A straightforward recipe for making delicious blueberry jam at home, perfect for canning or everyday enjoyment.
Author:charliehayes
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:30 min
Total Time:45 min
Yield:Approximately 3 cups1x
Category:Preserves
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups fresh blueberries
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Wash and rinse blueberries.
In a large pot, combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until the jam thickens. You can test for doneness by placing a small amount on a chilled plate; it should set up.
Stir in lemon zest and vanilla extract.
Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
Wipe jar rims clean and secure lids.
Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if necessary).
Remove jars from canner and let cool completely on a towel-lined counter.
Notes
For a no-pectin jam, cook longer until thickened.
This recipe makes a small batch, ideal for quick use or gifting.
Adjust sugar to your preference for a lower sugar jam.
Add a vanilla bean pod during cooking for a deeper vanilla flavor.