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Best Wild Huckleberry Jam Recipe with Vanilla Bean

wild huckleberry jam - featured image

A small batch wild huckleberry jam recipe with vanilla bean that balances tartness and sweetness perfectly, ideal for homemade preserves with a subtle vanilla warmth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 300 grams) wild huckleberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 whole vanilla bean pod, split lengthwise
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water

Instructions

  1. Rinse the vanilla bean pod under cool water, pat dry, then split it lengthwise with a sharp knife. Scrape out the tiny black seeds and set both seeds and pod aside.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add 2 cups (300 grams) of wild huckleberries and 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water. Warm over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until berries soften and release juices.
  3. Stir in 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice. Add the vanilla bean pod and scraped seeds to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  4. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning. Simmer for about 15 minutes until jam thickens and vanilla seeds speckle throughout.
  5. After 20-25 minutes, test jam thickness by placing a small spoonful on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it is ready; if not, continue simmering and test every few minutes.
  6. Remove the vanilla bean pod and carefully ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) headspace.
  7. Wipe jar rims clean, seal tightly, and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Jam will thicken further as it cools.

Notes

Stir often to prevent seeds from settling and burning. Use low to medium heat to avoid scorching. Test jam set with chilled plate. Remove vanilla pod before jarring. Let jam sit for a day or two to deepen vanilla flavor. Refrigerate after opening and consume within 3 weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: wild huckleberry jam, vanilla bean jam, small batch jam, homemade preserves, berry jam, easy jam recipe