Wild Blueberry Magic Freezer Jam
Experience the burst of summer flavors with this exquisite Wild Blueberry Magic Freezer Jam. Unlike traditional cooked jams, this recipe preserves the vibrant essence of wild blueberries, delivering a fresh, fruity delight straight from your freezer. Perfect for spreading on warm toast, dolloping on pancakes, or as a filling for pastries, this jam captures the unique sweetness and tartness of wild blueberries, making it a must-try for any berry lover. Note: Using cultivated blueberries may lead to a bland taste, so opt for the wild variety for the best results. Gather your ingredients and enjoy a simple approach to making jam without the fuss of cooking!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Wild blueberries
2 pints (Crushed (enough to make 2 cups))
Fresh lemon juice
1.5 tablespoons (N/A)
Granulated sugar
4 cups (N/A)
Certo fruit pectin
1 (3 ounce) envelope (N/A)
Instructions
1
Start by washing and rinsing your containers thoroughly to ensure they are sterile, which is essential for preserving the jam properly.
2
Prepare the wild blueberries by crushing them one cup at a time using a potato masher until you have a total of 2 cups of crushed berries.
3
Combine the crushed berries with the fresh lemon juice in a large mixing bowl and ensure the mixture is well blended.
4
Measure 4 cups of granulated sugar exactly and mix it into the berry and lemon juice mixture. Stir well and allow it to sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar.
5
While the berry mixture is resting, prepare the pectin: In a small bowl, combine the Certo fruit pectin with the fresh lemon juice and stir until well mixed.
6
After the 10-minute wait, add the pectin mixture to the berry mixture and stir continuously for about 4 minutes, ensuring the sugar is completely dissolved. It's okay if a few sugar crystals remain; the jam will still set properly.
7
Carefully pour the jam into the prepared containers, leaving a half-inch space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Make sure to cover the containers securely.
8
Allow the jam to sit at room temperature for 24 hours to set fully. After that, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or frozen for up to one year. Thaw the frozen jam in the refrigerator when you're ready to enjoy it.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wild Blueberry Magic Freezer Jam?
It is a no-cook jam made with wild blueberries that preserves their fresh, vibrant flavor and is stored in the freezer.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: wild blueberries, fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, and Certo fruit pectin.
Why are wild blueberries recommended over cultivated ones?
Wild blueberries provide a more intense sweetness and tartness, whereas cultivated blueberries might result in a bland-tasting jam.
How many blueberries do I need to buy?
You will need approximately 2 pints of wild blueberries.
How much crushed fruit does this recipe require?
The recipe requires exactly 2 cups of crushed wild blueberries.
How should I crush the blueberries?
You can use a potato masher to crush the berries one cup at a time until you reach the required amount.
Why must containers be washed and rinsed thoroughly?
Ensuring containers are sterile is essential for properly preserving the jam and preventing spoilage.
How much granulated sugar is used?
Exactly 4 cups of granulated sugar are required for this recipe.
Can I decrease the sugar amount?
It is important to measure the sugar exactly as specified to ensure the jam sets properly.
How much lemon juice is needed for the berry mixture?
You need 1.5 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to combine with the crushed berries.
How long should the sugar and berry mixture sit?
The mixture should sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar.
What kind of pectin is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one 3-ounce envelope of Certo fruit pectin.
How is the pectin prepared?
The Certo fruit pectin is combined with fresh lemon juice in a small bowl before being added to the fruit.
How long do I stir after adding the pectin?
You should stir the mixture continuously for about 4 minutes after adding the pectin.
Is it okay if I see sugar crystals after stirring?
Yes, it is fine if a few sugar crystals remain; the jam will still set correctly.
How much space should be left at the top of the jars?
Leave a half-inch of space at the top of each container to allow for expansion during freezing.
How long does the jam need to set at room temperature?
The jam must sit at room temperature for 24 hours to set fully.
How long does the jam last in the refrigerator?
Once set, the jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
What is the shelf life of this jam in the freezer?
This jam can be stored in the freezer for up to one year.
How should I thaw the jam?
Thaw the frozen jam in the refrigerator when you are ready to use it.
Does this jam require any cooking?
No, this is a magic freezer jam recipe that does not require cooking the fruit.
What can I serve with this jam?
It is perfect for warm toast, pancakes, or as a filling for various pastries.
Can I use a different type of fruit?
This specific recipe is designed for wild blueberries to capture their unique sweetness and tartness.
Is fresh lemon juice better than bottled?
The recipe specifies fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and necessary acidity.
What tool is best for crushing the berries?
A potato masher is recommended for crushing the berries to the right consistency.
Why does the jam need 24 hours at room temperature?
This time allows the pectin to react and fully set the jam before it is chilled or frozen.
What happens if I don't leave headspace in the jars?
Without headspace, the jam may leak or the container could break as the liquid expands during freezing.
Can I use this jam immediately after mixing?
It is best to wait the full 24 hours for it to set at room temperature before eating or storing.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is a simple approach to making jam without the fuss of traditional canning or cooking.
What makes this 'magic' jam?
It is considered 'magic' because it captures the fresh taste of summer berries instantly without a long cooking process.