This Easy Blueberry Lavender Jam is a sweet treat made with juicy blueberries and a hint of lavender. It’s perfect for spreading on toast or adding to your pancakes!
I love how quick it is to whip up this jam! Just simmer the ingredients together, and soon you’ll have a delicious jar ready to enjoy. Your breakfast might just get a glow-up! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are key for the best flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen blueberries work, too! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the jam. You can swap it with bottled lemon juice in a pinch, though fresh offers a more vibrant taste. Lime juice can also work for a twist!
Culinary Lavender: Use dried culinary lavender for a milder flavor and easy infusion. If fresh is available, it can bring a strong flavor. Just adjust the amount to taste, as fresh tends to be more potent.
Vanilla Extract: This is optional but adds depth to the jam. Feel free to leave it out if you prefer a pure blueberry-lavender flavor!
How Do I Know When the Jam is Thick Enough?
Testing the jam’s thickness is crucial for the perfect consistency. After simmering, place a small spoonful on a cold plate from your freezer.
- Let it cool for a moment, then run your finger through the middle. If it holds its shape and doesn’t immediately run, it’s ready!
- If it’s still too runny, keep simmering for an additional 5 minutes, then test again.
This method saves time and helps you avoid overly runny jam!
Easy Blueberry Lavender Jam
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds (or 2 tablespoons fresh lavender buds)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 20-25 minutes to cook. In total, you should set aside around 40-45 minutes to make this delicious jam!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Blueberries:
Start by rinsing the blueberries thoroughly in cold water. Remove any stems and discard any damaged or unripe berries. Make sure your blueberries are clean and ready to go!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large saucepan, mix the rinsed blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lavender buds, and water. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Bring to a Boil:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir it frequently to help dissolve the sugar completely. This step is important for creating a smooth jam.
4. Simmer and Mash:
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer gently. Use a potato masher or a fork to lightly mash the berries and release their juices. This helps to form a nice texture for the jam.
5. Thicken the Jam:
Continue to simmer the mixture for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. As it cooks, the jam will thicken. To check if it’s ready, drop a spoonful on a cold plate. If it gels slightly after cooling, it’s perfect!
6. Finish Up:
Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if you’re using it. This adds a delightful flavor boost to the jam.
7. Strain the Lavender if Desired:
If you prefer a smoother texture, strain out the lavender buds using a fine mesh sieve. If you enjoy the lavender flavor, feel free to leave the buds in for more infusion.
8. Jar the Jam:
Carefully pour the hot jam into sterilized jars. Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Seal each jar with its lid, making sure it’s tight.
9. Cool and Store:
Let the jars cool to room temperature. Once cooled, store them in the refrigerator. The jam will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider processing it in a water bath for preservation.
This lovely blueberry lavender jam is perfect on toast, biscuits, or as a tasty topping for cheeses. Enjoy your homemade delight!
FAQ for Easy Blueberry Lavender Jam
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the frozen blueberries and drain any excess moisture before starting the recipe. This ensures your jam has the right thickness and flavor.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Jam?
If you find the jam too sweet or prefer a less sugary version, you can reduce the sugar to 1.5 cups. Keep in mind that sugar also acts as a preservative, so it may affect the shelf life slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Jam?
Store your blueberry lavender jam in tightly sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. If you’d like to keep it for a longer period, consider processing the jars in a water bath for about 10 minutes to create a vacuum seal.
Can I Use Other Fruits with Lavender?
Absolutely! You can swap in other fruits like raspberries or blackberries for a different flavor profile. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary slightly based on the fruit’s water content.
