Blueberry jam

Blueberry jam – a fragrant and vibrant delicacy

What could be more enjoyable than having a jar of blueberry jam in your pantry, ready to add a touch of flavor to any meal? The sweet-tart aroma of blueberries, combined with its velvety texture, transforms this recipe into a true culinary treasure. Moreover, blueberry jam is perfect for spreading on a slice of toasted bread, adding to yogurt, or even using as a filling for delicious pastries.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 45-55 minutes
Number of servings: 4 jars of 250 g

Basic ingredients
- 800 g fresh blueberries
- 350 g granulated sugar

First step – Choosing the perfect blueberries
To achieve an exceptional blueberry jam, select fresh, high-quality fruits. The blueberries should be firm, without signs of mold or blemishes. Buy them from a local producer or, if you have the chance, pick them yourself from nature. The taste will be truly special!

Preparing the blueberries
Start by gently washing the blueberries under a stream of cold water. It is essential to remove impurities and any leaves or stems. After washing, place them in a large bowl, add the sugar, and gently mix to coat them evenly. This step is crucial, as allowing the blueberries time to macerate will enable the sugar to extract juice from the fruit, providing an intense flavor to the jam. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge overnight.

Cooking the jam
The next day, transfer the mixture of blueberries and sugar to a large pot. Place the pot over medium heat and, stirring occasionally, wait for it to start boiling. When the jam begins to boil and the blueberries are filled with juice, reduce the heat to low. Continue to stir frequently to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

A useful trick: to check if the jam is thick enough, you can use the plate method. Place a plate in the freezer before you start cooking. When you think the jam is ready, pour a spoonful onto the cold plate. Let it sit for a few seconds, then tilt the plate. If the jam does not spread too much, it is ready to be jarred.

Jarring the jam
Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, sterilize the jars and lids: you can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Pour the hot jam into the jars, filling them almost to the top. Place the lids on and turn the jars upside down. This step will help seal the jam and prevent the growth of bacteria. Cover the jars with a kitchen towel and let them cool completely.

Labeling and storage
After they have cooled, label each jar with the date and contents. Blueberry jam will keep perfectly in the pantry for up to a year, but it is likely to be consumed much sooner!

Tips for a perfect recipe
- If you want a less sweet jam, you can reduce the amount of sugar by 50-100 g.
- For a more complex flavor, add a few drops of lemon juice or a pinch of cinnamon during cooking.
- Don’t hesitate to experiment with other fruits! You can combine blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a delicious mixed jam.

Nutritional benefits
Blueberries are known for their antioxidant properties, being rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and minerals. Consuming blueberries can support heart and brain health, having beneficial effects on memory and mood.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but it is recommended to thaw them before using to prevent excess water in the jam.

- How can I use blueberry jam?
Blueberry jam is perfect for spreading on toast, adding to yogurts, smoothies, or as a filling for cakes and loaves.

- Can I make blueberry jam without sugar?
Yes, there are sugar-free jam options using natural sweeteners, but the texture and taste will be different.

Combine blueberry jam with cottage cheese or ricotta for a savory breakfast, or prepare a tart with blueberry jam that will impress any guests.

Blueberry jam is not just a delicacy but also a way to bring a touch of summer into every day. Enjoy every spoonful and share this recipe with your loved ones! Bon appétit!