Strawberry Jam

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about making Strawberry Jam. As a child, I remember my grandmother gathering ripe strawberries from her garden, the sweet scent filling the air as we prepared to make a batch of this delightful spread. The vibrant red hue, the sweet aroma, and the anticipation of slathering it on warm toast are memories that stick with me. Making Strawberry Jam today brings back those fond memories. It’s like capturing a moment in a jar, a burst of summer that can be enjoyed year-round. The process is surprisingly simple, yet so rewarding. Stirring the strawberries, watching them turn into a thick, glossy jam, feels almost magical. And there’s no feeling quite like opening a jar in winter and being transported back to those sun-soaked days.

Key Ingredients for Strawberry Jam

Creating the perfect Strawberry Jam starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a unique role in achieving the ideal flavor and texture. Fresh strawberries are the star of the show, providing that sweet, fruity flavor we all love. Sugar not only sweetens the jam but also helps with preservation, while pectin is essential for that jelling action. Lastly, a splash of water helps combine these ingredients into a smooth blend.

• 2 pints strawberries (about 4 cups): Fresh, ripe strawberries are crucial for the best flavor. Look for bright, plump berries with no blemishes.
• 4 cups sugar: This sweetens the jam and helps it set properly. Remember to measure accurately for the perfect consistency.
• 1.75 oz box Sure Jell fruit pectin (yellow box): This is the secret to achieving that perfect jam texture, allowing it to thicken beautifully.
• ¾ cup water: This helps dissolve the pectin and combines all the flavors together.

How to Make Strawberry Jam

Making your own Strawberry Jam is an enjoyable process that anyone can master. Don’t worry if it seems daunting; I’ll guide you through each step. It’s a fun way to preserve the taste of summer, and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner! Follow these steps carefully for delicious results.

1. Start by de-stemming the strawberries and rinsing them thoroughly under cold water. It’s essential to clean the fruit to remove any dirt or insects. After rinsing, place them in a large bowl. Using a potato masher or a food processor, crush the strawberries until they’re well broken but not pureed. You want to see small bits of fruit in your final product for texture.

2. Once crushed, add the sugar to the bowl of strawberries. Mix well until combined. Let this mixture stand for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the strawberries to release their juices, which enhances the overall flavor.

3. In a small pot over medium-high heat, combine ¾ cup of water and the pectin. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Allow it to boil for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens slightly, then remove it from the heat.

4. Now, stir the hot pectin mixture into the strawberry and sugar mixture. It’s important to keep stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved. This should take about 3 minutes, and you’ll notice the mixture turning glossy.

5. Next, it’s time to pour the jam into your prepared glass jars or plastic containers. Be sure to leave about ½ inch of space at the top for expansion, especially if you plan to freeze it. Cover the jars with lids.

6. Let the filled jars stand at room temperature for about 24 hours. During this time, the jam will set. After that, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 weeks or store it in the freezer for up to 1 year. Remember to thaw in the refrigerator before use.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Strawberry Jam turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips. They’ll help you achieve that perfect consistency and flavor while avoiding common pitfalls.

• Storage: Store your homemade jam in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for longer preservation.
• Freezing: If freezing, leave some space at the top of the jar for the jam to expand as it freezes.
• Pairing: Enjoy your Strawberry Jam on toast, in desserts, or mixed with yogurt for a refreshing treat.
• Variations: Experiment with other fruits, like raspberries or blueberries, to create unique flavor combinations.
• Safety Tip: If you see any mold on the surface of your jam, discard the entire jar to avoid any safety issues.

Serving This Strawberry Jam

When it comes to serving your homemade Strawberry Jam, there are countless ways to enjoy it. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:

• On Toast: Spread a generous layer of jam on warm, toasted bread for a simple yet satisfying breakfast.
• With Pancakes: Drizzle some jam over pancakes or waffles for a sweet start to your day.
• In Yogurt: Stir in a spoonful of jam into yogurt for a fruity breakfast or snack that’s packed with flavor.
• Cakes and Desserts: Use Strawberry Jam as a filling between cake layers or as a topping for cheesecakes.
• Cheese Plate: Pair your jam with a selection of cheeses for a fancy appetizer or dessert spread.
• Ice Cream Topping: Drizzle over vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert that tastes like summer.
• Gift Idea: Present jars of Strawberry Jam as gifts during holidays or special occasions for a personal touch.

FAQ

Conclusion

Making homemade Strawberry Jam is a wonderful way to enjoy the sweetness of summer all year round. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious spread that elevates any meal or snack. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s a delightful experience that brings back memories and creates new ones.

Strawberry Jam

The ultimate homemade Strawberry Jam is bursting with flavor and sweetness. Simple to make, it's the perfect addition to your breakfast table, desserts, or even as gifts. Capture the essence of summer in every jar!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 cups

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 75

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pints strawberries about 4 cups
• 4 cups sugar
• 1.75 oz Sure Jell fruit pectin yellow box
• ¾ cup water

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Food Processor
• Frying pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. De-stem strawberries and rinse thoroughly. Place strawberries in a large bowl and crush them using a potato masher or food processor. NOTE: Do not puree – jam should have small bits of fruit.
2. Add sugar to the strawberries and mix well. Let stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. In a small pot over medium-high heat, add ¾ cup water and pectin. Bring to a boil and let boil for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
4. Stir the pectin mixture into the strawberry mixture. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved (about 3 minutes).
5. Pour into prepared glass jars or plastic containers, leaving ½ inch at the top for expansion during freezing. Cover with lids.
6. Let stand at room temperature for 24 hours until set. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or store in the freezer for up to 1 year. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.

Notes

• Storage: Store your homemade jam in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for longer preservation.
• Freezing: If freezing, leave some space at the top of the jar for the jam to expand as it freezes.
• Pairing: Enjoy your Strawberry Jam on toast, in desserts, or mixed with yogurt for a refreshing treat.
• Variations: Experiment with other fruits, like raspberries or blueberries, to create unique flavor combinations.
• Safety Tip: If you see any mold on the surface of your jam, discard the entire jar to avoid any safety issues.

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.