Blueberry & Lavender Jam: Sweet, Floral, and Irresistibly Homemade
Hey there, fellow jam-lover! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that feels like a warm summer morning captured in a jar: Blueberry & Lavender Jam. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill fruit spread. It’s bold. It’s floral. It’s got that deep, jammy sweetness from blueberries and a delicate botanical twist from culinary lavender. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, swirling it into yogurt, or dolloping it over cheesecake (yes, please!), this jam is about to become your new obsession.
Why Blueberry and Lavender Make Magic Together
Blueberries are naturally sweet and slightly tart, with a deep purple hue that makes any jam feel luxurious. Lavender, on the other hand, brings a floral note that can be soothing, unexpected, and downright enchanting. When you combine the two, you get a jam that’s sweet and earthy with just a hint of perfume—like your favorite cozy blanket met a fragrant summer breeze.
Lavender also has calming properties (hello, natural stress relief), so this jam isn’t just a treat for your taste buds—it’s self-care in a spoon.
A Jam with a Story
Let me take you back to the first time I made this jam. I had just come back from a local farmers’ market with two baskets of plump blueberries and a tiny sachet of culinary lavender from a sweet older couple who grew herbs in their backyard. I was skeptical, but they swore lavender in jam would change my life.
Spoiler alert: it did.
I tossed the ingredients into a pot, stirred, simmered, and tasted. The aroma alone stopped me in my tracks. It smelled like summer had a secret garden. I gifted a few jars to friends and got texts the next day saying, “WHAT IS THIS MAGIC?”
What You’ll Need
Here’s your grocery list for blueberry-lavender greatness:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries – Fresh gives the best texture, but frozen works too!
- 2 tbsp culinary lavender – Not ornamental! Make sure it’s safe for consumption.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice – Brightens and helps with setting.
- 1 package fruit pectin (1.75 oz) – Helps the jam firm up.
- 4 cups granulated sugar – Yes, jam is sweet. It’s supposed to be. Trust the process.
- Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract – For a warm, rounded finish.
Let’s Jam: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Infuse the lavender.
Place your lavender in a small bowl and pour 1/2 cup boiling water over it. Let it steep for about 10 minutes. Strain and set the fragrant liquid aside.
Step 2: Mash your berries.
In a large pot, add the blueberries and lightly mash with a potato masher or fork. Keep some chunks if you like texture in your jam.
Step 3: Combine ingredients.
Pour the lavender water, lemon juice, and pectin into the pot with your mashed berries. Stir well.
Step 4: Bring the heat.
Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
Step 5: Add sugar.
Stir in the sugar all at once. Keep stirring. When it returns to a rolling boil, let it boil for exactly 1 minute. (Set a timer!)
Step 6: Test for set.
Place a spoonful on a cold plate. After a minute, run your finger through it. If it wrinkles, it’s ready! If not, boil for 1 more minute and try again.
Step 7: Jar it up.
Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe rims, seal with lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Step 8: Cool and store.
Let the jars cool completely. You’ll hear the satisfying pop of the seals setting. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Refrigerate after opening.
How to Serve It Like a Pro
This jam is a chameleon. Try these irresistible pairings:
- Spread on warm scones or buttery toast
- Swirled into Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream
- Dolloped on cheesecake or lemon bars
- As a glaze for grilled chicken or pork
- Spooned into a cocktail with gin and soda (trust me)
Twists & Variations
One of the best things about homemade jam? You’re the boss. Whether you’re craving something extra tangy, boozy, or beautifully unique, here are some delicious ways to riff on your Blueberry & Lavender Jam:
🍋 Lemon-Lavender Bliss
Amp up the brightness by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and increasing the lemon juice to 1/4 cup. It adds a citrusy sparkle that plays beautifully with the floral notes.
🍷 Boozy Brilliance
Want to turn your jam into a cocktail-worthy spread? Stir in 2 tablespoons of Chambord, elderflower liqueur, or dry white wine after removing the jam from heat. It adds depth and elegance—perfect for gifting or serving with a fancy cheese board.
🫐 Mixed Berry Medley
Don’t stop at blueberries. Replace half the blueberries with blackberries, raspberries, or even strawberries for a rich, multi-dimensional berry flavor. Each berry adds a different texture and tartness.
💜 Vegan & Low-Sugar
Looking to cut down on sugar? Use low-sugar pectin and reduce the sugar to 2 cups. Want a deeper, more complex sweetness? Swap 1 cup of white sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup (adjust liquid ratios slightly).
🌿 Herbal Remix
Not feeling lavender today? Try culinary rosemary, mint, or thyme for a different herbal twist. Use the same infusion method and start small—herbs can get bold quickly!
🍦 Vanilla Dream
Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract right before jarring for a cozy, warm note that softens the floral edge and enhances the berries’ natural sweetness.
FAQs
Q: Can I skip the lavender?
A: Sure, but it won’t be quite as special. Try mint or rosemary for a different twist.
Q: Can I use dried lavender?
A: Yes! Just reduce to 1 tablespoon since dried is more potent.
Q: Do I need a canner?
A: A large pot with a rack and lid works just fine. As long as jars are submerged, you’re good!
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly rewarding about making your own jam. It’s simple, it’s soulful, and it fills your kitchen with the kind of scent that makes people close their eyes and smile. This Blueberry & Lavender Jam is more than a recipe—it’s a moment. A slow, thoughtful pause in a busy day. A homemade hug in a jar.
So grab those blueberries, channel your inner jam goddess, and get ready to impress yourself. You’re about to make something unforgettable.
Happy jamming! 🌼🍓
