These quick pickled blueberries turn fresh blueberries in to a sweet and tangy treat – perfect with goat cheese as an appetizer or as a condiment with meat or fish.
This one may not be for everyone, but I made up a batch this past week and I really loved it. So I thought I’d share the recipe here, for anyone who might like to try something a little different.
I feared though, that there is something about the name “Pickled Blueberries” that is maybe just a little off-putting. And I certainly wouldn’t want to off-put anyone, because this stuff is delicious! So we’ll just call it Blueberries with a Bite, so that you can convince other people to try it too. Ok?
Yes, technically this is a quick, pickled blueberry compote. But there are spices. And sugar, too. It’s all good, and if you put some on top of crostini with a slather of goat cheese, I’m sure you’ll agree it’s delicious, too.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Blueberries – you can use regular cultivated blueberries or splurge on some tiny wild blueberries, for a real treat!
Allspice Berries – allspice berries are easy to find in small quantities at bulk food stores, such as Bulk Barn in Canada. If you can’t find them, a rule of thumb is to use 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice to replace the 6 whole allspice berries
Whole Cloves – again, these are easily found at bulk food stores. If you can’t find whole cloves, you can substitute 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves for the whole cloves. (Adjust to taste).
Recipe Tips
This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups of finished blueberries. It’s a nice amount for keeping a jar for yourself and to have another to share with someone. You can easily halve the recipe though, if you’d like to make a smaller batch just to try it out.
Pickled blueberries can be canned/put up as well, following standard canning practices. I prefer just to make a small batch and use it over the short term. It will keep well in the fridge for a couple of weeks.
How to Use Your Quick Pickled Blueberries
Quick pickled blueberries are the perfect addition to your charcuterie board. They are perfect on crostini with goat cheese or aged cheddar.
If you’re adventurous, try some on a grilled cheese with a great old cheddar. A spoonful on top of grilled salmon is sure to be lovely, too.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Blueberries
Ingredients
- 1 5-inch long cinnamon stick, or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 whole cloves, or 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 whole allspice berries, or 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 3/4 cup red or white wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 lb fresh blueberries, 4 cups/1 qt.
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
Instructions
- In a large non-reactive/non-aluminum heavy-bottomed pot (Dutch Oven size, as the mixture will bubble up considerably later on!), add vinegar and the spiced. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and then continue to simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove pot from heat and let it sit for about 30 minutes, with the spices still in the vinegar.
- Wash and pick over blueberries. Remove whole spices from the vinegar and discard. Stir blueberries and the white and brown sugars in to the vinegar. Return pot to stove and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Avoid stirring to aggressively to avoid crushing the blueberries. Once it comes to a boil, allow to boil undisturbed for about 5 minutes until thickened (you can swirl the pan a bit if you like to mix, but avoid stirring). Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
- Using a slotted spoon (to allow the juice to drain off), spoon blueberries in to a jar. You should have brought a bit of liquid with each spoonful, but if not, you can add a bit of the left-over juice to the jar. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours before using. Will keep refrigerated for a couple of weeks or you can preserve using standing canning practices.
More Blueberry Recipes to Love!
Hi! I’m Jennifer, a home cook schooled by trial and error and almost 40 years of getting dinner on the table! I love to share my favourite recipes, both old and new, together with lots of tips and tricks to hopefully help make your home cooking enjoyable, stress free, rewarding and of course, delicious!
They are giving away blueberries this week at our local grocer store. I wanted to make a jam. I will try this one.
Enjoy Pat!
Will pickled berries work without sugar? I don’t consume any sugar
Hi Brigitte, while sugar is not necessary for the pickling process, it is necessary to balance the sourness of the vinegar. As such, you may be able to use a sugar substitute, but I have no guidance to offer on which one or how much to use.
Great tasting! Will tell you I had to cheat and use some of our wild frozen berries. Worked out fine.
Glad to hear! Thanks so much :)
I love anything blueberry. Need to try this soon! BTW I am obsessed with your ceramic platter with the writing on it. May I ask where you got that?
Thanks Pamela. Isn’t that a pretty platter? I got it as a gift from my sister, probably 5 or 6 years ago, but I’ll ask her and see if she can remember where she found it :)
Thanks Jennifer! I just found your blog. It’s amazing. Your photos are beautiful and your food looks even better!
Thanks so much, Pamela. I appreciate it :)
This seems like the perfect appetizer for my dinner party later this month! Something summery, but different. I think it will be a hit :)
I think so too, Sophie. It was great with goat cheese and a nice old white cheddar. I garnished with a few fresh thyme leaves.
I am 100% intrigued by these blueberries!! The tartest blueberries in the pack are my faves so I’m thinking pickled blueberries may be right up my alley. A++ for creativity!
Thanks Katie. I loved them and sounds like you would too :)
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I’ve never tried pickled blueberries but now I’m intrigued. What a wonderful appetizer idea!
Thanks Laura. I was intrigued, too!
Fantastic! I absolutely LOVE this idea! Thanks!
Thanks Gail. I loved it!
This looks delicious! I love tangy-sweet combinations. I bet this is fantastic paired with goat cheese! I think I may try it overtop plain greek yogurt too :-)
Yum – this looks and sounds so good Jennifer! I can’t wait to try it out! I love putting fruit spreads on sandwiches.
Thanks so much, Liz. I think this would be great on a sandwich!