Blueberry jam was the first thing I ever canned, and it remains a beloved preserve. This version includes some fresh thyme, a twist that works just as well on a cheese board as on a PB&J.
Preparation Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
40 mins
Total Time
60 mins
Calories
161 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Submerge 6 empty half-pint jars on a rack in a large pot of water. Cover and bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low to keep jars warm until ready to fill.
Step 2
Working with one jar at a time, remove empty jars from canning pot. Using a wide-mouth funnel, carefully ladle jam into jars, leaving 1/2 inch for headspace. Use a clean wooden chopstick to work air bubbles out of jars. Check headspace again and add more jam if necessary to bring to 1/2 inch from the top.
Step 3
Wipe jar rims, apply lids and bands (not too tightly), and return jars to canning pot; cover pot and return water to a rolling boil. Process for 10 minutes. Turn off heat, remove pot lid, and let jars stand in the cooling water 5 minutes to help ensure a good vacuum seal.
Step 4
Move jars to a folded kitchen towel or wooden cutting board to cool completely before checking seals. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and eaten promptly. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place. They are shelf-stable at least 1 year.
Step 5
Tumble blueberries and lemon zest and juice into a wide, nonreactive 8-quart pot. Whisk together sugar and pectin in a small bowl, then stir into pot until combined.
Step 6
Bring to a vigorous boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook, stirring frequently and adjusting heat as needed to maintain a gentle boil, until volume has reduced by at least 1/3, 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in thyme after 18 minutes of cooking. Remove pot from heat and check for set.
