Homemade Blueberry Honey Jam

Are you a fan of blueberries and Blueberry Jam? I love blueberries and literally have had them daily for as long as I can remember. I will eat them in my morning oatmeal, smoothies, salads, with granola,  or simply on a plate with other berries.  I especially love the wild blueberries because I find them to be sweeter.

Years ago I discovered Blueberry Jam.  While Strawberry and Grape were my jams of choice, Blueberry went straight to the top of the heap. 

When I find I’m in the mood for a snack, and having fresh fruit or veggies just don’t sound appealing at that moment, I’ll have crackers with Blueberry Jam.

Did you know that Blueberries are considered a Superfood and are highly nutritious?

Blueberries come with a host of health benefits:

• Low in calories and high in nutrients
• Considered the King of Antioxidants with the highest among all common fruits & vegetables
• Reduce DNA damage, protecting against aging and Cancer
• Protect cholesterol in your blood from becoming damaged
• May lower blood pressure
• May help prevent heart disease
• Help maintain brain function and improve memory
• May have anti-diabetes effect, improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels
• May help fight urinary tract infections
• May aid in muscle recovery after vigorous exercise

It’s so nice to know that a food I crave daily is actually great for me!

Getting back to Blueberry Jam – I almost always have a jar in the cabinet or my refrigerator.  On this one particular day I was out of Blueberry Jam, but had purchased a large container of fresh blueberries.  I decided I’d make my own, but without all the added sugar.  So I created this Homemade Blueberry Honey Jam that is so delicious, I doubt I’ll ever purchase another jar again.

If you’re a fan of Blueberries and Blueberry Jam I hope you’ll give this a try.  It’s certainly better for you than eating all the sugar that’s typically in Jam.  Plus this is so simple to create. 

One thing to note: Blueberries are low in Pectin.  Pectin is what gives fruit the ability to gel up once heated, allowing them to thicken. Since Blueberries are low in pectin it’s important to allow time for the blueberries to reduce and thicken.  Giving the blueberries a little whirl in the blender gives them a jumpstart!

While some jams may take just 15 minutes, I suggest simmering this for approximately 30 minutes or until you can run your finger across the back of a spoon and the jam separates.  While it may not stay separated, that’s fine, but it should hold it slightly.  Then you know it’s ready to jar up. It will thicken even more as it cools. 

No need for packaged pectin, when you take the time to create this luscious Homemade Blueberry Honey Jam. I think you’ll love it!

Print Recipe

Homemade Blueberry Honey Jam

Yield: 2 cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

If you're a fan of Blueberries and Jam you'll love this Homemade Blueberry Honey Jam.  No sugar added, just all-natural goodness for a luxurious flavor!

Ingredients:

• 16 oz. fresh blueberries, rinsed, stems removed
• 1/2 cup honey or slightly less
• zest from one lemon (set aside until after cooking)
• juice from 1/2 a lemon

 

Directions:

1. Place cleaned blueberries into a blender and blend briefly to break up berries.
2. In a saucepan place blended berries, honey, and lemon juice.  Bring to a boil over medium heat and then reduce to a simmer for approximately 30 minutes.  Stirring frequently.  Using a spoon run your finger over the back of the spoon after about 20-30 minutes.  If it separates without coming together immediately, it's ready.
3. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the zest of the lemon.
4. Immediately pour hot jam into clean mason jars, using a funnel if necessary, leaving about 1/4-inch space from the top.  Be sure the rim is clean of jam before sealing tightly with a lid.
5. Leave jam sitting out on the counter until the jars come to room temperature.  Place in the refrigerator. Note: If jam is placed in the refrigerator before allowing it to cool to room temperature, moisture will build up inside the jar which could cause it to spoil quickly. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. The lids should get a tight seal as the jam cools.
6. Enjoy!!!

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Homemade Granola