Blueberry Lemon Refrigerator Jam Recipe
This Blueberry Lemon Refrigerator Jam is a fresh, homemade preserve bursting with the vibrant flavors of ripe blueberries and zesty lemons. Perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on yogurt, or adding to desserts, this easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and cooking time. The jam is gently cooked on the stovetop until thickened, then cooled and stored in the fridge for a delightful sweet treat that lasts up to 4 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 ounces (1 pint) 1x
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Jam Ingredients
- 3 pints fresh blueberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, add the fresh blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon zest and juice, vanilla bean paste, and water. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly before heating.
- Cook to Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. This will take about 5-7 minutes, during which the blueberries begin releasing their juices, creating plenty of liquid.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Continue cooking for 45-50 minutes until the liquid reduces, thickens, and the blueberries become very soft.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the jam to cool for 10-15 minutes. The jam will thicken further as it cools.
- Optional Blending: At this point, you can blend the jam until smooth if desired, or leave it chunky with whole pieces of fruit. This recipe prefers it chunky, preserving texture.
- Jar and Seal: Ladle the warm jam into sterilized mason jars, place lids and rings on top, and tighten to seal securely. Allow the jars to come to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Storage: Store the jam in the refrigerator where it will keep fresh for 3-4 weeks.
Notes
- Ensure to stir the jam frequently during simmering to prevent it from sticking or burning at the bottom of the pan.
- The jam thickens more as it cools, so do not worry if it seems a bit runny while hot.
- Use ripe, fresh blueberries for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- You may substitute vanilla bean paste with vanilla extract if needed, though paste gives a richer flavor.
- This jam does not require traditional canning or sealing for long-term storage since it’s meant for refrigeration and a short shelf life.
Keywords: blueberry jam, homemade jam, refrigerator jam, lemon blueberry jam, stovetop jam, fresh blueberry preserves
