This homemade blueberry lavender jam is a sweet and fragrant treat! With juicy blueberries and a hint of lavender, it adds a unique twist to your breakfast toast.
The best part? It’s super easy to make! I love spreading this jam on pancakes or just enjoying it straight from the jar—no judgment here! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Blueberries: These are the star of the show! Choose ripe, plump blueberries for the best flavor. If fresh isn’t available, frozen blueberries work just as well—just don’t thaw them before using.
Granulated Sugar: This helps sweeten the jam and acts as a preservative. If you want to cut back on sugar, consider using honey or maple syrup, but remember this can alter the texture.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor. If you don’t have that, bottled lemon juice is okay, though fresh is preferred for the best taste.
Dried Culinary Lavender: This adds a unique floral flavor. If you can’t find lavender, you can substitute with a bit of vanilla extract, but you’ll lose the distinct lavender taste.
Fruit Pectin: This is optional but can help thicken the jam. If you prefer, you can skip it for a looser jam. Just cook it a bit longer to reach your desired consistency.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Jam?
Getting the right jam texture can be tricky, but here are some steps to help you succeed:
- Start by gently boiling your blueberry mixture. This helps release the pectin in the fruit, which is crucial for thickening.
- If using pectin, add it just before reaching a full boil. Stir it in quickly to avoid clumps.
- Keep an eye on the simmering time. If the jam looks too runny, simmer it a little longer while stirring.
- Once removed from heat, allow it to sit for a few minutes. This helps it thicken up as it cools.
- Test a spoonful on a cold plate. If it holds its shape and doesn’t run, it’s ready!
Enjoy making your blueberry lavender jam, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!
Homemade Blueberry Lavender Jam
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds
- 1 packet (1.75 ounces) fruit pectin (optional, for thicker jam)
- ¼ cup water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious blueberry lavender jam will take about 30 minutes of active cooking time, plus a little extra time to cool down and set. So, in total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour from start to finish, including preparing, cooking, and cooling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Blueberries:
Start by rinsing your fresh blueberries under cold water. Make sure to drain them well so you have a good base for your jam.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the rinsed blueberries, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, and water. Stir gently to combine these ingredients.
3. Cook the Mixture:
Heat the saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring occasionally until the mixture comes to a full boil. This step is super important as it gets the fruit ready for jamming!
4. Add Lavender and Simmer:
Once boiling, add in the dried culinary lavender buds. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
5. Thicken the Jam (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker jam, sprinkle in the fruit pectin at this point and stir well. Bring everything back to a rolling boil and cook for exactly 1 minute.
6. Let the Jam Rest:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the jam to sit for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors come together beautifully.
7. Strain the Mixture:
Pour your jam through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl to separate the lavender buds and any large blueberry skins. Press gently with a spoon to extract all that jam goodness!
8. Jar the Jam:
While the jam is still hot, carefully transfer it into sterilized jars. Make sure to leave about ¼ inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
9. Seal and Cool:
Put the lids on the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Once they’re cool, you can place them in the refrigerator for storage.
10. Enjoy the Delights!
Your homemade blueberry lavender jam will thicken more as it cools. Use it on toast, scones, or as a delicious topping for your favorite desserts!
Enjoy the beautiful purple hue and delightful floral notes of your homemade jam! It’s a perfect treat for yourself or a lovely gift for friends and family! 🌿💙
FAQ about Homemade Blueberry Lavender Jam
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just fine in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using, as this will help maintain the right consistency in your jam.
How Can I Store My Jam Properly?
Store your blueberry lavender jam in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. For longer storage, consider canning the jam using proper canning techniques to keep it shelf-stable for up to a year!
What If I Don’t Have Dried Lavender?
If you can’t find dried lavender, you can substitute a small amount of vanilla extract for a different but delicious flavor. Just add it in the last minute of cooking to avoid cooking off the flavor. However, the unique taste of lavender is what makes this jam special!
How Can I Tell If My Jam Has Set Properly?
To check for the right consistency, put a spoonful of the jam on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape and doesn’t run, it’s set! If it’s still too runny, simmer it a bit longer and test again.
