Strawberry Jam

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Jam is a classic homemade preserve bursting with the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of ripe strawberries. With its rich, spreadable texture and bright red color, it’s perfect for slathering on toast, layering in cakes, or swirling into yogurt. Making it at home allows you to control the sweetness and enjoy the fresh taste of real fruit without preservatives.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

fresh strawberriesgranulated sugarlemon juice

directions

Wash, hull, and chop the strawberries into small pieces.

Place the strawberries in a large saucepan and add the sugar and lemon juice.

Stir to combine and let the mixture sit for 15-30 minutes to draw out the juices.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.

Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture, continuing to stir, until it thickens to a jam-like consistency (this usually takes 20-30 minutes).

To test if it’s ready, place a small spoonful on a cold plate and run your finger through it—if it holds the line, it’s done.

Remove from heat and carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars.

Seal the jars and allow them to cool at room temperature before refrigerating.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of jam.Preparation time: 15 minutesResting time: 15-30 minutesCooking time: 20-30 minutesTotal time: 50-75 minutes

Variations

Add a vanilla bean or extract for a sweet aromatic note.

Include a pinch of salt or balsamic vinegar to enhance the strawberry flavor.

Mix in raspberries or blueberries for a berry blend jam.

Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a different sweetness profile.

storage/reheating

Store strawberry jam in sterilized, sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.For long-term storage, process jars in a water bath canner and store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.No reheating is needed, but if chilled too firmly, let it sit at room temperature before using.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, just thaw them first and drain excess liquid before cooking.

Do I need pectin?

No, the lemon juice and natural fruit pectin are sufficient for thickening.

Why isn’t my jam setting?

It may need more cooking time or lemon juice; also ensure you’re using ripe strawberries.

Is this jam very sweet?

It’s moderately sweet, but you can reduce sugar slightly to taste.

Can I double the batch?

Yes, but longer cooking time may be needed to reach the proper consistency.

Can I use this jam in baking?

Absolutely, it works great in cookies, cakes, and pastries.

Is lemon juice necessary?

Yes, it helps with setting and preserving the jam.

How long does homemade jam last?

Up to 3 weeks refrigerated, or 1 year if properly canned.

Can I freeze the jam?

Yes, use freezer-safe containers and leave space for expansion.

Is this jam kid-friendly?

Very much so—it’s naturally sweet and free of artificial additives.

Conclusion

Strawberry Jam is a simple yet rewarding way to capture the taste of summer in a jar. Whether you spread it on warm toast, swirl it into desserts, or gift it to friends, this homemade version delivers fresh flavor and wholesome goodness with every spoonful.

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