Description
Blueberry Jam with Vanilla is a luscious homemade preserve that blends fresh blueberries with the warm aroma of vanilla. Sweet, tangy, and perfectly textured, this jam is ideal for spreading on toast, stirring into yogurt, or using in desserts. Easy to make and preservative-free, it lets you enjoy the taste of summer year-round.
Ingredients
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4 cups fresh blueberries
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1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (optional, for thicker jam)
Instructions
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Prepare Blueberries: Rinse blueberries and lightly crush with a potato masher or fork in a large saucepan.
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Cook Fruit: Add sugar and lemon juice. If using a vanilla bean, add seeds and pod now. Stir and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
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Add Pectin (optional): Stir in fruit pectin following package directions. Boil for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
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Add Vanilla Extract: If using extract instead of bean, stir it in after removing from heat.
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Test Consistency: Place a small spoonful on a chilled plate, let cool. If it wrinkles when pushed, jam is ready. Otherwise, cook longer and retest.
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Jar and Cool: Remove vanilla bean pod if used. Pour into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or process for longer storage.
Notes
To sterilize jars, boil jars and lids for 10 minutes before use.For a spiced variation, add cinnamon stick or ground ginger while cooking.Mix berries for a mixed berry jam.Without pectin, cook longer or use chia seeds for natural thickening.Adjust sweetness by swapping sugar with honey or maple syrup (affects gel).
