Healthy Blueberry Jam Recipe

Try this 6 ingredient healthy blueberry jam recipe. It is a bright, purply blue jam, loaded with vitamins and full of flavor. 

I know that jam can seem daunting, but trust me—it’s super simple. Try this healthy strawberry jam recipe, too!

Blueberry Picking in Norway

Once a year I visit my grandma in Norway, and once a year I get grandma’s wonderful, wild, blueberry jam. There is just nothing like it. I don’t even care that my tongue gets blue and that my teeth look gray. It is definitely worth it. The Norwegian blueberries are small and slightly tart, and the fact that she can pick them right outside her door adds to the experience. Grandma has always been health conscious, so she uses agar agar to thicken the jam, as well as a pinch of stevia to decrease the sugar. This makes the jam sweet enough to satisfy even the most ardent sweet tooth.

Why you’ll love this healthy blueberry jam recipe 

Here is why this is the only recipe I’ll (and you’ll) ever need:

• Nutrient-rich ingredients: This recipe utilizes wild blueberries, which are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These small but mighty berries contribute to your overall health and well-being.
• Low-sugar option: By using demerara sugar and optionally incorporating stevia, this jam offers a healthier alternative to traditional recipes. You can enjoy the sweetness of the jam without the guilt of excessive sugar intake.
• Agar agar for natural thickening: Instead of relying on traditional gelatin or excessive amounts of sugar for thickening, this recipe uses agar agar powder. Agar agar is a natural thickener that adds texture and body to the jam without compromising its health benefits.
• Customizable sweetness: The addition of stevia allows you to adjust the sweetness according to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Easy to make: This recipe is simple, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice, you can effortlessly whip up a batch of delicious homemade blueberry jam to enjoy!

Blueberry Jam Ingredients and substitution notes 

Gather up these basics:

• Wild blueberries:  Wild blueberries have a more intense flavor compared to cultivated varieties, adding depth to the jam. Maine wild frozen blueberries are convenient and retain their freshness well. Because the American wild blueberries are less tart than the Norwegian blueberries, you get a better result if you add in 2 tsp. of fresh lemon juice.
• Agar agar powder: This is a plant-based alternative to gelatin, providing thickening properties to the jam.
• Demerara sugar: Demerara sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor and a subtle crunch to the jam.
• Stevia (Optional): Stevia can be used as a natural sweetener to reduce the overall sugar content of the jam. 
• Vanilla extract: Go for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Lemon juice: Lemon juice acts as a natural pectin source, aiding the jam’s setting process and adding a bright acidity to balance the sweetness. 

Healthy Blueberry Jam Recipe variations and add-ins

Here are some fun ways to tweak this recipe:

• Mixed berry jam: Use other berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries, to create a mixed berry jam with various flavors and colors.
• Herbal infusions: Infuse the jam with fresh herbs like basil, mint, or lavender. 
• Citrus zest: Enhance the bright, fruity flavors of the blueberries by adding zest from citrus fruits such as oranges, limes, or grapefruits.
• Chia seeds: For added texture and nutritional benefits, omit the agar agar and stir in chia seeds after cooking the jam. Chia seeds thicken the jam naturally and provide a source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Almond extract: A drop of almond extract pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the blueberries and adds a hint of nuttiness.

Top tips for making the best Healthy Blueberry Jam

Here are my pro tips to the perfect blueberry jam:

• Stir frequently: Stir the jam frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning. This helps distribute the heat evenly and ensures a smooth, lump-free texture.
• Smooth jam: If you prefer a smoother jam, blend jam in blender before putting in jars. Be careful as the jam is hot.
• Add acid for balance: If your blueberries are very sweet, adding a splash of lemon juice can help balance the taste.
• Let jam set properly: Allow the jam to cool and set properly before sealing the jars. This may take several hours or overnight. Avoid disturbing the jars while the jam sets to prevent crystallization.
• Label and date jars: Once the jam has cooled and set, label each jar with the date of preparation and store them in the fridge.

Make ahead instructions and storage

Blueberry jam can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy its delicious flavor at your convenience. Consider making a batch during blueberry season or when you have some free time to spare.

After cooking, allow the jam to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to jars for storage. This helps the jam set properly and prevents condensation from forming inside the jars.

Before filling the jars with jam, ensure they are clean and sterilized to prevent spoilage. Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water, then sterilize them by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can run them through a dishwasher cycle.

Once the jam has cooled, carefully ladle it into the sterilized jars, leaving a small amount of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue, then seal them tightly with the lids.

Storage

Properly label each jar with the date of preparation and the contents. This helps you keep track of when the jam was made and ensures you use it within a reasonable timeframe.

Refrigerate after opening:

Store the jar of jam in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life.

FAQs

Just whizzing through this recipe? Here are the key queries:

How long does homemade blueberry jam last?

The jam should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks to maintain its freshness.

What can I do if my blueberry jam turns out too runny?

If your blueberry jam doesn’t set properly and turns out too runny, you can try cooking it for a bit longer to evaporate more moisture and thicken the jam. 

Watch Bestemor and I make this Healthy Blueberry Jam Recipe on YouTube

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