry Preserves
Capture the essence of summer with these homemade Blueberry Preserves, a delightful spread bursting with natural sweetness and vibrant flavors. Made with just four simple ingredients—plump, fresh blueberries, granulated sugar, zesty lemon juice, and a hint of lemon zest—this recipe is an easy way to enjoy the taste of fresh berries all year long. With a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, these preserves are simmered to luscious perfection, creating a thick, spreadable texture ideal for slathering on warm toast, dolloping over pancakes, or pairing with creamy cheeses. Ready in just 40 minutes, this small-batch recipe is perfect for fridge storage or canning to savor later. Whether you're a seasoned jam-maker or a beginner, these blueberry preserves are as satisfying to create as they are to enjoy.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Wash the blueberries thoroughly under cold running water and remove any stems or debris.
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture gently until the sugar begins to dissolve.
Once the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the blueberries from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
While cooking, use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to lightly smash some of the blueberries, releasing their juices and creating a slightly thickened texture.
Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently. The preserves should thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
To check for doneness, drop a spoonful of the preserves onto a cold plate and let it sit for a few seconds. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape and doesn't run back together, it's ready.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the preserves cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
Transfer the blueberry preserves into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Seal the jars tightly.
Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath for longer shelf life.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1868 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.1 g | 3% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4 mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 486.7 g | 177% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.9 g | 53% | |
| Total Sugars | 460.8 g | ||
| Protein | 4.1 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 43 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 493 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
