Blueberry Refrigerator Jam

Quick and easy blueberry refrigerator jam. There are many uses for this fresh jam. Mix it with yogurt, spread it on toast, or use it to fill a layer cake!

Berries, berries everywhere!  What to do with all these extra berries?

During the summer months I often go overboard buying more berries than my family needs.

When the kitchen is inundated with blueberries, there is only one solution.

Make quick jam!

Small Batch Blueberry Jam

There are several ways to preserve fruits– freezing, dehydrating/drying, pickling and canning.  

For moments when I’m in a pinch, I prefer to make easy refrigerator jam.  

Unlike traditional canning that can preserve foods for up to a year or so, refrigerator jam has a short shelf life of about a week or two in the fridge.

This recipe is for a small batch of jam. However, you can easily double or triple depending on how much extra fruit you have.  

Blueberry jam is one of my favorites to make because there is very little prep.  No need to peel or cut fruit or remove any seeds.  

You merely put the whole blueberries in a large pot with sugar, fresh squeezed lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest.

For a pop of extra flavor, use a combination of lemon and lime zest.

Bring the mixture to a boil and let it go until the mixture thickens and the blueberries breakdown.

Jam Spoon Test

Eventually the mixture will thicken and look like jam.

I like to use a frozen spoon to test whether the jam is ready. Dip the frozen spoon into the hot jam.  

When the jam is ready, you should be able to draw a line like the 2nd picture in the progression.

More importantly, when you take a scoop of the jam, it should fall from the spoon slowly and in a large chunk.

Storing Refrigerator Jam

This quick refrigerator jam doesn’t need to be sealed and boiled like traditional canning.  

Simply transfer the jam into clean glass containers and let it cool to room temperature uncovered.  

Once the jam has cooled, cover the container and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.

I also really like using lime and lime zest in fruit recipes a lot more than the usual lemons.  

Limes help brighten the jam and bring out the sweetness of the blueberries.

There are many uses for this super simple and delicious summer staple:

• mix the jam with yogurt and some granola for a nice parfait
• spread it on some toast for a sweet breakfast
• use it for a special peanut butter and jelly sandwich
• mix it with oatmeal (it’s wonderful with this chia oatmeal bowl!)

More Quick Fruit Jam Recipes:

• Easy homemade fig jam flavored with vanilla bean.
• Chia strawberry jam used to fill homemade pop tarts.