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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Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Directions
Step 1
Wash the blueberries thoroughly under cold running water and remove any stems or debris.
Step 2
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Step 3
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture gently until the sugar begins to dissolve.
Step 4
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.
Step 5
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.
Step 6
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.
Step 7
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.
Step 8
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the preserves cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
Step 9
Transfer the blueberry preserves into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Seal the jars tightly.
Step 10
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
| Serving size | 1024 grams (1024.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1868 |
| Total Fat 2.10g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat 0.40g | 2% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 486.70g | 177% |
| Dietary Fiber 14.90g | 53% |
| Total Sugars 460.80g | |
| Protein 4.10g | 8% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 43mg | 3% |
| Iron 2mg | 9% |
| Potassium 493mg | 10% |
Source of Calories