To make strawberry jam, you need fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Here is a straightforward method based on multiple reliable recipes:
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries (about 1 pound or 2 pounds depending on batch size)
- Granulated sugar (about 1 to 1¼ cups per pound of strawberries)
- Fresh lemon juice (1 to 2 tablespoons)
- Optional: lemon zest or cornstarch for thickening
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries just before use to avoid excess water absorption. Hull (remove the green leafy tops) and roughly chop or dice the strawberries
- Mix Strawberries with Sugar and Lemon Juice
Place the chopped strawberries in a large pot. Add sugar and lemon juice. Stir to coat the strawberries in sugar and let the mixture sit for 10-20 minutes to release juices and dissolve sugar
- Cook the Jam
Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to dissolve all sugar and prevent burning. Once sugar is dissolved, increase heat to medium- high and bring to a rolling boil. Mash the strawberries as they soften to your desired consistency (chunky or smooth)
- Simmer Until Thickened
Continue boiling and stirring until the jam reaches about 220°F (104°C) or thickens enough to coat a spoon and leave a trail when scraped. This usually takes 15-45 minutes depending on batch size and heat
- Optional Thickening
If you want thicker jam, you can mix cornstarch with water and add it during cooking, simmering a few more minutes
- Jar and Cool
Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a small space at the top. Seal immediately and let cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or process for longer shelf life
Notes
- No added pectin is necessary because lemon juice activates the natural pectin in strawberries
- For a smoother jam, puree the strawberries before cooking
- Some recipes suggest letting the strawberries macerate with sugar overnight for better flavor and color retention
- You can add flavor variations like almond extract for a unique twist
This method yields a delicious, natural strawberry jam perfect for spreading on toast or using in desserts
