Blueberries Are the Best!
If there were bins of fruits and you could only pick just one, for me, it would be blueberries. Big, fat, plump ones. There's just something about their burst of sweet-tart flavor that makes them irresistible. Blueberries are something I've always bought from local farmers rather than grown myself. I've tried to cultivate blueberry bushes, but never with much success. The soil and climate just didn’t seem to agree with them, or maybe they didn’t agree with me!
But that never stopped me from indulging in these delicious berries. Buying them fresh from the farmers meant blue fingers and lips, a sign that you’ve truly enjoyed the fruit at its peak. Blueberry jelly is something special—its deep, rich flavor spreads so well on toast, pairs perfectly with perogies and sour cream, and adds a delightful burst of fruitiness to cheesecake recipes. Writing down these stories reminds me of how blessed I've been to live a long, interesting life, learning so many of the organic skills that connect me to the earth and its bounty. Blueberry jelly is just one of those flavors you cannot beat, and it’s always a joy to make.
Did You Know?
Blueberries are native to North America and have been enjoyed by Native Americans for centuries. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. Blueberries were also used as a natural dye and in medicinal remedies.
Yield: 5 cups (approximately 10 half-pint jars)
Traditional Blueberry Jelly
Ingredients:
- 4 cups blueberry juice (about 6-8 cups fresh blueberries)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 ounces) fruit pectin
Instructions:
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Prepare the Blueberry Juice: Wash the blueberries thoroughly. Place them in a large saucepan with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes, mashing occasionally. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to extract the juice.
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Combine Juice, Lemon Juice, and Pectin: Measure 4 cups of blueberry juice into a large saucepan. Stir in the lemon juice and fruit pectin. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
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Add Sugar: Add the sugar all at once. Return the mixture to a boil and boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
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Fill Jars: Ladle the hot jelly into prepared, sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe jar rims and cover with lids.
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Process: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool. Check seals after 24 hours. Store in a cool, dark place.
Low-Sugar Blueberry Jelly
Ingredients:
- 4 cups blueberry juice (about 6-8 cups fresh blueberries)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 ounces) low-sugar pectin
Instructions:
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Prepare the Blueberry Juice: Wash the blueberries thoroughly. Place them in a large saucepan with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes, mashing occasionally. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to extract the juice.
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Combine Juice, Lemon Juice, and Pectin: Measure 4 cups of blueberry juice into a large saucepan. Stir in the lemon juice and low-sugar pectin. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
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Add Sugar: Add the sugar gradually. Return the mixture to a boil and boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
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Fill Jars: Ladle the hot jelly into prepared, sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe jar rims and cover with lids.
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Process: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool. Check seals after 24 hours. Store in a cool, dark place.
Blueberry Freezer Jelly
Ingredients:
- 4 cups blueberry juice (about 6-8 cups fresh blueberries)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 ounces) instant fruit pectin
Instructions:
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Prepare the Blueberry Juice: Wash the blueberries thoroughly. Place them in a large saucepan with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes, mashing occasionally. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to extract the juice.
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Combine Juice, Lemon Juice, and Pectin: Measure 4 cups of blueberry juice into a large bowl. Stir in the lemon juice and instant fruit pectin. Mix well.
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Add Sugar: Gradually add the sugar, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is no longer grainy.
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Fill Containers: Ladle the jelly into clean, freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Seal with lids.
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Store: Let the jelly sit at room temperature for 24 hours to set. Then, store in the freezer for up to a year or in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Nutritional Information (Per Tablespoon):
- Traditional Blueberry Jelly: Calories: 50, Protein: 0g, Carbohydrates: 13g, Fat: 0g, Sugars: 12g
- Low-Sugar Blueberry Jelly: Calories: 25, Protein: 0g, Carbohydrates: 6g, Fat: 0g, Sugars: 5g
- Blueberry Freezer Jelly: Calories: 35, Protein: 0g, Carbohydrates: 9g, Fat: 0g, Sugars: 8g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
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Choosing Blueberries: For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe blueberries. Local farmers' markets often have the freshest options, and buying in bulk during peak season can save money.
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Sterilizing Jars: To ensure your jars are properly sterilized, boil them in water for at least 10 minutes before filling. This step is crucial for food safety.
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Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice enhances the flavor and helps the jelly set. If you don't have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works just as well.
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Reducing Foam: A small pat of butter added to the boiling jelly can help reduce foaming, making the process easier and the final product clearer.
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Testing for Set: To check if your jelly is set, place a small amount on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it's ready.
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Storage Tips: Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep the jelly in the refrigerator and use it within a month.
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Reuse and Recycle: Save money by reusing jars from store-bought products. Just ensure they are properly sterilized before use.
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Gift Idea: Homemade blueberry jelly makes a wonderful gift. Decorate the jars with ribbons and homemade labels for a personal touch.
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Experiment with Flavors: Add a twist to your blueberry jelly by incorporating other fruits, such as blackberries or raspberries, or spices like vanilla or cinnamon for a gourmet touch.
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Using Frozen Berries: If fresh blueberries are not available, you can use frozen berries. Just thaw them completely and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Let’s Learn a Little About How Blueberries Are Grown and Harvested:
Blueberries are typically grown in acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. They thrive in full sun and require well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Blueberry bushes usually begin producing fruit in their third year and can continue producing for decades. Harvesting blueberries is a delicate process, often done by hand to avoid damaging the tender fruit. The berries are typically picked in the early morning when they are cool, which helps preserve their flavor and texture.