A quick and easy Lemon Blueberry Preserves recipe that's great over biscuits, toast, or warmed and used as an ice cream topping.
Blueberries just go with summertime - especially fresh blueberries! And then add a touch of lemon and you just might have the perfect flavor combination for homemade Lemon Blueberry Preserves!
I seem to be on a blueberry kick lately. I'm sure it's partly because blueberries are a super food and so very good for you. Although, I'm not sure all that goodness is negated by all the addition of sugar in this homemade Lemon Blueberry Preserves recipe. But, we'll have that debate another time.
Besides which, blueberries remind me so much of our summers spent on the French River in northern Ontario, Canada. Speaking of the French River, I can't believe I haven't shared more with you about this little paradise on earth. My husband has been vacationing there since he was a little boy and now we've had the privilege of introducing our grandson to the French River.
It's a pretty amazing place!
And blueberries grow wild there. In fact, we have a couple of favorite blueberry picking spots. When we vacationed on the French River, we would sometimes stay in a cottage and most of the time we would remote camp along the shore.
Breakfast usually consisted of a bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh blueberries. My husband and I would sit and enjoy our oatmeal while overlooking the river and enjoying the sounds of nature all around us. Those were some pretty priceless moments!
Lemon Blueberry Preserves Recipe
I have never taken homemade preserves with us to the French River, but I have made preserves through the years and this Lemon Blueberry Preserve is one of my favorites. (Actually, truth be told, if I take the time and go through the trouble of making it, it's probably my favorite.)
What I really like about this blueberry preserve recipe is the addition of lemons. There's a little bit of lemon zest and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Adds the perfect citrus touch to balance out the flavor of the blueberries.
Supplies Needed
There's not a whole lot of supplies that you'll need. You can water bath can the preserves or you can store them refrigerated for up to 4 weeks. I typically prefer to can the preserves. They really don't take that much more time and have a homemade jar of preserves, jam or jelly on hand months from now, certainly makes the effort worth it!
Ingredients Needed
A super simple recipe, you simply need:
- blueberries
- sugar
- lemons
Please refer to the below recipe card for the exact measurements or quantities needed.
Lemon Blueberry Preserves
Blueberries are not only good for you, but they make for excellent homemade preserves and jams. This is a quick and easy recipe that has just a hint of lemon that helps to balance out the flavor. Great over biscuits or toast or warmed and used as an ice cream topping.
Ingredients
- 5 cups blueberries
- 6-½ cups sugar
- 2 zested and juiced lemons
- 2 (3 oz) envelopes liquid fruit pectin
Instructions
- Clean, sanitize and prepare jars and lids according to the manufacturer's instructions for water bath canning preparation.
- In a large saucepan over high heat add blueberries, sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir frequently and bring to a rolling boil.
- Stir in pectin and continue boiling for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
- Skim any foam off the top. Ladle into the hot prepared jars, leaving at least ¼" head space.
- Place the lid and ring on the jars and process in a water bath canner for 15 minutes.
- Carefully remove jars from the canner and place on a towel covered surface. Allow jars to cool.
Notes
- If using fresh berries simply rinse and drain the berries before adding them to the saucepan.
- If using frozen berries, crush slightly before adding to the saucepan.
- If you decide not to can the preserves, they will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 56 Serving Size: 1 tablespoonAmount Per Serving: Calories: 40Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 0g
More Recipe Ideas
If you liked this Lemon Blueberry Preserves recipe, you might also like these recipes from The Birch Cottage:
I hope you give this Lemon Blueberry Preserves recipe a try! And, if you do, please leave a comment below letting me know how you liked your homemade preserves!
Til next time...
Be sure to pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for easy access and to share with family and friends!
Susie says
Hi Pam,
Question on #5 instruction above on Lemon Blueberry Preserves ~ Is the water bath boiling or simmering, high or low heat? I want to try this, but am new to canning and making preserves, don't want to poison anyone!!!
Thank you,
Susie
Pamela Baker says
Hi, Susie! That’s a great question. When you add your jars to the water bath, the water should be simmering, not boiling. Then you add your filled jars (with lids and bands attached) to the canner. Put the lid on the canner and turn up to high to bring to a boil. Then you start the timer for processing.
Here’s a great document that might help:
https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/uga/uga_jams_jellies.pdf
Please let me know if you have anymore questions!
Pam Baker
The Birch Cottage