Eating jam for breakfast, whether with bread, toast, or paratha, is loved by both children and adults. However, store-bought canned jams often contain large amounts of refined sugar, artificial colors, chemical preservatives, and flavorings, which is extremely harmful to health. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid such additives and prepare 100% pure, hygienic, and tasty blueberry jam using fresh or frozen blueberries.
Blueberries are considered a superfood, rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help strengthen immunity in children and improve brain function. Making perfect and thick jam at home, without using pectin or chemical additives, is very simple.
The following ingredients will be needed: 2 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries; 3/4 cup of sugar (or Mishri/Desi Khand powder); 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice (which acts as a natural preservative and source of pectin); 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon powder (optional, for a pleasant aroma).
First, thoroughly wash the fresh blueberries 2-3 times with clean water, and then drain them in a colander. Next, place the washed blueberries, sugar, and fresh lemon juice in a heavy pot or skillet.
Place the cookware on the stove over medium heat. The sugar will gradually melt, and the blueberries will begin to release juice. It is important to stir the mixture constantly with a spoon. When the blueberries become slightly soft, gently mash them with a masher or spatula to give the jam a pleasant texture with pieces.
Reduce the heat to low or medium and cook the mixture for 10-12 minutes until it thickens and develops a glossy appearance. If you are using cinnamon powder, add it at this stage. To check the readiness of the jam, drop a small amount onto a cold plate and tilt it slightly: if the drop does not spread but holds its shape, the jam is ready.
After that, turn off the heat and let the jam cool completely. It will become even thicker upon cooling. Store the finished jam in dry, sterilized glass jars in the refrigerator, and it will remain fresh for 2-3 months.