Canning Blueberry Pie Filling: A Delicious and Convenient Treat
Have you ever craved warm, homemade blueberry pie but were met with the daunting task of making the filling from scratch? Fear no more! With the magic of canning, you can create a pantry staple of delicious blueberry pie filling that will have you singing with joy every time you whip up a pie.
Why Can Blueberry Pie Filling?
- Convenience: Imagine having fresh, homemade pie filling at your fingertips, ready to be used whenever the pie craving strikes. No more last-minute trips to the store or hours spent making the filling from scratch.
- Freshness: Canning allows you to preserve the peak flavor and freshness of blueberries, ensuring that your pie filling tastes just like the summer berries.
- Gifting: Jarred pie filling makes a wonderful, homemade gift for friends and family. It's a thoughtful and delicious way to share your love of baking.
Essential Ingredients for Canning Blueberry Pie Filling
Before we delve into the recipe, gather your ingredients:
- Blueberries: Fresh, ripe blueberries are the star of the show. Choose blueberries that are firm and plump, free from bruises or mold.
- Sugar: White granulated sugar is the traditional sweetener for blueberry pie filling. You can experiment with other sugars like brown sugar or maple syrup, but adjust the amount based on your preferences.
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a touch of tanginess and helps to preserve the vibrant color of the blueberries.
- Thickening agent: You can choose between cornstarch, tapioca starch, or a combination of both. These ingredients will help thicken the filling and create a luscious texture.
Simple Canning Blueberry Pie Filling Recipe
Yields: About 6 pint jars Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 cups fresh blueberries
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch (or 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons tapioca starch)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the jars: Wash and sterilize pint jars and lids.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch (or mixture).
3. Bring to a boil: Stir over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Pack into jars: Ladle the hot filling into the prepared jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
5. Process in a water bath: Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth. Seal with lids and rings. Place jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
6. Cool and store: Remove jars from the water bath and let cool completely. Once cool, check the seals and store in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Success:
- Use ripe blueberries: The riper the blueberries, the sweeter the pie filling will be.
- Don't overcook: Simmering the filling for too long can make it overly thick and syrupy.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup.
- Use a reliable canning recipe: Always follow a tested recipe and be sure to adjust the processing time based on your altitude.
Enjoy your canned blueberry pie filling!
With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the sweet and tangy taste of fresh blueberries in your pies, crumbles, or other baked goods whenever the urge strikes. So go ahead, fill your pantry with the deliciousness of homemade canned blueberry pie filling!
