Homemade Strawberry Jam is a delightful preserve that captures the essence of fresh strawberries in a sweet, spreadable form. This process begins by combining mashed strawberries with sugar in a large bowl, ensuring every berry is evenly coated. After allowing the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, the strawberries begin to release their natural juices, which is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency.
The mixture is then transferred to a large, heavy-bottomed pot where a touch of lemon juice is added. Lemon juice not only balances the sweetness but also helps in preserving the jam and enhancing its natural color. Heating the pot over medium heat, the mixture is brought to a boil, then reduced to a rolling boil. Frequent stirring is essential to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
After reaching a rolling boil, reducing the heat to medium-low allows the mixture to thicken gradually. This crucial step, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes, is monitored by testing a small amount on a chilled plate. If it sets properly, the jam has reached the desired consistency. This old-fashioned method ensures the perfect texture without any commercial additives.
Once thickened, the pot is removed from the heat and the jam is allowed to cool slightly before being ladled into sterilized jars. This step is imperative for preventing contamination and ensuring the longevity of the jam. The jars are then sealed, and once completely cooled, are stored in the refrigerator.
Homemade Strawberry Jam is cherished not only for its delightful taste but also for its natural ingredients and lack of preservatives. It’s a versatile spread that can elevate your breakfast toast, enhance pastries, or be paired with cheese. Enjoying a jar of this homemade preserve is like capturing summer in a spoonful, making it a beloved addition to any pantry.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and mashed
4 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
Directions
1. Combine the mashed strawberries and sugar in a large bowl. Mix well to ensure the strawberries are evenly coated with sugar.
2. Let the strawberry-sugar mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the strawberries release their juices.
3. Transfer the mixture to a large, heavy-bottomed pot.
4. Add the lemon juice to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
6. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium-low.
7. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens. This should take about 20 to 30 minutes. To test the consistency, place a small amount on a chilled plate and see if it sets.
8. Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat.
9. Let the jam cool slightly, then transfer to sterilized jars.
10. Seal the jars and allow them to cool completely before storing in the refrigerator.