Blueberry syrup is a sweet, thick liquid made from blueberries that can be used as a topping or ingredient in a variety of foods and beverages. Understanding what blueberry syrup contains and how it’s made can help you determine if and when to use it.
The Main Ingredients in Blueberry Syrup
There are just a few main ingredients that go into making blueberry syrup:
- Blueberries – Fresh or frozen blueberries are cooked down to make the base of the syrup.
- Sugar – Granulated white sugar or other sweeteners are added to sweeten the blueberry puree.
- Water – Some amount of water is used to thin out the syrup to the right consistency.
- Lemon juice – A small amount of lemon juice is sometimes added to balance out the sweetness.
That’s it! The key components are blueberries and sugar, with just a bit of water and possibly lemon juice to round out the flavored syrup.
Step-By-Step Process for Making Blueberry Syrup
Making blueberry syrup at home is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the basic steps:
- Wash and pick through fresh blueberries, removing any stems, leaves, or mushy berries.
- Add the blueberries and a small amount of water to a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, mashing the berries lightly with a spoon or potato masher.
- Once the berries have broken down into a chunky puree, add the sugar. The amount will vary based on how sweet you want the syrup. Start with 1⁄2 to 1 cup of sugar per 2 cups of blueberry puree.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, until the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Optional: Add lemon juice to taste, starting with 1-2 teaspoons per 2 cups of puree. The acidity balances out the sweetness.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Pour through a mesh strainer to remove seeds and skin.
- Store cooled blueberry syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
The process concentrates down the natural flavors of fresh blueberries into a versatile syrup. Canning the blueberry syrup in mason jars allows for longer term storage outside of the refrigerator.
Variations in Blueberry Syrup Recipes
While the core ingredients remain the same, blueberry syrup recipes can vary in a few ways:
- Sugar amount – Some recipes use less sugar for a tangier syrup or replace some sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- Spices and herbs – Warm spices like cinnamon or ginger are sometimes added, or herbs like lemon thyme or lavender.
- Fruit additions – Lemon, lime, or orange zest or juice are common fruity additions.
- Liquid – Water, fruit juice, or even wine or liquor can be used to thin out the cooked berry puree.
Feel free to experiment with different flavor profiles by tweaking the supplemental ingredients.
Nutrition Information for Blueberry Syrup
Since blueberry syrup contains a high concentration of fruit and added sugar, its nutrition profile looks something like this per 2 tablespoon serving:
- Calories: 60
- Total carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugars: 13g
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin C: 2% DV
- Calcium: 0% DV
- Iron: 0% DV
The main nutrients in the blueberry syrup come from the blueberries, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. However, the high sugar content means it should be enjoyed in moderation.
Uses for Blueberry Syrup
Once made, blueberry syrup can be used in both sweet and savory applications. Some popular ways to use blueberry syrup include:
- Pancake or waffle topping
- Ingredient in fruit smoothies
- Sweetener for yogurt, oatmeal, or cereal
- French toast or crepe filling
- Glaze or drizzle for cakes and muffins
- Mixed into or drizzled over ice cream
- Swirled into cottage cheese or ricotta
- Component of salad dressings and barbecue sauces
- Drizzled over pork, chicken, or fish dishes
- Mixed into cocktails like lemonade or champagne
The possibilities are endless! The concentrated sweet-tart blueberry flavor works well in both sweet baked goods and as a unique addition to savory dishes. Try using just a drizzle or dollop to start.
Storing and Shelf Life of Blueberry Syrup
Like most fruit syrups, blueberry syrup is best stored in the refrigerator after opening. Properly stored, it will keep for:
- Room temperature: 1-2 weeks
- Refrigerator: 4-6 weeks
- Freezer: 6-12 months
Make sure blueberry syrup is in an airtight container when storing. Look for any mold development before using. For longer shelf life, consider canning blueberry syrup using proper food preservation methods.
Is Blueberry Syrup Gluten Free?
Plain blueberry syrup made with just blueberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice contains no gluten ingredients. So yes, basic homemade blueberry syrup is considered gluten free.
However, some pre-made commercial brands may contain barley malt, wheat flour, or other gluten sources. Check the label closely if avoiding gluten.
Buying Pre-Made vs. Making Your Own
You can buy pre-made blueberry syrup from grocery stores, farmers markets, or online. Making your own does take more effort, but has some advantages:
- Control over ingredients – tailor sugar amount, flavors, etc.
- Fresher taste using seasonal berries
- Lower cost than specialty brands
- Can make larger batches to last
Commercial brands offer convenience, but check the label for unwanted additives. Try making a small batch from scratch to see if you prefer the homemade flavor.
Blueberry Syrup vs. Blueberry Jam vs. Blueberry Preserves
Blueberry syrup differs from close products like blueberry jam and preserves in a few ways:
| Blueberry Syrup | Blueberry Jam | Blueberry Preserves | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Blueberries, sugar, water, lemon juice | Crushed blueberries, sugar, pectin | Whole blueberries, sugar, pectin, lemon juice |
| Texture | Liquid syrup, pourable | Spreadable gel | Thicker spread with whole berries |
| Uses | Topping, drizzling, mixing in | Toast spreads, peanut butter sandwiches | Scones, biscuits, oatmeal |
Blueberry syrup tends to be more versatile as a topping or mix-in ingredient due to its fluid texture. Jam and preserves have a thicker spreadable consistency best suited to smothering on breads.
Is Blueberry Syrup Good for You?
Blueberry syrup does contain some beneficial nutrients from the blueberries, but it is high in natural and added sugars.
Potential benefits:
- Antioxidants from blueberries
- Vitamin C
- Manganese
- Fiber (if seeds included)
Drawbacks:
- High in calories and carbs from sugar
- High glycemic index
- Limited protein, vitamins, minerals
- Low satiety factor may promote overeating
Enjoy blueberry syrup occasionally as part of an overall healthy diet, but don’t rely on it too heavily as a daily food. The concentrated sugars mean it’s ideal for use as a topping or mix-in rather than eating spoonfuls straight.
Is Blueberry Syrup Keto-Friendly?
Blueberry syrup is generally not considered keto-friendly due to its high sugar content. Most ketogenic diet plans strictly limit sugars and carbohydrates. A 2 tablespoon serving of blueberry syrup may contain around 15g total carbs and 13g sugar.
However, you may be able to incorporate small amounts of blueberry syrup into a keto eating pattern by accounting for the carb content and limiting your other carb sources during the day. Some keto followers use a very sparing drizzle of blueberry syrup to flavor foods.
Look for low-sugar blueberry syrup alternatives or make your own lower sugar version using non-nutritive sweeteners if you want a more keto-friendly choice.
Conclusion
Blueberry syrup is an easy way to add sweet berry flavor to a variety of foods and drinks. At its core, it contains blueberry puree, sugar, and a bit of water and lemon juice. The preparation process is straightforward by simmering down fresh blueberries into a concentrated, viscous syrup.
Store blueberry syrup in the refrigerator and use within 4-6 weeks for the best flavor. Try drizzling it over waffles, swirling into yogurt, or even glazing chicken or fish dishes. While it provides some nutrition from the berries, blueberry syrup is high in natural and added sugars, so enjoy in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
