Blueberries bring to mind fingers stained purple-blue, fruity pies and cobblers, and warm, fresh-from-the-oven muffins. When buying blueberries, look for plump, firm, fresh berries that are a light, powdery, blue-gray. If refrigerated, fresh blueberries will keep for up to three weeks. When blueberries are in season, freeze them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Once they are frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container. This is a basic formula for making jam. I’ve added a small amount of candied ginger at the end. The underlying ginger flavor is subtle, but it really complements the blueberry.
Recipe information
Yield
makes about 8 cups, eight 1/2-pint jars
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Place several small plates in the freezer to use later to test the consistency of the jam.
Step 2
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Let stand until the berries start rendering their juice, about 15 minutes.
Step 3
Meanwhile, sterilize eight 1/2-pint canning jars and lids in boiling water, following the manufacturer’s instructions (or see Boiling-Water Canning, page 279). Remove the jars from the water and place upside down to drain on the prepared rack. Remove the lids from the water and dry with a clean towel. Turn the sterilized jars right side up on the rack, using tongs or a kitchen towel to protect your hands. When they are cool enough to handle, dry them with a clean towel. Set aside.
Step 4
Follow the procedure for Raspberry Jam (page 289), including bringing the blueberry mixture to a boil and cooking until the mixture reaches the jelling point, preparing the canner, filling the jars and boiling them gently for 5 minutes, and checking that the seals on the jars are good. When the jam reaches the jelling point (220°F), add the candied ginger and stir to combine. Store the unopened jars of jam at room temperature for up to 1 year. Once the jam is opened, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
variation
Step 5
For refrigerator or freezer jam, transfer the mixture to sterilized freezer-safe plastic containers or freezer-safe jars with lids, leaving 1 inch of headroom. Freeze for up to 1 year or refrigerate for up to 1 month.
