Ways to Enjoy Blueberries

Blueberry picking is a great way to engage in an outdoor family activity. Blueberries are a healthy snack that can be eaten raw or preserved to enjoy anytime. If you can't get out to a blueberry field, you can usually find good-quality berries in the grocery store or local market.

Penn State Extension's "Preserving Food at Home Resource Guide" states that ½ cup of blueberries contains 2 grams of fiber, essential nutrients like vitamin C and iron, and only 40 calories.

When selecting your blueberries, choose those that are plump, firm, and have a light blue to a blue-black color. If you plan to preserve your blueberries, the fresher they are, the better your final product will be. If you are not using them right away, plan to refrigerate the berries and preserve or use them within 1–2 days. Do not wash your blueberries until you are ready to use them. Storing them in the refrigerator wet can cause them to spoil faster. When ready to wash blueberries, rinse 1 or 2 quarts at a time under cold, running water in a colander. Toss or agitate the fruit while rinsing. Do not soak produce in water.

A great way to preserve your berries is by making blueberry syrup. It can be used on ice cream, cheesecake, or waffles. The following recipe yields about four half-pint jars. When preparing this recipe, start with clean countertops and utensils. Wash hands with soap and water. Wash whole, fresh blueberries by rinsing under cold, running water. 

Blueberry Syrup

32 servings | serving size: 2 Tablespoons

Ingredients

• 4 cups ripe blueberries
• 3 cups sugar
• ½ cup corn syrup
• 2 Tablespoons bottled lemon juice

Directions

• To prepare the juice, remove any stems from the berries. Crush berries in a pan and heat to a boil. Simmer for 1 or 2 minutes. Strain through a colander and drain until cool enough to handle. Strain the collected juice through a double layer of cheesecloth or a jelly bag. Discard dry pulp. The yield of the juice should be about 2½ cups.
• To make the syrup, combine 2½ cups of prepared blueberry juice, sugar, corn syrup, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil and boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and skim off foam. Pour into hot half-pint jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Wipe jar rims and adjust lids. Process for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath or atmospheric steam canner.

Another popular method for preserving blueberries is blueberry spice jam from Penn State Extension's "Preserving Food at Home Resource Guide." Blueberry spice jam is a great accompaniment on charcuterie boards, on toast for breakfast, or with peanut butter on sandwiches. The recipe yields about five half-pint jars. When preparing this recipe, start with clean countertops and utensils. Wash hands with soap and water. Wash whole, fresh blueberries by rinsing under cold, running water.

Blueberry Spice Jam

80 servings | serving size: 1 Tablespoon

Ingredients

• 2½ pints ripe blueberries
• 1 Tablespoon bottled lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg or cinnamon
• ¾ cup water
• ½ teaspoon butter
• 1 box (1¾ ounce) powdered pectin
• 5½ cups sugar

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, thoroughly crush blueberries, one layer at a time.
2. Add lemon juice, nutmeg or cinnamon, water, and butter.
3. Stir in pectin and bring to a full, rolling boil over high heat, stirring frequently.
4. Add the sugar and return to a full, rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Remove from heat, quickly skim off foam, and fill into sterile half-pint jars, leaving ¼-inch of headspace.
6. Adjust lids and process for 5 minutes (in sterilized jars) at 0–1,000 feet in altitude, or for 10 minutes at 1,001– 6,000 feet in altitude in a boiling water bath canner.

Taking the time to preserve your blueberries allows you to enjoy your harvest throughout the rest of the year.

Penn State Extension's guide "Preserving Food at Home" also includes several other methods that you can also use to freeze or can your blueberries, as well as information about nutrition and storage tips. You can purchase a copy of "Preserving Food at Home" online or call Customer Service at 877-345-0691. For specific questions about preserving fruits, vegetables, and meats, call your local extension office to speak with a food safety educator.

References

Hirneisen, A., LaBorde, L., McGeehan, N., Reed, S., Zepp, M., & McDonald, S. (2022). Preserving Food at Home Resource Guide. Penn State Extension.