We can’t get enough of the sweet juicy flavor of fresh blueberries so canning our own pie filling is a must. We love how this simple process lets us capture the taste of ripe berries at their prime. It’s our favorite way to ensure we have a slice of summer anytime.
With a jar of homemade filling on hand we can transform pies pastries or simple parfaits into flavorful treats. We feel confident knowing we’ve packed real ingredients without unwanted additives. We’ll walk you through simple steps that keep the fruit’s vibrant color and taste. Let’s embrace canning and savor blueberry bliss.
Tools And Equipment
We prepare a water bath canner. This large pot helps us process our blueberry pie filling at a safe temperature. We also gather a canning rack that fits inside the canner. This rack keeps jars elevated for even water circulation.
Below is a quick reference table of the essential tools we need:
| Tool | Key Use |
|---|---|
| Water Bath Canner | Ensures jars reach safe canning temperature |
| Canning Rack | Holds jars off the bottom of the canner |
| Sterilized Canning Jars | Provides airtight storage for the filling |
| Lids And Bands | Seals jars and maintains freshness |
| Jar Lifter | Lifts hot jars in and out of the water bath |
| Wide-Mouth Funnel | Guides filling into jars with minimal mess |
| Bubble Remover Or Spatula | Eliminates trapped air pockets inside jars |
| Kitchen Towels | Cushions hot jars and prevents temperature shock |
| Timer Or Clock | Tracks processing times with accuracy |
Before we begin we check all jars for damage. We discard any that have cracks or chips. We wash jars and lids in warm soapy water and then rinse them thoroughly. We can also sanitize our jars using the dishwasher’s sterilize setting. Next we fill the water bath canner about halfway with water and set it to heat. We place the canning rack inside. Hot jars reduce the chance of thermal shock when we add our blueberry pie filling.
We keep our canning station organized. We line up jars lids and tools on a clean countertop. This makes it easier to work quickly once we have cooked our filling. We use a jar lifter to avoid contact with boiling water. This reduces the risk of burns and improves efficiency.
Ingredients
We keep our ingredient list refined to highlight the sweet flavor of fresh blueberries. Below is what we need to gather for our canning process.
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Fresh blueberries | 8 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 3/4 cups |
| ClearJel (cook-type) | 3/4 cup |
| Water | 3 1/2 cups |
| Lemon juice | 3 tbsp |
| Lemon zest | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
Optional Add-Ins
We sometimes include a dusting of ground cinnamon or a few drops of pure vanilla extract. These additions infuse subtle warmth and aromatic sweetness into our blueberry pie filling.
Prep Steps
We want to ensure our station is neat so every jar of blueberry pie filling stays pure. These steps help us get organized before canning.
Cleaning And Sorting Blueberries
We place fresh blueberries in a colander and rinse them under cool running water. We remove leaves, stems, or damaged berries. We pat them dry with kitchen towels to prevent excess moisture. We measure them afterward so we have the right amount for our recipe.
Recommended Times:
| Task | Duration |
|---|---|
| Rinsing Blueberries | 2 minutes |
| Inspecting For Debris | 1 minute |
Sterilizing Jars
We submerge sterilized jars in hot water to keep them warm. We place lids and rings in a separate pan of hot water but never boil them. It is vital to “handle hot jars with care” so we avoid temperature shock. We arrange jars, lids, and any tools within easy reach for smooth filling.
Cooking Instructions
We are ready to transform our fresh blueberries into a vibrant pie filling. Let us walk through each step with care.
Making The Filling
- Measure water, granulated sugar, salt, and ClearJel into a large stockpot. Whisk until there are no lumps.
- Place the pot on medium heat and stir gently until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Add lemon juice and lemon zest to brighten the flavor. Stir until incorporated.
- Sprinkle in optional add-ins like ground cinnamon or pure vanilla extract if desired.
- Fold in fresh blueberries. Simmer until the berries soften but still retain their shape.
| Step | Action | Time or Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mix water, sugar, salt, and ClearJel | 1 minute of whisking |
| 2 | Thicken over medium heat | 3 to 5 minutes |
| 3 | Add lemon juice and zest | Stir until blended |
| 4 | Incorporate optional add-ins | 1 minute of mixing |
| 5 | Fold in berries | Simmer 5 to 7 minutes |
Filling The Jars
- Use a wide-mouth funnel to guide the hot filling into hot jars. Leave about 1 inch of headspace at the top.
- Run a bubble remover around the inside edges to release any trapped air.
- Wipe the rims with a clean towel to ensure a secure seal and place lids on top.
- Tighten rings until they are fingertip snug without forcing them.
Canning Process
Embark on canning our blueberry pie filling with care and precision. Follow these steps for a dependable seal and safe long-term storage.
Sealing The Jars
Once our jars are filled with the blueberry pie filling we wipe the rims with a clean cloth. We place the lids on top and secure the bands until snug. We position the filled jars in a water bath canner with a canning rack at the bottom so the jars do not rest directly on the canner base. We ensure the jars are fully submerged by at least 1 inch of water. We bring the water to a rolling boil and process the jars according to altitude guidelines shown below.
| Altitude (ft) | Processing Time (min) |
|---|---|
| 0 to 1000 | 15 |
| 1001 to 3000 | 20 |
| 3001 to 6000 | 25 |
| Above 6000 | 30 |
Cooling And Storing
When the processing time is complete we switch off the heat and carefully lift the jars out of the canner. We set them on a thick kitchen towel in a draft free spot. We leave them undisturbed for 24 hours so the lids can seal properly. We check the lids by pressing down in the center to confirm a secure seal. We label each jar with the date to track freshness and we store them in a cool pantry for up to one year.
Serving Suggestions
We love to take our canned blueberry pie filling and transform it into mouthwatering treats. We spread the filling on warm pastries or swirl it into yogurt bowls for a quick boost of fruity flavor. We top our cheesecakes pancakes or waffles with a generous spoonful for a delightful finish. We also heat a portion of the filling and drizzle it over ice cream for a decadent sundae.
| Dish | Serving Tip |
|---|---|
| Blueberry Pie | Fill a prebaked crust and top with lattice strips if desired Bake until bubbling and golden |
| Cheesecake Slices | Spread a thick layer of the filling over cooled cheesecake for a balanced sweet-tangy contrast |
| Pastry Fillings | Spoon the filling into pastries like hand pies or turnovers for an easy grab-and-go dessert |
| Ice Cream Sundaes | Warm the filling on the stovetop then drizzle it over vanilla ice cream for a fruity twist |
| Yogurt Oatmeal Bowls | Swirl a tablespoon of our blueberry filling into creamy yogurt or hot oatmeal for bold flavor |
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve embraced canning because it extends the joy of summer far beyond the sunny months. There’s something special about hearing that tiny pop when jars seal tight and knowing we’ve preserved every ounce of flavor
We love how a well stocked pantry means quick homemade desserts whenever inspiration strikes. It’s a simple act that keeps us connected to the seasons and reminds us we’re capable of creating delicious moments all our own
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is canning homemade blueberry pie filling worth it?
Canning preserves the sweet taste of fresh blueberries, letting you enjoy the fruit all year. By sealing it in jars, you capture its flavor without artificial additives. Plus, it’s a convenient pantry staple that’s ready to go whenever you’re craving a dessert topping or pie filling. It’s all about preserving summer’s bounty.
What equipment do I need for successful canning?
Gather a water bath canner, canning rack, sterilized jars with lids, a jar lifter, a wide-mouth funnel, a bubble remover, a timer, and kitchen towels. These tools help you safely handle hot jars, maintain cleanliness, and ensure a tight seal. Having all equipment ready makes canning faster and easier.
How do I sterilize my jars properly?
First, inspect jars for cracks. Then, wash them with hot soapy water. Submerge them in your canner or a separate pot of hot water for at least 10 minutes. Keep lids and rings in a smaller pan of warm water. This kills bacteria and provides a sanitized surface for safe canning.
Why should I use ClearJel for the filling?
ClearJel (cook-type) is designed for canning and maintains a smooth, stable texture when heated. Regular thickeners, like cornstarch, can clump or break down when processed. ClearJel ensures your blueberry pie filling stays thick and glossy, even after the high temperatures of the water bath canning process.
How long does canned blueberry pie filling last?
When sealed properly and stored in a cool, dry place, canned blueberry pie filling can retain its quality for up to one year. Always label jars with the date and check the seal before using. If the lid is intact and the contents look and smell fresh, it’s typically safe to enjoy.
How can I serve my canned blueberry pie filling?
Use it as a classic pie filling or try spreading it over cheesecakes, pancakes, and waffles. It also makes a tasty swirl-in for yogurt or oatmeal. You can drizzle it on ice cream for a quick sundae or bake it into hand pies. The possibilities are endless for a sweet blueberry boost.