Easy + delicious: how to make pectin-free blueberry jam (2023)

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Can you make blueberry jam without pectin? YES you absolutely can AND you are in the right place to learn all about the process!

Blueberry jam is a classic preserve that many of us fondly remember, whether spread on toast for breakfast or stuffed into crepes. I find it delicious and not only is the color of the homemade blueberry jam exceptionally beautiful, the taste is also exquisite.

As someone who has been making this perfect pectin-free blueberry jam for 10 years, I can confidently say that there is nothing quite like the taste! Take it out for a potluck or play it on your own.camping foodBag to impress everyone on your next family camping trip!

My passion for making this delicious blueberry jam(and my family's joy in eating it)This led me to experiment with different recipes and techniques over the years.This is one of my favorite jam recipes.

I learned a thing or two about what it takes to make the perfect batch of blueberry jam without the use of pectin.

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In this blog post, I'm excited to share a tried-and-true recipe for making pectin-free blueberry jam, along with some helpful tips for making your jam EXACTLY right.

So roll up your sleeves, pick some cranberries and get ready to create a pot of homemade deliciousness you'll be proud to share with your loved ones. If you like this recipe, be sure to check out my recipe.Frozen strawberry and rhubarb jama!

Pectin-free blueberry compote

Homemade blueberry jam is a delicious and versatile jam loved by many and enjoyed on toast.pancakes, or as a seasoning for cheeses and hearty dishes.

While there are many recipes that call for pectin, a natural thickening agent, making pectin-free blueberry jam can be an easy and rewarding process.

Using fresh, whole blueberries and a few simple ingredients, including citrus fruits, you can create one of my favorite and unique blueberry jam recipes with a rich, deep flavor and a smooth, spreadable texture.

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What is pectin and why do you make jam without it?

Pectin is a type of soluble fiber found in the cell walls of fruits and vegetables. It is a natural thickener widely used in the food industry, namely in the production of jams, jellies and preserves.

Traditionally, pectin was made by boiling apple or citrus peels and then straining the liquid to extract the pectin. However, commercial pectin is now widely available and is commonly used in making modern jams.

Fruits that are naturally rich in pectin, such as apples, blueberries, and citrus fruits, can be used to provide the pectin needed to make jams.

many fruits likestrawberriesand peaches are low in pectin and require additional pectin to achieve the desired texture.

In fact, blueberries contain a good amount of pectin. Therefore, if you cook the jam for a long time, e.g. an hour or so, it may not be necessary to add citrus fruits to add pectin. This recipe encourages citrus juice and pectin zest because it tastes perfectly delicious!

Why make jam without pectin?

While pectin is generally considered safe to consume, there are some potential downsides to using it. Don't just make jamsinCommercial pectin allows for a more natural and exciting flavor, but it also removes much of the extra sugar needed for the pectin to harden.

By removing pectin from the jam making process, the need for precise measurements to obtain the desired texture is eliminated.

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What is a good substitute for commercial pectin?

Citrus fruits, especially lemons, can be used as a natural source of pectin in the manufacture of jams. I use lemon for this cranberry jam recipe! The pectin in citrus fruits is concentrated in the peel and white pulp of the fruit rather than the pulp.

To use citrus fruits as a natural source of pectin in jam making, the zest can be finely grated and added to the fruit mixture before cooking. The amount of citrus fruit needed depends on the type of fruit used and the desired jam consistency.

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The citrus mixture is then heated and cooked until the fruit is tender and the mixture has thickened to the desired consistency. The mixture must be stirred frequently to prevent it from sticking and burning.

Using citrus fruits as a natural source of pectin can result in a final product that is slightly sour and tastes smoother than jams made with commercial pectin. It can also be a great option for those who prefer to avoid using commercial pectin in cooking!

(Video) How To Make Pectin Free Blueberry Jam

How to make blueberry jam without pectin

This recipe uses lemon as the citrus of choice instead of lemon as a natural pectin source. I made cranberry jam with fresh lemon juice and fresh lemon juice and I have to say I find the added lemon flavor exceptionally delicious and unique! My kids won't let me do anything else!

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Ingredients and equipment for easy blueberry jam

This is a list of the ingredients and amounts needed to make a large batch of blueberry jam. We grow our own blueberries, so we have plenty to use (even). You can also make a small batch by dividing the ingredients in half or quarters!

BLURBERRIES

You will need 5 quarts or 20 cups of blueberries to make 16 cups of blueberry jam with this recipe. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries! If you don't want and can't make jam in the hot summer when the berries are ripe, freeze them and make the jam in the cooler autumn weather.

ZUCKER

Regular granulated cane sugar is best for jam flavor and texture. Sugar also helps preserve the jam's color. I use 4 cups of sugar for 5 gallons of blueberries.

You can try using less, but as someone who isn't interested in sugary jams, I think this amount is perfect! The resulting jam tastes more like fruit than sugar.

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LEMONS

I prefer organic lemons because this recipe uses the lemon zest. Fresh lemon zest and lemon juice are used to add natural pectin and a delicious tangy citrus flavor. I mostly use fresh lemon juice in this recipe because after I zest the lemons I like to use their juice too!You can use lemon instead of lime if you like.

If you need a graterI recommend using thisBecause I don't defend myself and I get hurt when I use it! If you've never seasoned anything before, this is sure to happen. I also use it to grate frozen ginger and Parmesan cheese.

LEMON JUICE IN BOTTLES

The 5 lemons needed for the zest doesn't seem to get me enough lemon juice for the 3/4 cup needed for the recipe, so I supplement with bottled lemon juice. Due to the high percentage of fresh lemon juice, it is still advisable to add some bottled juice as this will help ensure the correct acidity for canning.You can use lemon juice instead of lime if you prefer.

I love to useOrganic Volcano Italian Lime JuiceoSanta Cruz Organic Lemon Juicebecause they taste so natural and incredibly delicious.Royal Lemon JuiceIt has additives and I don't recommend it because of the difference in flavor.

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When canning fruits and vegetables, it is important to use at least 5% acidity to prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause spoilage or foodborne illness. Fresh lemons can vary in their acidity, so it's hard to know for sure if they meet this requirement.

CITRIC ACID

Citric acid is a natural preservative that increases the acidity of canned foods. It is used in this canning recipe as a supplement to fresh lemon juice because the acidity of fresh citrus fruits can vary and cannot be reliably measured.

Citric acid, on the other hand, has constant acidity and can be used in a precise amount to ensure the safety of canned foods. boughtCitric Acid from the NOW Brandbecause it is not transgenic.

glass jars

You will need 16 medium-sized mason jars with rings and lids (that are sterilized)for this recipe. Buy some boxes – You can never have too many mason jars, right? boughtthese pitchersBecause they are the best!

CANNER+ACCESSORIES CAN

One reasonglass pot for water bathA glass rack is needed for canning the jam. In addition to the preservative, you will need a funnel and tweezers. Using them will ensure that you have the proper equipment you need to safely proceed with the canning process.

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Easy Blueberry Jam Instructions

1.Fill the pressure cooker with hot water and bring the water to a boil. Maintain a temperature of 180º for the conservation process in a bain-marie. In addition, you mustSterilize your bottlesto preserve the candy.

2.Before starting to cook, put three tablespoons in the freezer to test the jam for firmness at the end of cooking.

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Easy + delicious: how to make pectin-free blueberry jam (10)
(Video) 🫐 Homemade BLUEBERRY JAM | EASY Step by Step Recipe with PECTIN

2. Start by mashing the 5 quarts of cranberries in a non-reactive pot using a potato masher or hand mixer. Use the potato masher for thick jam and the immersion blender for smoother jam.

3.Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat. Add 4 cups of cane sugar. Stir well to ensure the liquid mixes and allows it to dissolve properly.

4.Add fresh bottled lemon juice (3/4 cup total), lemon zest, and 1/2 cup powdered citric acid to the pan. Mix well.

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5.By this time, the berries should release their juice. Keep mixing well. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil for two minutes.

For successful jam making, it is crucial to understand the concept of a full boil. It is necessary to reach this stage so that the jam hardens before the final cooking time.

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6.Jam now needs to cook for another 30 minutes over low heat. This will help thicken everything up and encourage the release of pectin from the lemon zest. Stir often.

7.Taste your jam for the correct setting. Take a frozen spoon and put fresh hot jam on top. If the jam doesn't drip off the spoon right away, it's ready! However, if it immediately falls off the spoon, you can boil the jam for another minute and cook it over medium-high heat for another 10 minutes.

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Easy + delicious: how to make pectin-free blueberry jam (14)

8. PROFESSIONAL ADVICE: The jam will continue for the next 24 to 48 hours, so don't worry if you find the jam isn't as thick as it should be. Use these photos to compare. Since this jam does not contain commercial pectin, it takes longer to set. And it will be with a little more time!

9.Using the funnel and a ladle, fill the jars with the hot blueberry jam, leaving 1/2" of space at the top. Wipe any drips from the edges with a damp paper towel. Place the lids and rings on the jars, but not Tighten covers beyond a simple twist.

10Place jars in preheated canning container fully submerged with at least 1" of water beyond their lids. Bring water back to a full boil. Set timer for 10 minutes.

11After 10 minutes, turn off the heat. Using tweezers, carefully remove the vials and hold them upright. Place the jars on a towel on your counter and don't move them and don't try on the lids for 24 hours. Store in a cool place for up to one year.

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Fixed a common issue for this pectin-free blueberry jam recipe

  • Sometimes the jam may not be firm enough to prevent it from immediately dripping from a frozen spoon.
  • This can happen when using frozen blueberries, which retain more moisture. If so, try adding another 1/2 - 1 cup of sugar and another tablespoon of lemon zest.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cook the jam for another 20 minutes, stirring constantly.

FAQ: Homemade pectin-free blueberry jam

You might have some pressing questions about how to make delicious homemade jam without pectin! Well I have some answers for you. Keep reading to find out more!

How long does homemade blueberry jam last in the fridge?

Homemade pectin-free blueberry jam will generally keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Be sure to store the jam in an airtight container.

Also, be sure to check the jam regularly for signs of spoilage over the past two weeks. Or just enjoy it, eat it before you worry about it spoiling!

Is my own homemade jam better than store-bought?

Making your own homemade pectin-free jam may be better for you than store-bought varieties.

(Video) NO Pectin BLUEBERRY Jam | EASY Water Bath Canning TIPS | Canning Kitchen

Homemade blueberry jam is not only free of preservatives and artificial colors, but also free of high-fructose corn syrup. As a result, homemade blueberry jam is much healthier than store-bought varieties.

How to thicken homemade blueberry jam without pectin?

Although they contain pectin, blueberries naturally contain less pectin, which means it can be difficult to make homemade blueberry jam set properly.

Here's a tip! If you are not using extra pectin, cook the cranberries longer, as cooking the cranberries for a longer period can help break down and release the pectin in the fruit. This allows the jam to thicken. Baking time can be an hour or more, keep that in mind.

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Is it better to make jam without pectin?

Whether or not to use pectin to make jam is a matter of personal preference. Pectin is a natural thickening agent often added to help set and firm up jams such as strawberry jam.

However, some people prefer to make jam without pectin because they prefer a softer, fluffier texture or because they want to avoid using a commercial thickener.

Does lemon juice thicken jam?

The lemon juice won't thicken the jam by itself, but it can play an important role in helping the jam set properly. That's because lemon juice is a natural source of pectin, a type of soluble fiber that acts as a gelling agent in jelly.

When making jam, the pectin in the fruit is activated by heat and acid. Lemon juice is acidic, and adding it to jam can help release the fruit's pectin, allowing the jam to thicken and set properly.

The acidity of the lemon juice can also help to balance out the jam's sweetness, resulting in a more complex and pleasant flavor. However, it is important to note that lemon juice alone is not enough to thicken the jam without pectin.

If the fruit you are using is low in pectin, you may need to add a commercial pectin product or use other natural pectin sources such as citrus peel, apples or quince to help the jam set properly.

The summary of homemade blueberry jam without pectin

In short, making this pectin-free blueberry jam is a super fun, easy, and delicious process with delicious results. With fresh ingredients you can create this delicious jam free of preservatives and artificial additives.

I think you'll love this jam, which is both sweet and tangy with a rich fruity flavor that's perfect for spreading on toast, bagels or scones.

With a little patience and practice, you'll master this pectin-free blueberry jam recipe, impress friends and family with your cooking skills, and enjoy the joy of making something completely new.

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Blueberry and lime compote without pectin

This delicious homemade jam will become a new family favorite. You can use lemon or lime according to your preference. Make more and use as a gift for friends and family!

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(Video) NO PECTIN BLUEBERRY JAM | How To Homestead

setup time15 Minimum

Time to cook30 Minimum

canning time10 Minimum

Total time55 Minimum

portionssixteen half liter glasses

Ingredients

  • 5 liter Blueberries, fresh or frozen
  • 4 bags sugar cane
  • 5 Lemons, grated and squeezed 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 taxes canned lemon juice
  • 1/2 TL citric acid

instructions

  • Fill the hot water bath container with enough water so that when you insert the cans, there is an inch of water above the lids. Boil the water and keep the hot water at a temperature of 180º.

  • Place a few tablespoons in the freezer to test the jam's firmness later.

  • Start by mashing the cranberries in a non-reactive pan with a potato masher or hand mixer.

  • Add sugar, lemon zest, and a total of 3/4 cup lemon juice and cup lemon juice.

  • Cook over medium heat until it starts to boil, stirring occasionally.

  • Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 30 minutes or until desired thickness.

  • Try jam for proper fit. Take a frozen spoon and put fresh hot jam on top. If the jam doesn't drip off the spoon right away, it's ready! However, if it immediately falls off the spoon, you can boil the jam for another minute and cook it over medium-high heat for another 10 minutes.

  • Turn off the heat and start pouring the jam into clean jars. Using the funnel and a spoon, fill the jars leaving a 1/2 inch headspace. To ensure a good seal, fit the caps and rings securely, but do not over-tighten.

  • Place the filled cups in the hot water bath and bring to a boil. Then keep the water at a temperature of 180º for 10 minutes. put out the fire.

  • Using tongs, carefully remove the jam jars from the tin, hold them upright, and place them on a towel on the counter to let sit for 24 hours. DO NOT stir vials or twist rings for 24-48 hours.

  • Store in a cool, dry place until ready to serve! Enjoy!

Comments

Important note:Preservative-free/seal-free and pectin-free, Blueberry Jelly has a short shelf life of just 2 weeks in the fridge. Enjoy as soon as possible!

Have you tried this recipe and did you like it? tag me atMention@estenoshtalgiclifethe label#estavidanoshtalgica

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