This classic homemade strawberry jam recipe captures the essence of ripe strawberries in a jar, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. It's a delightful spread for your morning toast, a sweet addition to desserts, and a wonderful way to preserve the flavors of summer.
Prepare the Strawberries: In a large bowl, mash the strawberries to your desired consistency.
Cook: Transfer the mashed strawberries to a heavy-bottomed pot. Add the sugar and lemon juice, stirring over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to high, bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, then add pectin if using. Boil for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Test for Doneness: Perform the gel test by placing a small amount of jam on a cold plate. If it gels, it's ready. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes and test again.
Can: Ladle the jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe the rims, apply the lids and bands, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Cool: Remove the jars from the water and let cool. Check seals, label, and store in a cool, dark place.
Notes
Pectin: Adding pectin is optional but helps ensure the jam sets properly. If you prefer a more natural set, you can omit it and cook the jam longer.
Storage: Unopened jam can last up to two years in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a month.
Sugar Adjustment: You can adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your strawberries and personal preference. However, reducing sugar may affect the jam's preservation quality.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is preferred for its flavor and natural pectin content, which aids in setting the jam.
Keyword Canning, Easy Jam Recipe, Fruit Spread, Homemade Strawberry Jam, Strawberry Preserves