Name: Easy Blueberry Jam Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; Pinch of salt

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Introduction

This easy blueberry jam recipe captures the fresh, sweet-tart flavor of blueberries in a simple, homemade preserve. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious jam perfect for toast, yogurt, or desserts.

A close-up view of a clear glass jar filled with thick, dark purple jam that has a glossy texture and visible chunks of fruit throughout. The jam fills the jar close to the top, and a light wooden spoon is scooping some jam from the jar, showing its sticky, rich consistency. The jar sits on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright contrast to the deep color of the jam, with soft natural light highlighting the shine on the jam and spoon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Stir the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a boil while stirring frequently.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally. Gently crush some of the blueberries with the back of your spoon as it cooks.
Step 4: Continue simmering for 7 to 10 minutes or until the jam slightly thickens and reaches 220°F on a digital thermometer.
Step 5: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the jam cool for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Transfer the jam to clean jars and leave them unopened to cool to room temperature.
Step 7: Once the jam is at room temperature, seal the jars and store them in the refrigerator. The jam will fully set within 24 to 48 hours but can be enjoyed immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender to puree some of the blueberry mixture before simmering.
Add a cinnamon stick during simmering for a warm spice note; remove before jarring.
Use lemon juice to help the jam set naturally without added pectin.
If using frozen blueberries, no need to thaw before cooking; just add them directly to the saucepan.

Storage

Store sealed jars of blueberry jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Once opened, consume within 1 to 2 weeks for best flavor. Reheat gently or use directly as a spread. For longer storage, consider freezing the jam in airtight containers.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a glass jar filled with thick, dark purple jam with visible chunks of fruit, showing a glossy and slightly sticky texture. A light wooden spoon is dipped into the jar, lifting some jam with the dense, rich consistency clearly visible. The jar sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural lighting highlighting the deep color of the jam. The overall look is fresh and homemade. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for this jam?

Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly and can be added straight from the freezer without thawing.

How do I know when the jam is set?

The jam sets at 220°F, which you can check with a digital thermometer. Alternatively, a spoon test involves chilling a spoonful of jam in the freezer for a minute and then checking if it thickens and wrinkles when pushed with your finger.