award-winning blueberry jam recipe

award-winning blueberry jam recipe

The Best award-winning blueberry jam recipe

I’ve been making this award-winning blueberry jam recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a rich flavor that’s both comforting and refreshing.

My kids love helping me make it, and they always get excited when they see the jars filled with that lovely purple jam. As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to make in large batches, which makes it perfect for family gatherings or as a gift for friends.

Plus, the health benefits of using fresh blueberries and avoiding added sugars make me feel good about serving it to my loved ones. The recipe has its roots in traditional American cooking, but I like to think that my twist on it makes it unique.

I’ve experimented with different spice combinations and sugar levels over the years, but this one remains my favorite. The key technique is to cook the blueberries slowly until they release their natural pectin, which gives the jam its thick and velvety texture.

As a bonus, this recipe is incredibly versatile – you can use it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, as a filling for cakes or pastries, or even as a glaze for meats or cheeses. And because it’s made with no artificial preservatives or additives, you can feel confident serving it to your family without worrying about any potential health risks.

My husband loves this recipe so much that he’s even asked me to make it for our annual Fourth of July barbecue. It’s become a tradition in our household that I take pride in continuing every year.

Award-Winning Blueberry Jam

Award-Winning Blueberry Jam

4.9 from 931 votes

This blueberry jam won first place at the county fair for its perfect balance of sweetness and bright berry flavor. The secret is using a mix of ripe and slightly underripe berries for natural pectin and a touch of lemon juice to brighten the taste.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Jam

4 cups fresh blueberries (2 cups ripe, 2 cups slightly underripe)
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon unsalted butter (optional, to reduce foaming)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Wash the blueberries and remove any stems or leaves.
2Place the berries in a large heavy-bottomed pot and crush them gently with a potato masher or the back of a spoon to release some juice, leaving about half of the berries whole for texture.
3Stir in the sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
4If using butter, add it now to help reduce foaming during cooking.
5Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
6Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook for 18 to 22 minutes, stirring frequently.
7The jam is ready when it thickens and sheets off a metal spoon, or when it reaches 220°F on a kitchen thermometer.
8Remove the pot from heat and let the jam cool for 5 minutes.
9Skim off any foam that has formed on the surface with a spoon.
10Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace, and wipe the rims clean.
11Seal the jars with lids and bands, then process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
12Remove the jars and let them cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours.
13Check the seals by pressing the center of each lid; it should not flex.

🔧Equipment

Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
Jar lifter
Canning jars with lids and bands (4 half-pint jars)
Water bath canner or large stockpot
Kitchen thermometer (optional)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 2mg🌾Total Carbs: 88g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 80g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

Tips: For the best flavor, use a mix of ripe and slightly underripe blueberries. The underripe berries provide natural pectin for a good set. If you prefer a smoother jam, crush all the berries before cooking. Store unopened jars in a cool dark place for up to one year; refrigerate after opening.

Watch Video Of How Award-Winning Blueberry Jam Works

This award-winning blueberry jam recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m so glad I can share it with you.

One thing to keep in mind when making this recipe is that you’ll need to store any leftover jam properly – either refrigerate or freeze it promptly after opening – otherwise its shelf life may be shorter than expected.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Award-Winning Blueberry Jam

Q: What type of blueberries are best for making jam?

A: I prefer using fresh or frozen wild blueberries, but you can also use regular old-fashioned blueberries if that’s what’s available in your area. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the pot.

Q: Can I use other types of sugar instead of granulated sugar?

A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of sugar like brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup if you prefer. Keep in mind that each will affect the flavor slightly differently.

Q: How do I know when the jam is set?

A: A good rule of thumb is to check the consistency by placing a small spoonful on a chilled plate – if it holds its shape but still feels slightly runny to the touch, it’s ready.

Q: Can I store this jam in the refrigerator or freezer?

A: You can store it in either location; however, refrigeration will help preserve its freshness longer than freezing would.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

A: This recipe should be fine for most people with dietary restrictions; however, please note that some may have concerns about consuming high-fructose corn syrup due to its presence in some commercial products used within this recipe.

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