Blueberry Preserves
Master the art of making delicious homemade blueberry preserves with this easy step-by-step guide. Perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with desserts, or adding to savory dishes.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Glass Jars
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries thawed if frozen
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup water
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in water (for thicker preserves)
- cinnamon or nutmeg optional, for added warmth
- vanilla extract optional, for a dessert-like aroma
Instructions
- Wash fresh blueberries thoroughly under cold water. If using frozen blueberries, thaw and drain them completely.
- In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Stir well to coat the berries.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently. Use a wooden spoon to mash some of the blueberries while leaving others intact.
- If a thicker consistency is desired, dissolve cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir into the mixture. Continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and allow preserves to cool slightly before transferring to sterilized glass jars.
- Seal jars tightly and allow to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Enjoy within 2 weeks.
Notes
For longer storage, consider canning your preserves by processing sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes. Properly canned preserves can last up to a year.