Capture the essence of summer with this delightful Homemade Blueberry Preserve recipe, featuring fresh, plump blueberries simmered to perfection with sugar, zesty lemon juice, and aromatic lemon zest. Perfect for beginners and crafting enthusiasts alike, this easy-to-make preserve is a celebration of natural flavors and vibrant color, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep. The gentle simmering process thickens the mixture into a luscious spread, ideal for topping toast, swirling into yogurt, or elevating your favorite desserts. With tips for achieving the perfect texture and versatile storage options, this classic recipe for blueberry preserve is a must-try for anyone looking to savor homemade jams and spreads that taste like pure sunshine.
Rinse the blueberries under cold water and remove any stems or leaves.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and water.
Place the pot over medium heat, stirring gently to dissolve the sugar as the blueberries start to release their juices.
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 25-30 minutes. Skim off any foam that appears on the surface with a spoon.
To test the consistency, place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes. Drop a small amount of the preserve onto the cold plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with a finger and holds its shape, the preserve is ready. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes and test again.
Once the preserve reaches the desired consistency, remove the pot from heat.
Ladle the hot blueberry preserve into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top.
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth, then seal with lids and rings.
Allow the jars to cool to room temperature, then store in the refrigerator for up to two months or process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes for long-term storage, as per standard canning practices.
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 | 6 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 | 46 mg | 4% | |
| 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.