Blueberry jelly is one of the most popular dessert spreads. It is creamy, sweet and tart, and can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in a variety of recipes. Whether you’re a jam enthusiast or a novice jelly maker, this guide will show you how to make delicious blueberry jelly with ease.
Gather Your Ingredients And Tools
Making blueberry jelly requires very few ingredients, the majority of which can be found in your local grocery store. You’ll need blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and liquid pectin. You’ll also need a few kitchen tools, including a pot, a stirring spoon, a fine-mesh sieve, and a jar for storing your jelly. Make sure to have all your ingredients and tools ready before you start.
Wash The Blueberries
The first step in making blueberry jelly is to wash the blueberries. Start by rinsing the berries in cold water and then patting them dry with a paper towel. This will help remove any dirt, debris, or bacteria that may be on the berries. Once the berries are clean, add them to a large pot and stir them gently.
Add Sugar And Lemon Juice
Next, add sugar and lemon juice to the pot. The sugar will help sweeten the jelly and the lemon juice will give it a tart flavor. Start with a ratio of 1 cup of sugar to 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. You can adjust the ratio to your taste preferences. Stir the ingredients together until the sugar and lemon juice are fully incorporated.
Bring To A Boil
Once the ingredients are mixed together, bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Keep stirring the mixture occasionally to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Strain The Mixture
After the mixture has simmered for 10 minutes, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any chunks of blueberry and any seeds. Place the strained liquid in a clean pot and discard the solids.
Add The Pectin
To turn the liquid into jelly, you’ll need to add pectin. Pectin is a natural substance that helps thicken jams and jellies. Add 1/2 cup of liquid pectin to the pot and stir it into the mixture. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and let it boil for 1 minute. Then remove the pot from the heat.
Fill The Jars And Cool
Now it’s time to fill your jars with the jelly. Carefully pour the hot jelly into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Once the jars are filled, let them cool to room temperature. Once they are cool, seal the jars and store them in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
Making blueberry jelly is an easy and rewarding task. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can make delicious blueberry jelly in no time. So gather your ingredients, get to work, and enjoy the sweet and tart flavor of blueberry jelly.