Homemade Blueberry Preserves

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Packed full of antioxidants, nutrients, and great taste, blueberries are a staple for many meals and recipes. Having blueberries on hand to add to your meal is just one of the many reasons why blueberry preserves are so popular. 

Sweet and tangy, this unique balance brings a one-of-a-kind flavor profile few other fruit preserves can offer. And the stunning color and texture add a vibrant note of playfulness to your dishes as well.

Blueberry preserves make it easy to add fruit to your diet in a way that even the kids will love! Whether you add it to toast, spread it on pancakes, or add it to cookie and cake mixes, you’ll get robust flavor, sweetness, and nutrients in every single bite.

Making homemade Blueberries is a practical way to preserve the berries and use them all year long. You will be hard-pressed to find something better than this simple yet delicious blueberry preserve recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There is no shortage of reasons why you will absolutely love this simple blueberry preserve recipe, but here are the top reasons we come back to this particular recipe time and time again:

• It is a simple and easy recipe. This makes it the perfect option for busy homesteaders or those just starting their homesteading journey.
• This recipe has minimal ingredients and no unnecessary additives.
• Blueberries are packed full of nutrients and antioxidants. 
• As a common crop found on homestead farms, blueberries are often plentiful and this recipe keeps those berries from going to waste.
• Homemade preserves are so much better and tastier than anything from a store. 
• You know exactly what goes into it!
• Blueberry preserves allow you and your family to enjoy delicious berries all year long- even when they have long gone out of season.

How to Make Blueberry Preserves

Equipment

• Potato masher

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups of fresh blueberries 
• 1.5 cups of sugar
• 1 lemon juiced or ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water

Instructions

1. Place blueberries in a medium pot.

1. Add sugar and lemon juice.

1. Mash the blueberries and ingredients with potato masher (if they are too hard, wait to mash them)

1. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, and every so often, mash the berries with the masher.
2. Once it’s boiling and you’ve mashed the berries, turn them down to medium-high and add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch plus water).
3. It will begin to thicken quickly, so do not take your eye off it.
4. Let it cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring every minute.
5. Pour into a large bowl and let it cool for 30-45 min at room temperature.
6. Once cooled, transfer preserves to mason jars or other airtight containers.

How to Use Blueberry Preserves

There are several ways that you can use your homemade blueberry preserves. You can spread them on toast, muffins, or scones, use them as a filling for cakes, pastries, and cookies, or stir them into yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream for added flavor.

You can also use them as a topping for vegan pancakes and waffles or a sweet glaze for meats like grilled chicken or pork.

If you love this recipe, you might also like:

• Easy Homemade Strawberry Preserve Recipe
• Quick Mixed Berry Jam Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to use pectin in your blueberry preserves?

No, you don’t have to use pectin. Blueberries naturally contain pectin, which helps the preserves thicken when cooked with sugar. Using pectin is optional and depends on your preference for texture. 

If you want a thicker consistency, using pectin or its substitutes can help you achieve that. But, if you prefer a looser or more syrupy texture, you can make blueberry preserves without pectin by cooking the blueberries with sugar and allowing them to thicken naturally.

Cornstarch is a great substitute for pectin. Cornstarch is a common thickening agent and can substitute for pectin when making blueberry preserves.  

What’s the difference between blueberry jam and preserves?

The main difference between homemade blueberry jam and preserves lies in the texture and the fruit size. A blueberry jam recipe uses crushed blueberries, and preserves are made with whole blueberries.

Jam recipes have a smoother consistency, while preserves have a chunkier texture.

What are blueberry preserves made of?

Blueberry preserves are made primarily of blueberries and sugar. The blueberries are often combined with lemon juice or pectin, a natural thickening agent, to help achieve the desired consistency and enhance the flavor.

How long does it take for blueberry preserves to set?

The time it takes for blueberry preserves to set can vary depending on the recipe and cooking method. Generally, it can take 30 minutes to an hour of simmering and stirring over medium heat to achieve the desired thickness. Some recipes may require additional time for the preserves to cool and set completely.

How to store homemade preserves?

To store blueberry preserves, use a clean jar with airtight lids. Once the preserves have cooled completely, spoon them into the jars, leaving a small headspace at the top. Seal the jars tightly and store them in the refrigerator. 

How long do preserves last?

When stored properly, blueberry preserves can last for 5-8 weeks. However, before consuming, you should check the jar for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off odor.