Blueberry & Lavender Jam Recipe

If you’re ready to elevate your homemade preserves, this Blueberry & Lavender Jam Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine the deep sweetness of ripe blueberries perfectly balanced with the delicate, floral notes of lavender, all sweetened naturally with honey and brightened by fresh lemon. This jam is not just a spread; it’s a little jar of sunshine that can brighten any breakfast or snack. Whether you’re gifting it to friends or savoring it yourself, the unique blend of flavors in this Blueberry & Lavender Jam Recipe will make you fall in love with jam-making all over again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully simple, relying on just a handful of pure, fresh ingredients that each play a starring role. Every component adds to the jam’s richness, aroma, or vibrant color, creating something truly special without any fuss.

• Fresh or frozen blueberries (1 quart / 1½ pounds / 680 g): The juicy berries provide the rich, fruity base and beautiful purple hue.
• Honey (8 oz / 227 g): Adds natural sweetness and a smooth, floral complexity that pairs beautifully with lavender.
• Half a lemon, zested and juiced: Brightens the jam and balances the sweetness with just the right amount of tang.
• Fresh lavender buds (1 tablespoon, preferably organic): Imparts that signature delicate, nutty floral note that makes this jam unforgettable.

How to Make Blueberry & Lavender Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Lavender

The very first step is to gently grind the lavender buds in a mortar and pestle. This releases their aromatic oils, ensuring your jam will have that unmistakable fragrant depth. If you’re planning on canning your jam for long-term storage, it’s the perfect moment to sterilize your jars and prepare your water bath canner.

Step 2: Cook the Berries

Pop some small glass bowls into the freezer to use for testing the jam’s set later on. In a large, wide skillet, combine the blueberries, honey, lemon juice, and zest. A wider pan helps the mixture cook evenly and quickly. As the berries soften, you can mash them gently if you like chunkier pieces or leave them mostly whole for a more rustic texture. Either way, this step is your chance to customize the jam’s consistency just how you like it.

Step 3: Bring the Jam to the Setting Point

As your mixture simmers, it will begin to foam. Use a spoon to skim off the foam; while edible and tasty (try it on ice cream!), removing it helps your jar look crystal clear and inviting. You’re aiming to reach the setting point, around 105°C (220°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, don’t worry—there’s a handy freezer test coming up next to check.

Step 4: Test the Setting Point

Take one of the chilled bowls out of the freezer and spoon a little jam onto it. Pop the bowl back in the freezer for a few minutes, then gently push the jam with your finger. If it wrinkles and holds its shape, the jam is ready! If not, keep cooking and testing every few minutes. This little trick ensures your jam has that perfect spreadable texture without overcooking.

Step 5: Process the Jam in a Water Bath

Once the jam is thickened and off the heat, stir in the ground lavender buds to infuse that floral flavor fully. Pour the hot jam into your sterilized half-pint jars, leaving a little headspace. If you want to store your jam at room temperature for up to a year, process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes. If not, simply let the jars cool, seal, and store them in the fridge to enjoy within a month. This final step ensures your Blueberry & Lavender Jam Recipe lasts as long as your cravings.

How to Serve Blueberry & Lavender Jam Recipe

Garnishes

A little fresh lavender sprig or a few whole blueberries on top really make your serving look stunning and aromatic. These small details not only compliment the flavors but add a beautiful, rustic touch perfect for entertaining or gifting.

Side Dishes

This jam is a showstopper with warm buttered toast, flaky scones, or fresh muffins. It’s equally divine dolloped over vanilla ice cream or stirred into Greek yogurt for a sophisticated twist on breakfast or dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond the jar, try pairing this jam with soft cheeses on a charcuterie board or swirl it into cakes, tarts, or even cocktails for a unique floral note. Small jars tied with twine and a handwritten label also make lovely gifts that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you haven’t canned your jam, keep any leftovers refrigerated in a sealed container. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four weeks, making it a delicious companion to your favorite baked goods or breakfast spreads.

Freezing

While this jam freezes well, the texture might soften slightly. To freeze, pour the jam into airtight freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir gently before serving to bring back its luscious consistency.

Reheating

When you want to re-purpose your jam, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave to revive that fresh-from-the-pot flavor. Just be careful not to boil it again, as that might change the texture or flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use dried lavender instead of fresh for this jam?

Fresh lavender buds are ideal because they deliver a brighter, more subtle floral aroma, but dried lavender can work in a pinch—just use about half the amount to avoid bitterness and add it during the initial cooking stage to soften its flavor.

Is honey the best sweetener for this jam?

Honey enhances the jam with a rich natural sweetness and floral undertones that complement the lavender beautifully, but you can substitute with sugar if you prefer. Keep in mind, honey also affects the texture slightly, making it silkier.

How do I know when my jam has set properly?

The classic freezer test is the best homemade check: if a spoonful of cooled jam wrinkles gently when nudged, it’s set. Jam that doesn’t wrinkle may need a few extra minutes simmering to thicken.

Can I skip the water bath canning step?

Yes! If you plan to eat your jam quickly, refrigeration without canning is perfectly fine. Just store it in sterilized jars in the fridge and consume within a month for the best flavor and safety.

What are some other great recipes to try with lavender?

Lavender shines in many dishes, from herb-infused honey and baked goods like lavender shortbread to floral cocktails and even savory herb blends. If you love this jam, exploring floral-infused recipes is a delightful culinary adventure.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the joy of homemade preserves, and this Blueberry & Lavender Jam Recipe brings something truly special to the table. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps reward you with a jam bursting with vibrant fruitiness and a subtle floral elegance that feels both refreshing and comforting. Grab your berries, tie on your apron, and dive into a sensory experience that’s as delicious as it is heartwarming—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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