Homemade Strawberry Jam Recipe
Introduction
This homemade strawberry jam captures the fresh, sweet flavor of ripe strawberries in a thick, spreadable preserve. It’s perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or gifts and requires just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries (washed, hulled, and halved or quartered)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the cut strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Stir well to coat the fruit evenly.
- Step 2: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer.
- Step 3: Stir frequently to prevent burning, and continue cooking for about 45 minutes until the jam thickens and reaches 220°F on a candy thermometer or shows a gel-like set when tested on a chilled plate.
- Step 4: Remove the pot from the heat. If needed, skim off any foam from the top. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top.
- Step 5: Allow the jam to cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating or processing further for longer storage.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother jam, mash the strawberries slightly before cooking or pulse briefly in a food processor.
- Add a vanilla bean or a pinch of ground cinnamon during cooking for a warm flavor twist.
- Ensure jars are well sterilized to increase shelf life if you plan to store jam outside the refrigerator.
Storage
Store the finished strawberry jam in sterilized, airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal properly; then keep them in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Reheat gently before serving if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used but may produce a less firm jam. Thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking for best results.
How do I know when the jam is set?
Test the jam on a chilled plate: if it wrinkles and holds its shape when pushed with a finger, it’s ready. Alternatively, use a candy thermometer and look for 220°F (104°C).
PrintHomemade Strawberry Jam Recipe
This classic homemade strawberry jam recipe uses fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice to create a sweet, tangy preserve perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on yogurt, or adding to your favorite desserts. Cooked slowly on the stovetop to the perfect gel stage, it captures the vibrant flavor of summer strawberries in a jar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 4 half-pint jars 1x
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries (washed, hulled, and halved or quartered)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the cut strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Stir well to evenly coat the fruit with sugar and lemon juice.
- Boil: Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Simmer: Stir frequently to prevent scorching and continue cooking for about 45 minutes, until the jam thickens significantly and reaches 220°F on a candy thermometer or passes the gel stage test on a chilled plate.
- Ladle: Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam from the surface if necessary. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a small amount of headspace at the top.
- Cool: Let the jam cool to room temperature before sealing the jars. Once cooled, refrigerate for short-term use or process further by canning methods for longer shelf life.
Notes
- Using ripe, fresh strawberries will result in the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Be sure to stir frequently during simmering to avoid burning the jam on the pot’s bottom.
- Testing jam thickness with a candy thermometer or chilled plate ensures perfect set every time.
- For longer storage, properly sterilize jars and process them in a boiling water bath.
- If foam forms on the boiling jam, skim it off for a clearer final product.
Keywords: strawberry jam, homemade jam, fruit preserves, stovetop jam, strawberry preserves, jam recipe
