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This blueberry ketchup recipe adds a burst of tangy flavor to any burger you can dream of and is perfect for any time of the year, especially during a summer barbecue. Blueberry ketchup is unique, tasty, and very easy to make with pantry ingredients like brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper, which together add a sweet and tangy twist to this homemade blueberry ketchup!
Part of our Blueberry Season Recipe Collection - discover more ways to celebrate summer's sweetest berry below!
🍯 Honey Spotlight: Mixed Berry Honey (11oz)
Our Mixed Berry Honey is the secret to this recipe's incredible depth of flavor. Created from the nectar of strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry blossoms, this honey adds jammy sweetness that perfectly complements fresh blueberries while balancing the tangy vinegar.
Why Mixed Berry Honey works so well: The natural berry notes create a harmonious flavor bridge between the blueberries and other ingredients, while its sweet, jammy profile mimics the complexity of a fine fruit preserve.
Alternative Options:
- Blueberry Honey for pure blueberry intensity
- Wildflower Honey for a more traditional, balanced sweetness
- Ukrainian Sunflower Honey for sweet, creamy undertones that enhance grilled foods
Have you been wondering where ketchup was born? So I asked Google where ketchup came from and, surprisingly, it came from China. Traders brought fish sauce from Vietnam to southeastern China, which then became popularized by the British. The British likely encountered the "ketchup" in Southeast Asia, returned home, and tried to replicate the dark fermented sauce sometime around the 18th century.
I digress. It's currently blueberry season on the farm, and we've been in search of every way to use the fresh berries. This homemade blueberry ketchup recipe is the perfect fit alongside our dairy-free blueberry ice cream and blueberry muffins for a complete blueberry kitchen collection.
If it just so happens that you find this blueberry ketchup recipe in the middle of winter, use frozen blueberries if fresh blueberries aren't available.
What is Blueberry Ketchup?
Blueberry ketchup is a unique and delicious variation of traditional tomato-based ketchup. It's made with fresh blueberries, spices, and our Eastern Shore honey, giving it a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile. Unlike traditional ketchup, blueberry ketchup is perfect for those looking for a fruit-based alternative that's free from high fructose corn syrup and artificial preservatives.
Why You'll Love This Homemade Blueberry Ketchup Recipe
- It's a unique take on traditional ketchup that delivers amazing blueberry ketchup flavor
- Made with our premium Eastern Shore Honey
- Perfect for burgers, sandwiches, and grilled foods
- A fun way to experiment with fruit-based condiments
- Pairs beautifully with our blueberry BBQ sauce for complete grill mastery
Benefits of Making Homemade Ketchup
Making homemade ketchup allows you to control the amount of sugar and salt, customize flavors to your taste, and create something truly special from scratch. Plus, when you use our raw, minimally filtered honey, you're adding natural enzymes and beneficial properties that processed sweeteners simply can't match.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Blueberries: Remember that fresh berries are best, though frozen works when thawed.
Mixed Berry Honey: Our 11oz Mixed Berry Honey provides the perfect jammy sweetness. The berry blossom origins create incredible flavor harmony with the fresh blueberries.
Minced Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics add essential depth to the overall flavor.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics.
Red Wine Vinegar & Apple Cider Vinegar: Both add the necessary acidity and tang.
Fresh Tomatoes: Roma or San Marzano tomatoes enhance flavor and quality.
Seasonings: Onion powder, kosher salt, pepper, and lime juice for balance.
Artisan Ketchup Base: A quality store-bought ketchup simplifies the process while maintaining exceptional results.
Optional Smoky Elements: Adobo sauce and chipotle pepper for those who enjoy a hint of smokiness.
Brown Sugar: Works alongside honey for complex sweetness.
How to Make Blueberry and Honey Ketchup
Step One: Sauté the aromatics
Add olive oil to a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Finely chop the garlic and ginger, then sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step Two: Add the magic ingredients
Add blueberries, vinegar, Mixed Berry Honey, salt, pepper, lime juice, and artisan ketchup base. Bring to a boil, then use a food processor to blend until smooth.
Step Three: Let it simmer
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until thickened, about 30 minutes. Use an immersion blender for perfectly smooth blueberry ketchup texture.
Step Four: Cool and store
Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. Your homemade blueberry ketchup is now ready to enjoy!
Creative Ways to Use Your Blueberry Ketchup
- Perfect burger topping - especially with our feta turkey burgers
- Glaze for grilled chicken - pairs beautifully with our blueberry BBQ sauce for a complete flavor profile
- Gourmet dipping sauce for sweet potato fries or onion rings
- Marinade base for pork or duck (marinate 3-5 hours for best blueberry ketchup flavor)
- Cheese board accent - try with creamy brie or sharp cheddar
Complete Your Blueberry Season Kitchen
Don't stop here! Create the ultimate blueberry collection with these complementary recipes:
🫐 Dairy-Free Blueberry Ice Cream - Features Blueberry Honey for double blueberry bliss
🫐 Black and Blue Jam - Made with Wildflower Honey for classic preservation
🫐 Blueberry Muffins - Enhanced with our golden, creamy Ukrainian Sunflower Honey
🫐 Blueberry BBQ Sauce - Features robust Buckwheat Honey for grilling perfection
Each recipe showcases different honey varietals to help you discover your favorites!
Storage and Shelf Life
Homemade blueberry ketchup stores in the refrigerator for up to one month in airtight glass containers. For longer storage, freeze your blueberry ketchup for up to six months. The natural honey helps preserve freshness while maintaining incredible flavor.
Perfect Honey Pairings for Every Occasion
For Traditional Flavors: Our Wildflower Honey offers classic sweetness
For Berry Lovers: Blueberry Honey intensifies the blueberry experience
For Grill Masters: Buckwheat Honey adds molasses-rich depth
🍯 Build Your Blueberry Season Honey Collection
Blueberry Baker's Bundle (Perfect for all our blueberry recipes)
- Mixed Berry Honey (11oz)
- Blueberry Honey (11oz)
- Ukrainian Sunflower Honey (11oz)
Love blueberries? Discover our complete collection of blueberry recipes and learn more about honey pairing tips to elevate every dish!
Save 10% automatically on 3+ jars of honey - stock up for all your summer cooking adventures!
