Blueberry Pie Filling Canning Recipe: Enjoy Summer's Taste All Year Round
Summer is synonymous with juicy, plump blueberries, and what better way to capture their vibrant flavor than by canning homemade blueberry pie filling? This simple recipe allows you to enjoy the delicious taste of summer pie year-round, even when the berries are long gone.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 5 cups fresh blueberries (about 2 pounds)
- 3 cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Jars: Sterilize your jars and lids in boiling water for 10 minutes. This ensures a safe and airtight seal for your pie filling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large pot, combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and spices (if using).
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the blueberries have softened and released their juices.
- Pack the Jars: Using a ladle or funnel, carefully fill the hot sterilized jars with the hot blueberry mixture, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace.
- Remove Air Bubbles: Use a clean utensil to remove any air bubbles trapped in the jars.
- Wipe Rims: Clean the jar rims with a damp cloth to ensure a clean seal.
- Add Lids and Process: Place the lids on the jars and screw on the rings until they are fingertip tight. Place the jars in a boiling water bath canner (follow manufacturer's instructions for processing time), making sure the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars.
- Process: Process the filled jars for 20 minutes.
- Cool and Store: Once processing is complete, carefully remove jars from the canner and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. You should hear a "pop" sound as the jars seal. Store your sealed blueberry pie filling in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Tips for Perfect Results:
- Choose Ripe Berries: Use fresh, ripe blueberries for the best flavor and color.
- Adjust Sugar: The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on your preference. If you like a sweeter filling, use 3 ½ cups of sugar.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the berries.
- Label and Date: Label your jars with the date of canning for easy tracking.
Enjoy!
Now that you have your delicious canned blueberry pie filling, get ready to enjoy it all year long! Use it to make classic blueberry pies, crumbles, muffins, or even as a tasty topping for ice cream or yogurt.
