Zesty Blueberry Lime Preserves
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet blueberries and tangy lime with this Zesty Blueberry Lime Preserves recipe. Perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over pancakes, or using as a topping for desserts, this homemade jam captures the essence of summer in every jar. Made with fresh blueberries, vibrant lime zest, and a touch of sugar, this preserve is both flavorful and refreshing, turning your breakfast or snack into a gourmet experience. Share the love by gifting these vibrant half-pints to friends and family—this jam is sure to brighten anyone's day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Blueberries
4 1/2 cups (Fresh, washed, and crushed)
Dry pectin
1 package (Unopened)
Sugar
5 cups (Granulated)
Lime zest
1 tablespoon (Freshly grated)
Lime juice
1/3 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Start by washing the blueberries thoroughly and draining them.
2
In a large mixing bowl, crush the blueberries a little at a time, ensuring to create a chunky yet spreadable texture.
3
Transfer the crushed blueberries to a large saucepot and sprinkle the dry pectin over the fruit. Stir gently to combine.
4
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
5
Once boiling, gradually add the sugar while stirring continuously until fully dissolved.
6
Add the lime zest and lime juice to the mixture, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
7
Return to a rolling boil and allow it to boil hard for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
8
Remove the saucepan from heat. Check for and skim off any foam that might have formed on the surface.
9
Prepare your canning jars by ensuring they are clean and hot. Ladle the hot blueberry lime jam into the hot jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
10
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a good seal. Adjust the two-piece canning lids to secure them.
11
Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes to create a proper seal and preserve the jam.
12
Once processed, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely on a towel or cooling rack before storing.
13
Enjoy your homemade Zesty Blueberry Lime Preserves for up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Blueberry Lime Preserves?
Zesty Blueberry Lime Preserves are a homemade fruit spread featuring the sweet taste of blueberries balanced with the tangy brightness of fresh lime.
What ingredients do I need for this blueberry lime jam?
You will need 4 1/2 cups of blueberries, 1 package of dry pectin, 5 cups of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of lime zest, and 1/3 cup of lime juice.
How many blueberries should I prepare?
The recipe requires 4 1/2 cups of fresh blueberries that have been washed and crushed.
What type of pectin is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for one package of dry pectin.
How much sugar is required for the preserves?
The recipe uses 5 cups of granulated sugar to achieve the correct set and sweetness.
Why is lime zest included in the recipe?
Lime zest provides a vibrant, citrusy aroma and a zesty flavor profile that complements the sweet blueberries.
How much lime juice should be added?
You should add 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice to the mixture.
How should the blueberries be prepared before cooking?
Blueberries should be thoroughly washed, drained, and then crushed a little at a time to create a chunky but spreadable texture.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Place the crushed blueberries in a large saucepot, sprinkle the dry pectin over them, and stir gently to combine.
At what point do I add the sugar?
Gradually add the sugar once the blueberry and pectin mixture has been brought to a vigorous boil.
When should I add the lime zest and juice?
Add the lime zest and juice after the sugar has been stirred in and fully dissolved.
How long should the mixture boil after all ingredients are added?
Return the mixture to a rolling boil and allow it to boil hard for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Why is it important to stir constantly during the boil?
Stirring constantly prevents the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
How do I handle foam that forms on top of the jam?
After removing the saucepan from the heat, check for and skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface before jarring.
How should I prepare the canning jars?
Ensure your canning jars are clean and kept hot until you are ready to fill them.
How much headspace should be left in the jars?
Ladle the hot jam into the jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
Why do I need to wipe the jar rims?
Wiping the rims with a clean, damp cloth ensures no residue remains, which allows for a proper airtight seal.
What type of lids are used for this preserves recipe?
The recipe calls for two-piece canning lids to secure the jars.
How long should the jars be processed in the canner?
Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes to preserve them correctly.
How should the jars cool after processing?
Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely on a towel or cooling rack.
How long can I store the Zesty Blueberry Lime Preserves?
When stored in a cool, dark place, these preserves can be enjoyed for up to a year.
What is the best storage environment for the jam?
Store the finished jars in a cool, dark place to maintain flavor and color.
What can I serve with these preserves?
They are perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over pancakes, or using as a topping for various desserts.
Is this recipe suitable for gifting?
Yes, these vibrant preserves are excellent for gifting to friends and family.
What makes this jam a 'gourmet experience'?
The combination of fresh fruit and vibrant citrus zest creates a refreshing flavor profile that elevates standard breakfast spreads.
Does this recipe use fresh or bottled lime juice?
The recipe specifies using freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
What is the recommended heat level for boiling the fruit mixture?
The mixture should be cooked over medium-high heat until it reaches a vigorous boil.
Is the pectin added before or after the sugar?
The dry pectin is added and boiled with the fruit before the sugar is introduced.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
While fresh are specified, you can typically use frozen blueberries, though fresh berries capture the true essence of summer.
What should the texture of the jam be?
The jam should have a chunky yet spreadable texture from the crushed blueberries.