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Blueberry Jam for Winter
Instructions
I prepare the ingredients for the blueberry jam for winter. I select only ripe, undamaged berries. Where possible, I remove the stems from the berries. I rinse the blueberries and pat them dry.
I layer the blueberries in a convenient pot, sprinkling each layer with sugar. I leave it like this for at least 2 hours.
During this time the blueberries will release their juice.
I gently stir the berries with a wooden spatula and place the pot over the lowest heat.
Stirring occasionally, I bring the mixture to the boil. Once it boils, I cook it for exactly 5 minutes.
I pour the jam into sterilised half-litre jars prepared in advance.
I seal them with pre-sterilised lids and turn them upside down. I leave them until completely cool.The tasty blueberry jam for winter is ready! It is a wonderful dessert and a lovely gift for friends and family. Enjoy your meal.
Tips
- 1
2 HOURS IN SUGAR – the "secret" of the juice. If you start cooking straight away, the berries give little juice and the jam turns out thick. After 2 hours in sugar, the blueberries release plenty of juice and the jam gets a natural syrup.
- 2
A WOODEN SPATULA – the "secret" of the colour. A metal spoon oxidises the berries and the colour fades. A wooden one keeps the rich blue-violet colour of the jam.
- 3
A 5-MINUTE BOIL – the "secret" of the vitamins. Long cooking destroys the antioxidants in blueberries. Just 5 minutes after boiling keeps the maximum of beneficial substances.
- 4
LOW HEAT – the "secret" of the berries' shape. A strong boil makes the blueberries burst and turn to mush. The lowest heat keeps the berries whole. The same principle works for other kinds of berry jam with whole berries.
Video
FAQ
Which blueberries should I choose? +
Freshly picked blueberries are ideal. You can use large-fruited cultivated blueberries or wild forest blueberries, which are more aromatic. Frozen blueberries also work well and are convenient out of season. Do not use overripe, soft berries, as they will leak, or any mouldy ones. Firm, bright-blue berries with a waxy bloom are best.
Can I increase the amount of sugar? +
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your taste. More sugar gives a sweeter jam that keeps longer; less sugar gives a less sweet jam. Use plain white sugar to taste.
How long does blueberry jam keep? +
In a cellar or a cool dark place at 5–15°C it keeps up to 1.5 years. At room temperature, up to 25°C, it keeps for about 1 year. Once opened, store the jar in the fridge and use within 2 months. If mould appears on the lid or the jar bulges, discard it.
What do you serve blueberry jam with? +
It is lovely with a cup of tea or coffee, with cold milk, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve it with pancakes and fritters, cottage cheese pancakes and bakes, toast for breakfast, or a croissant or bun. It also goes well with cheesecake, panna cotta, whipped cream and apple sponge cake. It makes a great vitamin-rich treat for family tea-time and gifts.
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