Imagine this: a warm, aromatic kitchen filled with the soothing scent of lavender mingling with the sweet, juicy aroma of ripe blueberries.
Blueberry Lavender Jam is an effortless delight to create, bringing comfort and a touch of elegance to your breakfast table.
As the berries gently simmer, they transform into a luscious, fragrant concoction that’s simply irresistible.
Ready to savor this enchanting blend? Let’s bring this dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large saucepan
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 potato masher
- 1 sterilized jar
- 1 ladle
- 1 funnel
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Cook & Prep Time
Sure, let’s create a timeline to efficiently manage your time for making Blueberry Lavender Jam, including prep work, cooking activities, and additional time needed for reading the recipe.
Timeline for Making Blueberry Lavender Jam
- Preparation and Reading (20 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe (5 minutes): Familiarize yourself with the steps and make certain you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Gather ingredients and equipment (5 minutes): Collect all the ingredients and equipment listed in the recipe to have them within reach.
- Prepare ingredients (10 minutes):
- Wash the blueberries.
- Measure out the dried lavender, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and zest.
- Cooking Process (30 minutes)
- Start Cooking (0 minutes): Begin by placing the blueberries in the saucepan over medium heat.
- Combine Ingredients (5 minutes): Add lavender, sugar, lemon juice, and zest, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Crush Blueberries (5 minutes): Use a potato masher to gently crush blueberries as they soften.
- Simmer Mixture (20 minutes): Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens.
- Cooling and Jarring (10 minutes)
- Cool Slightly (5 minutes): Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Transfer to Jar (5 minutes): Use a ladle and funnel to pour the jam into a sterilized jar and secure the lid.
- Resting Time
- Set Jam (24 hours): Let the jar rest at room temperature for 24 hours to set properly.
- Storage
- Refrigerate: Store the jam in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Place blueberries in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the dried lavender, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the saucepan.
Stir the mixture frequently until the sugar dissolves.
Use a potato masher to gently crush the blueberries as they begin to soften.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Continue simmering the mixture until it thickens, approximately 25-30 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the jam to cool slightly.
Pour the jam into a sterilized jar using a ladle and funnel.
Secure the lid on the jar and let it rest at room temperature for 24 hours to set.
Store the jam in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Serving Tips
- Toast and Butter: Spread the jam on warm toast with a touch of butter for a simple yet delightful breakfast treat.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer the jam with Greek yogurt and granola for a revitalizing and nutritious parfait.
- Cheese Platter: Pair the jam with a selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, to add a sweet and floral contrast.
- Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle the jam over pancakes or waffles for a fruity twist on your morning favorites.
- Ice Cream Topping: Use the jam as a topping for vanilla or lavender ice cream to enhance the dessert with a burst of berry flavor.
Storage
Store the blueberry lavender jam in sterilized jars to prevent spoilage.
Keep it refrigerated.
Consume within a month for ideal freshness and flavor.
Always verify jars are tightly sealed.
Freezing
To freeze Blueberry Lavender Jam, use airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.
Label with the date and contents.
Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Consume within six months for ideal flavor.
Reheating
When reheating blueberry lavender jam, use low heat to prevent scorching.
Stir continuously and avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Reheat only the portion you intend to consume.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own Blueberry Lavender Jam is a rewarding experience. Not only is it a delightful blend of flavors, but it also offers the satisfaction of making something homemade.
Remember, the key to a perfect jam lies in the simmering process, ensuring the mixture thickens to the right consistency. Always use sterilized jars to extend the jam’s shelf life and to maintain its freshness.
For those who prefer a smoother texture, blending the mixture before simmering can be a great option. Feel free to experiment with the amount of lavender to tailor the jam to your taste preferences.
Enjoy your homemade creation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh Ones?
You can use frozen blueberries, but let them thaw first. They might release more juice, so simmer longer to thicken the jam. The aroma of lavender and tartness of lemon will still shine through beautifully.
How Can I Make the Jam Less Sweet?
Reduce the sugar by half or add extra lemon juice for a tangy balance. Taste the simmering mixture, adjusting with more lemon zest if needed. This tweak preserves the jam’s floral aroma while enhancing its flavor.
What Is the Purpose of Lemon Zest in the Recipe?
Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma and tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste. You’ll find it balances sweetness and adds a fresh, zesty note, making your dish more vibrant and appealing to the senses.
Are There Any Alternatives to Culinary Lavender?
You can substitute culinary lavender with rosemary or mint to add a unique twist. Rosemary provides a piney aroma, while mint gives a revitalizing coolness. Adjust quantities to balance flavors without overpowering the jam’s natural sweetness.
How Can I Test if the Jam Has Set Properly?
To test if your jam has set, place a spoonful on a chilled plate. Tilt the plate; if the jam wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s set. You’ll feel the texture and see the difference immediately.
Blueberry Lavender Jam
Equipment
- 1 large saucepan
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 potato masher
- 1 Sterilized jar
- 1 Ladle
- 1 funnel
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Place blueberries in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the dried lavender, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the saucepan.
- Stir the mixture frequently until the sugar dissolves.
- Use a potato masher to gently crush the blueberries as they begin to soften.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Continue simmering the mixture until it thickens, approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the jam to cool slightly.
- Pour the jam into a sterilized jar using a ladle and funnel.
- Secure the lid on the jar and let it rest at room temperature for 24 hours to set.
- Store the jam in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Notes
