Easy Blueberry Syrup Canning Recipe

Homemade blueberry syrup is a treat that transforms basic breakfast dishes into something special. It always delivers a rich, fruity flavor, if you pour it on pancakes or stir it into yogurt. By using this blueberry syrup canning recipe, you can enjoy this versatile syrup all year long without the worry of spoilage. Plus, with simple techniques like water bath canning, it’s easier than you might think. Ready to stock your pantry with this sweet homemade classic? Let’s get started!

Benefits of Making Blueberry Syrup at Home

Homemade blueberry syrup isn’t just about savoring fresh flavors; it has many advantages. From saving money to eating healthily, making your blueberry syrup is fun while supporting your budget and well-being.

Cost Savings

Store-bought blueberry syrups can be pricey, especially when you opt for organic or premium brands. By making your own, you control the price tag. Purchasing fresh blueberries in bulk, when they are in season, can significantly cut down costs compared to pre-packaged options. Plus, you’ll likely already have most of the other ingredients, like sugar or lemon juice, stocked in your pantry.

When you make your syrup at home, the value goes further — no more paying for plastic bottles or fancy labels. Instead, you’re creating a high-quality product for less, which can also be a unique, cost-effective gift option. If you’re canning this syrup for yourself or others, you’re not just saving money, you’re maximizing the benefits of home preservation.

Health Benefits

Homemade blueberry syrup shines when it comes to health benefits. Unlike store-bought alternatives, you won’t need to rely on artificial preservatives, flavorings, or unnecessary additives.

Blueberries themselves are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. By making your syrup with real blueberries, you retain more of their natural nutrients, contributing to a healthier lifestyle overall. Curious about another way to enjoy the benefits of fresh berries? You might enjoy Blueberry Raspberry Freezer Jam for its convenience and health advantages.

In addition, homemade syrup doesn’t just enhance your meals — it safeguards your well-being with fewer unwanted ingredients. You’re creating something that feels indulgent without sacrificing what’s important: your health.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Canning Blueberry Syrup

Making homemade blueberry syrup is a rewarding and practical way to preserve fresh blueberries while creating a versatile pantry staple. This recipe comes from Ball Canning’s Complete Book of Home Preserving. It will yield about three-pint jars of Blueberry Pancake Syrup.

Essential Ingredients and Tools

Before you get started, gathering the right ingredients and tools is key. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 8 cups of blueberries, crushed
• 3 cups of granulated sugar
• 6 cups of water, divided
• 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest

Tools:

• Potato masher
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Cheesecloth
• Large Bowl
• Steam Juicer (Optional)
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Liquid Measuring Cups
• Large Stainless Steel Pot
• Candy Thermometer
• 1/2 Pint Canning Ladle
• Pint Sized Canning Jars
• Lids
• Bands
• Water bath canner or Steam Canner
• Jar lifter
• Canning funnel
• Headspace Measurer/De-bubbler

Having everything ready before you start simplifies the process and keeps things running smoothly.

Preparing the Blueberries

Fresh, clean blueberries are the foundation of any good syrup recipe. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Wash Thoroughly: Rinse the blueberries well under cool running water. Remove any debris, stems, or leaves that might still be attached.
2. Check for Ripeness: Sort the blueberries, discarding soft or overripe fruit. This ensures your syrup has the best possible flavor.
3. Mash the Berries: Place the cleaned blueberries in a large pot. Use a potato masher to gently crush them, which releases their juices and starts breaking them down.

Once prepped, your blueberries are ready for the syrup-making process.

Making the Syrup

Creating a smooth, flavorful blueberry syrup is easier than you think. Follow these steps:

1. Combine Ingredients: Combine the crushed blueberries, 2 cups of water, and lemon zest, in a large stainless steel pot.
2. Cook Gently: Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat and boil gently for 5 minutes.
3. Strain the Mixture: Set a strainer lined with several layers of cheesecloth over a large bowl. Transfer the blueberry mixture to the strainer. Allow the blueberry juice to drip, undisturbed for at least 2 hours.
   • Alternate Method Using a Steam Juicer: I have also used a Steam Juicer to juice my crushed blueberries for this recipe. If you have a Steam Juicer this allows you to get nice clear juice with less sediment. Then boil the blueberry juice with the lemon zest to combine flavors. Then strain out the lemon zest and continue with the recipe.

Water Bath or Steam Canning Process

Canning your syrup ensures it lasts for months without refrigeration. The water bath or steam canning method are simple and effective:

1. Clean Jars: Clean jars and lids with warm soapy water. Ensure the jars do not have any chips or bubbles in the glass.
2. Prepare Canner:
   • Using Water Bath Canner: Put your water bath canner on your stove. Add your canning rack to the water bath canner. Add your pint jars or quart jars to the water bath canner. They will warm as you heat the water. Add enough water to cover jars with at least 2-3 inches of water. Start to bring your water to a boil.
   • Using a Steam Canner: Put your steam canner on your stove. Add the steam canner rack to the bottom of the steam canner. Add the recommended amount of water to the steam canner according to the manufacturer. Add your pint jars or quart jars to the steam canner. Put the lid on your steam canner and start your stove. The jars will warm as you heat your steam canner.
3. Prepare Syrup: Combine the sugar and the remaining 4 cups of water, in a large stainless steel pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Cook until the temperature reaches 230℉ (110℃) on a candy thermometer, adjusting for altitude.
4. Add Blueberry Juice: Add blueberry juice. Increase the heat to high, bring to a boil, and boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add Lemon Juice: Remove from the heat. Stir in bottled lemon juice.
6. Filling Jars: Once you have hot jars and hot syrup.
   • Water Bath Canner: Remove your jars from the water bath canner one at a time using your jar lifter. Dump the water out of the jar into your water bath canner to ensure there is still 2-3 inches of water above your jars.
   • Steam Canner: Remove the steam canner lid and remove your jars one at a time using your jar lifter.
   • Using the ladle and funnel. Ladle hot syrup into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Use your headspace measurer to verify space. Remove any air bubbles with your de-bubbler and adjust the headspace, if necessary, by adding more syrup.
   • Wipe the rim to ensure a good seal is made with the lid. Center the lid on the jar and screw the band down to fingertip tight.
   • Place the jar in the canner using your jar lifter. Repeat until all blueberry syrup is used.
7. Processing:
   • Water Bath Canner: Lower the water bath canner rack into the boiling water. Ensure your jars are covered by at least 2 inches of water. If your water is not boiling start your processing time when the water is boiling. Process pint jars for 10 minutes. Make sure to adjust your time for altitude. Set a timer, it makes it much easier to make sure you process for the correct time. When your timer goes off turn off the heat and remove the canner lid. Leave the jars in the water for 5 minutes.
   • Steam Canner: Put the lid on the steam canner. Turn your stove on high until your steam canner water comes to a vigorous boil. Continue heating so the indicator is in the correct “Zone” per your altitude. Start your processing time when the needle reaches the maximum point you have tested your steam canner to reach in your “Zone”. Adjust the burner so that it maintains an even rolling boil throughout the entire processing time. Usually, this will be much lower than where it was set for the vigorous boil. If the top lid is lifting and/or spitting water from the edges this is an indication that you have the heat turned up too high. Slowly reduce the heat until this stops. Watch the indicator to ensure the temperature does not decrease. The processing times for steam canning are the same as for water bath canning. Process pint jars for 10 minutes. Make sure to adjust your time for altitude. Set a timer, it makes it much easier to make sure you process for the correct time. When your timer goes off turn off the heat and let the canner stand for 5 minutes with the lid on before removing the jars. The lid MUST remain ON the canner during this time. This cool-down period is necessary to ensure the jar contents are properly processed. Carefully remove the lid by tilting it away from you to avoid steam burns.
   • Using your jar lifer carefully move the jars onto a wire rack or kitchen towel to allow them to cool. When moving the jars try not to tilt them to the side as this could affect the seal of the jars. Allow your jars to cool for 12-24 hours before handling.
   • Once cool, remove the canning rings from the jars. Wash your jars off to ensure no food residue on the outside of the jar from processing. Label your jar with the name of the recipe and date. This will help you remember what recipe you used to can and the date will allow you to use the oldest canned goods first.

Following the proper water bath canning or steam canning technique is crucial for food safety.

Storage and Shelf Life

Canned blueberry syrup is shelf-stable and perfect for long-term storage. Here’s what you need to know:

• Storage: Keep the jars in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can degrade the quality.
• Shelf Life: Properly processed syrup can last several years. Once opened, store it in the fridge and use it within a few weeks.

Creative Uses for Homemade Blueberry Syrup

Homemade blueberry syrup isn’t just delicious—it’s incredibly versatile, too. From brightening up breakfast to creating irresistible desserts, this syrup adds a burst of sweet, fruity flavor to countless dishes.

Breakfast Enhancer

Is there anything better than a drizzle of blueberry syrup over your favorite breakfast? It turns ordinary mornings into something special.

• Pancakes and Waffles: Blueberry syrup brings pancakes and waffles to life with bold, fruity flavor. Skip the store-bought maple and try it as a tasty twist.
• Yogurt Parfaits: Stir a spoonful into plain yogurt, or layer it with granola and fresh fruit for a vibrant breakfast parfait.
• Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat: A drizzle of syrup turns hearty grains into a sweet treat without extra effort.

However you use it, this syrup is the perfect way to start your day on a sweet note.

Dessert Additions

Blueberry syrup isn’t just for breakfast. It’s also an ideal complement to a variety of desserts.

• Ice Cream Topping: Simply pour it over your favorite vanilla ice cream. The pairing is a crowd-pleaser.
• Cheesecakes and Pies: Add syrup as a topping or incorporate it into your dessert recipes for fruity richness.
• Cake Layers: Brush it between cake layers to keep them moist and add fruity depth to your bake.

Drink Mix-Ins

Take beverage-making up a notch by including your blueberry syrup. Its sweet, tangy edge improves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

• Cocktails: Blueberry margaritas or mojitos gain a unique spin with this sweet touch.
• Flavored Water or Sodas: Add a splash to seltzer for an easy blueberry sparkling drink.
• Teas and Lemonades: Mix the syrup with iced tea or lemonade to create refreshing, fruity drinks.

Take your blueberry syrup beyond the breakfast table by experimenting with these ideas. Its multifaceted uses make it a pantry staple worth preserving. Homemade blueberry syrup offers the perfect combination of flavor, creativity, and practicality for home food preservers. By canning your own, you control the ingredients, cut costs, and enjoy the satisfaction of making something delicious and shelf-stable.

Additional Blueberry Recipes:

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