How to Make Strawberry Jam and How to Can It

Making strawberry jam at home is simple and only needs a few ingredients. The process is also fun and makes your kitchen smell wonderful. Here is an easy recipe you can follow.

Ingredients:

- 1 kilogram (about 2 pounds) fresh strawberries

- 700 grams (about 3 ½ cups) sugar

- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Strawberries: Wash the strawberries well under cold water. Remove the green tops and cut the strawberries into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the smoother your jam will be.

2. Mix the Ingredients: Put the strawberries in a large pot. Add the sugar and lemon juice. Stir everything together and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the sugar draw out the juice from the fruit.

3. Cook the Jam: Place the pot on medium heat. Stir often as the mixture begins to boil. Continue to cook until the strawberries become soft and the liquid starts to thicken. This usually takes 20–30 minutes. Keep stirring so the jam does not stick to the pot.

4. Check the Texture: To test if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful on a cold plate. Wait a minute and then push it with your finger. If it wrinkles and stays in place, the jam is done. If it is still runny, cook for a little longer and test again.

5. Cool and Store: Once the jam has the right thickness, remove it from the heat. Pour it carefully into clean jars or containers. Let it cool at room temperature before closing with a lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks or in the freezer for longer.

Now you know how to make strawberry jam, it's time to learn how to can it. Canning helps you store the jam safely for months without using a freezer. This will help you to enjoy strawberry jam anytime, even when strawberries are not in season.

1. Prepare the Jars: Wash glass jars and lids with hot soapy water. Rinse well. Place them in a pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes to sterilize. Keep the jars hot until you are ready to fill them.

2. Heat the Lids: Put the lids in a small saucepan with hot water. Do not boil them, but keep them warm to make sure they seal properly.

3. Fill the Jars: Carefully pour the hot strawberry jam into the sterilized jars. Leave about 1 centimeter (½ inch) of empty space at the top. Wipe the rim of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any jam.

4. Close the Jars: Place the lids on top and screw on the bands until they are just tight, not too strong. This will allow air to escape during processing.

5. Process in Boiling Water: Put the filled jars into a large pot with boiling water. Make sure the water covers the jars by at least 2 centimeters (1 inch). Boil for 10–15 minutes, depending on your jar size and altitude.

6. Cool and Check the Seal: Remove the jars carefully and place them on a towel. Let them cool for 12–24 hours. After cooling, press the center of each lid. If it does not move up and down, the jar is sealed. If it pops, use that jar immediately or store it in the fridge.

Even though strawberry jam is easy to make, a few small tricks can make your results even better. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

- Use Ripe Fruit: Choose ripe or slightly overripe strawberries for your jam. They are softer, sweeter, and release juice more easily, which helps create a rich flavor and smooth texture.

- Do Not Skip the Lemon Juice: Lemon juice provides natural pectin, which helps the jam thicken. It also adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness and keeps the color bright and appealing.

- Stir Often While Cooking: Consistent stirring prevents the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot. It also helps distribute heat evenly, so the strawberries cook properly without burning or becoming uneven.

- Do Not Rush the Cooking: Cooking slowly allows the strawberries to break down fully and release flavor. This gentle process makes the jam thicker, tastier, and gives it a more pleasant mouthfeel.

- Check for Doneness: Always test a small spoonful on a cold plate to check thickness. This method ensures your jam is not too runny or overly hard, giving you the perfect consistency.

Strawberry jam is not only good on bread. You can enjoy it in many different ways. Here are some tasty ideas:

- Spread on Toast or Bread: A classic and simple way to enjoy it every morning.

- Mix into Yogurt: Add a spoonful to plain yogurt for natural sweetness.

- Fill Pastries or Cakes: Use jam as a filling for muffins, cookies, or sponge cakes.

- Top Pancakes or Waffles: A sweet and fruity alternative to syrup.

- Make Sauces or Glazes: Mix with vinegar or spices to create a glaze for chicken or pork.

- Add to Smoothies: A spoonful of jam can sweeten and flavor fruit smoothies.

- Layer in Parfaits: Alternate layers of jam, yogurt, and granola in a glass to make a simple, tasty, and visually appealing parfait or breakfast or dessert.

- Swirl into Ice Cream: Add strawberry jam into vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a fruity twist.

- Spread on Crackers: Combine with butter or nut spreads on crackers for a quick snack.

- Use in Salad Dressings: Mix with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a little Dijon mustard to create a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing for salads.

With these ideas, your homemade strawberry jam can become a versatile part of many meals, from breakfast to dessert.