Blueberry Lavender Jam

I first encountered lavender jam at a small café in Provence during a summer trip, and I was immediately captivated by how sophisticated something so simple could taste. When I returned home, I was determined to recreate that experience but with a twist – using blueberries instead of the traditional strawberries. The deep purple hue of blueberries combined with lavender creates this almost magical appearance, like something from a fairy tale. What I love most about this recipe is how it bridges the gap between rustic and refined. You're essentially making old-fashioned jam, but the lavender elevates it into something you'd expect to find in a boutique food shop. The honey adds another layer of complexity – it's not just sweet, it brings this warm, floral depth that complements both the berries and lavender. When you're stirring the pot and watching the berries break down and release their juices, mixing with the sugar and honey, there's something deeply satisfying about the transformation. The lavender steeps in the hot mixture, releasing its essential oils slowly and gently. You control the intensity – steep it longer for more floral notes, shorter for just a hint. It's incredibly forgiving and adaptable to your taste preferences.

Why I love this recipe

What makes me absolutely love this recipe is how it transforms simple, accessible ingredients into something that feels luxurious and special. There's an alchemy that happens when blueberries meet lavender – two ingredients that shouldn't necessarily work together but create this harmonious, sophisticated flavor that surprises everyone who tries it. I love that it's fancy enough to gift to someone with refined tastes, but easy enough that even beginners can nail it on their first try. The recipe taught me that you don't need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create something memorable – you just need good quality basics and a willingness to experiment with unexpected combinations. Every time I make this jam, I feel like I'm creating something truly artisanal. Unlike store-bought jams loaded with pectin and preservatives, this is pure fruit, natural sweeteners, and flowers. I love knowing exactly what's in my food. The consistency is perfect – not too thick, not too runny, with those gorgeous whole blueberries suspended throughout. And the color! That deep, jewel-toned purple is absolutely stunning in glass jars. But honestly, what I love most is sharing it with people and watching their faces when they taste it for the first time – that moment of surprise and delight when the lavender hits their palate never gets old.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Fresh Blueberries: Rinse thoroughly and remove any stems or damaged berries for the base of the jam
• Granulated Sugar: Measure accurately as it helps the jam set and preserves the fruit
• Honey: Use a good quality honey for depth of flavor and natural sweetness
• Dried Culinary Lavender: Place in cheesecloth or tea infuser for easy removal after infusing
• Fresh Lemons: Zest before juicing, and use both for pectin and brightness

Let's Make These Together

Prepare Your Berries and Aromatics

Start by giving your blueberries a good rinse and picking through them to remove any squished or moldy ones. Zest your lemon first using a microplane or fine grater, being careful to only get the yellow part and not the bitter white pith. Then juice the lemons and set both aside. Bundle your lavender in cheesecloth tied with kitchen string, or place it in a tea infuser – this makes it super easy to fish out later without leaving little flower bits throughout your jam.

Create the Berry Base

In your largest heavy-bottomed pot, combine those beautiful blueberries with the sugar and lemon juice. Give it a good stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes – during this time, the sugar will start pulling moisture from the berries, creating a syrupy base. This maceration step is key for developing flavor and ensuring everything cooks evenly. You'll see the berries start to glisten and the sugar begin to dissolve.

Simmer to Perfection

Turn your heat to medium and bring the berry mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking. Once it's bubbling nicely, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the honey, lemon zest, and your lavender bundle. The honey will melt right in, adding its golden sweetness. Now comes the therapeutic part – let this simmer for about 25-30 minutes, stirring every few minutes. As you stir, use your spoon to gently press some berries against the side of the pot to break them down, but leave plenty whole for that gorgeous chunky texture. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible during this stage.

Test and Finish Strong

After about 25 minutes, it's time to test your jam's consistency. Grab that plate you chilled in the freezer earlier and drop a small spoonful of jam on it. Wait 30 seconds, then run your finger through the middle – if it wrinkles and the two sides don't immediately run back together, you're golden! If it's still runny, cook for another 5 minutes and test again. Once it passes the test, remove that lavender bundle (it's done its job beautifully) and carefully ladle your gorgeous purple jam into those sterilized jars. Seal them up, let them cool, and prepare for the sweet sound of lids popping as they seal.

pin it

Switch Things Up

I'll never forget the first time I made this jam on a lazy Sunday morning. I had a basket of blueberries from the farmers market that needed using, and I'd been curious about cooking with lavender for ages. The smell that filled my kitchen as it simmered was absolutely incredible – my neighbor actually knocked on the door asking what I was making! I was nervous about the lavender being too perfume-y, but when I tasted the first spoonful, I literally did a happy dance. The floral notes were subtle and elegant, not soapy at all. I ended up making three more batches that week and giving jars to friends. Now it's become my signature gift, and people actually request it. There's something magical about opening a jar in the middle of winter and getting hit with those summery blueberry-lavender vibes.

Perfect Pairings

This jam pairs beautifully with so many things! Spread it on buttery croissants or flaky scones for an elegant breakfast. It's absolutely divine with creamy cheeses – try it with brie, goat cheese, or mascarpone on a cheese board. Swirl it into Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream for a sophisticated dessert. It also makes an incredible glaze for roasted chicken or pork tenderloin – just warm it slightly and brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking. For a special treat, use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies or layer it in a Victoria sponge cake. The floral notes also complement Earl Grey tea beautifully, so consider stirring a spoonful into your afternoon tea.

pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work great for jam making. In fact, because they're flash-frozen at peak ripeness, they can sometimes be even more flavorful than out-of-season fresh berries. Just add them to the pot frozen – no need to thaw first. You may need to cook the mixture for an extra 5-10 minutes since the frozen berries will release more liquid initially.

→ My jam didn't set properly – can I fix it?

Yes! If your jam is too runny after cooling, you can re-cook it. Pour it back into your pot, add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and boil it for another 5-10 minutes. The additional lemon juice provides more natural pectin, which helps with setting. Alternatively, you can add commercial pectin following the package instructions. Some people actually prefer a looser, more syrupy jam – it's wonderful for drizzling!

→ How strong will the lavender flavor be?

The lavender in this recipe provides a subtle, sophisticated floral note rather than an overpowering perfume-y taste. The 2 tablespoons called for create a gentle background flavor that complements rather than dominates the blueberries. If you're nervous about lavender, start with 1 tablespoon and taste the jam before the final 5 minutes of cooking – you can always add more lavender and steep longer if you want a stronger floral note.

→ Do I need to process the jars in a water bath?

For long-term shelf storage (6+ months), yes, you should process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. However, if you plan to eat the jam within a few weeks and will store it in the refrigerator, or if you're giving it as gifts that will be consumed soon, simply filling sterilized jars with hot jam and letting them seal naturally is fine. Just make sure everything is properly sterilized to prevent contamination.

→ Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar isn't just for sweetness – it's crucial for preservation and helps the jam set properly. I wouldn't recommend reducing it by more than 1/4 cup. The honey already provides natural sweetness and reduces the need for excessive sugar compared to traditional jam recipes. If you want less sweetness overall, your best bet is to use the jam more sparingly or pair it with unsweetened foods.

→ What's the best way to sterilize jars?

The easiest method is to run your jars and lids through a hot dishwasher cycle, timing it so they're still hot when you're ready to fill them. Alternatively, place clean jars in a large pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, and boil for 10 minutes. Keep them in the hot water until you're ready to fill them. For lids, place them in a small pot of simmering (not boiling) water for a few minutes. Using sterile, hot jars helps create that perfect vacuum seal.

Conclusion

This Blueberry and Lavender Jam is more than just a spread – it's an experience. The floral notes elevate humble blueberries into something truly sophisticated, while the honey adds natural sweetness and complexity. Whether you're enjoying it on your morning toast or gifting jars to loved ones, this jam brings a touch of elegance to everyday moments. The recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring just a handful of quality ingredients and about an hour of your time. Store it properly and you'll have jars of homemade luxury ready whenever you need a little something special.