BLUEBERRY LEMON DROP JAM

Blueberry Lemon Drop Jam image

From mid-April to the end of July, you can find pints of Southern-grown blueberries at farmer's markets and even in some locally minded grocery stores. My home state of Georgia is one of the top producers of blueberries in the entire United States. An alternative to purchasing your pints is taking advantage of the numerous you-pick farms. And you won't have to look far - when news of blueberries' healthy antioxidant benefits hit the presses, blueberries exploded on the farmer's market scene like a pie-eating contest at a county fair - they're all over! Homemade blueberry jam will let you enjoy summer all year long.

Provided by Virginia Willis

Time 1h30m

Yield Makes about 8 cups or eight 1/2-pints

Number Of Ingredients 4

Ingredients

8 cups (4 pints) blueberries
4 cups sugar
Zest and juice of 2 lemons
Pinch fine sea salt

Steps:

Place a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet or line it with a clean towel. Set aside. Place several small plates in the freezer to use later to test the consistency of the jam.
Combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice and salt in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Let stand until the berries start rendering their juice, about 15 minutes.
Bring the blueberry mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. The mixture will bubble up, rising high up the sides of the saucepan. Using a slotted spoon, skim off any light-colored foam as it collects on the edges. Cook the jam until it reaches the jelling point, 220 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, 30 to 45 minutes. (If you don't have a thermometer, you can also dribble a few drops of the jam on a frozen plate. If it crinkles when you run a finger through it and your finger leaves a clear line in the jam, it's ready. If not, check it every 5 minutes or so.)
While the jam is cooking, place the canning rack in the canner and fill the pot with water; bring to a boil over high heat. When the jam reaches the jelling point (220 degrees F) add the reserved lemon zest and stir to combine.
Place eight clean 1/2-pint jars (see Cook's Notes) on the prepared baking sheet. (This will help contain any dribbles or spills and prevent the jars from directly touching the metal.) For each jar, insert a canning funnel and carefully ladle in the jam, allowing at least 1/4 inch of headroom. Clean the rims of the jars with a clean, damp towel and tightly secure the lids.
Using tongs, place the jars on the rack in the canner. The water should cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Cover the canner. Return the water to a boil and boil gently for 15 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the jars to a towel to cool. If the seal works and fits properly, the metal lid will be slightly concave within 24 hours of processing. Store the unopened jars of jam at room temperature for up to 1 year. Once the jam is opened, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.