We love all of the world strawberry jam, especially for spreading on toast or swirling into yogurt, or adding a fruity twist to desserts. This strawberry jam recipe brings out the best of summer’s flavours, even in the colder months. The great thing about this recipe is that you can make it with just a few simple ingredients and minimal equipment.
Stay till the end with a strawberry jam recipe.
This guide will walk you through the process of making strawberry jam step by step. Not only will you have a delicious jar of jam at the end, but you’ll also gain the satisfaction of creating something homemade and delicious. So, let’s dive into this strawberry jam recipe and discover the joy of preserving fresh fruit.
Why Make Homemade Strawberry Jam?
Making your strawberry jam is surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding. Store-bought jams can be delicious but often contain preservatives and added sugar. By creating your own, you have full control over the ingredients to customize the sweetness and texture to your liking. Plus, this strawberry jam recipe requires no special equipment or complicated techniques.
Homemade strawberry jam also makes a wonderful gift. A jar of homemade jam shows that you’ve put thought and effort into creating something special, and it’s a gift that’s always appreciated.
Ingredients for Strawberry Jam Recipe
To make this strawberry jam recipe, you’ll need:
- Fresh strawberries: 2 pounds, hulled and halved (about 4 cups)
- Sugar: 4 cups (you can adjust based on your sweetness preference)
- Lemon juice: ¼ cup, freshly squeezed (helps the jam set and adds a bit of tartness)
These ingredients create a classic strawberry jam with a simple, clean flavour. If you like your jam a bit tangier, add more lemon juice, vanilla bean, or a pinch of cinnamon. But for now, let’s stick with the basics for this strawberry jam recipe.
How to Make Strawberry Jam
Follow these steps to create delicious homemade strawberry jam:
1: Prep the Strawberries
- Chop the strawberries: For this strawberry jam recipe, you can either leave them halved for a chunkier jam or chop them into smaller pieces for a smoother consistency.
- Mash the strawberries: Mash the strawberries in a large bowl. You don’t need to puree them completely; leaving some chunks is great for texture.
2: Combine Strawberries and Sugar
- Associate the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the mashed strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Let it rest: Let the mixture sit for about 10 min. This gives the strawberries their juices and makes it easier to cook down the jam.
- Stir frequently: Place the pot over medium heat and stir frequently to dissolve the sugar completely.
3: Cook the Jam
- Bring to a boil: Increase the heat to a high degree and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.
- Boil for 5-10 minutes: Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly, but keep it at a rapid simmer. Stir continuously to prevent sticking. Like the jam cooks, it will begin to thicken.
- Check the consistency: To test the jam’s thickness, place a small plate in the freezer before cooking. Fall a modest melon baller onto the cold plate once the jam has simmered for about 10 minutes. After a minute, push your finger through it. If the jam wrinkles slightly and holds its shape, it’s ready. If not, cook for a few more minutes and test again.
4: Jar and Store
- Prepare jars: While the jam is cooking, clean your jars and lids in warm water for approximately 10 minutes. This helps prevent contamination and keeps your jam fresher for longer.
- Fill the jars: Carefully ladle the hot jam into the prepared jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Remove the rims with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue, then seal with the lids.
- Process the jars: If you plan to store the jam for an extended period, process the jars in a water bath for 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can keep them in the fridge and enjoy your jam immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Jam Recipe
To ensure the best results, here are some helpful tips for your strawberry jam recipe:
- Select strawberries: The quality of your strawberries makes a big difference in the flavour of the jam. Look for strawberries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice: Lemon juice not only helps the jam set but also balances the sweetness of the strawberries, giving the jam a nice tang.
- Adjust the sugar to taste: This strawberry jam recipe calls for a 1:1 sugar ratio to strawberries. You can diminish the sugar if you prefer a less sweet jam, but remember that sugar also acts as a preservative.
- Keep an eye on the jam as it cooks: Mix it often to avoid burning, particularly as it becomes thicker.
Serving Ideas for Strawberry Jam
This strawberry jam recipe is perfect on toast, but there are so many other ways to enjoy it:
- Stir it into yogurt or oatmeal: A spoonful of strawberry jam adds flavour to your breakfast.
- A delicious strawberry jam filling can be added to sponge cakes, cupcakes, or thumbprint cookies.
- Pair with cheese: Strawberry jam pairs wonderfully with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese. Spread some jam on a cracker, top with cheese, and enjoy.
- Add to salad dressings: Mix a spoonful of jam with olive oil, vinegar, and a bit of mustard for a fruity salad dressing.
Storing and Preserving Your Strawberry Jam
Once you’ve made this strawberry jam recipe, you can store the jam in several ways:
- In the refrigerator: If you plan to use the jam within a few weeks, keep it in the fridge.
- In the pantry: Process the filled jars in a water bath for longer storage. Properly sealed jars will last up to a year in a cool, dark place.
- In the freezer: You can freeze strawberry jam if you’re short on pantry space. Just leave some room in the jars for the jam to expand as it freezes.
Health Benefits of Strawberry Jam
While jam contains sugar, this strawberry jam recipe can be a healthier choice than store-bought versions, especially if you use fresh, organic strawberries and adjust the sugar content. And making jam preserves some nutrients. You can experiment by reducing the sugar or using natural sweeteners..this is an author recipe if you prepare your tost https://quickrrecipes.com/vegan-pancake-recipe-fluffy-delicious-and-easy-to-make/#more-1798