Are you tired of store-bought jams that are packed with preservatives and artificial flavors? Why not try making your own homemade strawberry jam using a traditional recipe? Not only is it a healthier option, but it also tastes much better than anything you can find in a store.
This post may contain affiliate links.
The key to making a delicious traditional strawberry jam is using fresh, ripe strawberries. The sweetness of the berries is balanced out by the addition of sugar and pectin, which help to thicken the mixture and give it a spreadable consistency.
While some recipes call for added flavorings like lemon juice or vanilla extract, a traditional recipe keeps it simple and lets the natural flavor of the strawberries shine through.
Making your own jam may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy with the right recipe and a little bit of patience.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to making your own traditional strawberry jam that you can enjoy all year round. So grab some fresh strawberries and let’s get started!
Essential Ingredients
When making traditional strawberry jam, it’s important to use the right ingredients to ensure a delicious and well-set jam. Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need:
Choosing Strawberries
The key to a great strawberry jam is using fresh, ripe strawberries. Look for berries that are bright red, plump, and fragrant.
If you’re picking your own strawberries, try to use them within a day or two of picking for the best flavor. Rinse the strawberries in cold water and remove the stems before using.
The Role of Pectin
Pectin is a naturally occurring substance that helps the jam set. Some fruits, such as apples and citrus fruits, are naturally high in pectin. However, strawberries are low in pectin, so you’ll need to add some to help the jam set. You can use either fruit pectin or powdered fruit pectin.
Acidifying with Lemon Juice
Adding lemon juice to your strawberry jam can help to balance the sweetness and give it a tangy flavor. It also helps to acidify the mixture, which can help the pectin to set. Use fresh lemon juice, and add it to the mixture at the beginning of the cooking process.
By using these essential ingredients, you’ll be able to create a delicious and well-set traditional strawberry jam.
Equipment Needed
To make traditional strawberry jam, you’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment. Here are the three main categories of tools you’ll need:
Canning Tools
To preserve your jam for long-term storage, you’ll need canning jars and a boiling water canner.
A water bath canner is the most common type of canner used for jams. It’s a large pot with a rack that holds jars and keeps them submerged in boiling water. You’ll also need a jar lifter and tongs to safely remove hot jars from the canner.
Cooking Utensils
To cook your jam, you’ll need a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or pot. Stainless steel or enamel-coated cast iron are good choices.
Avoid using aluminum or copper pots, as they can react with the acid in the fruit and affect the flavor and color of the jam. An inexpensive canning funnel is also useful for filling jars and measuring headspace without making a mess.
Safety Equipment
Making jam involves boiling hot sugar and fruit, so it’s important to take safety precautions. Wear oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands from burns. Keep a bowl of ice water nearby in case of accidental spills or splatters.
If you don’t plan to can your jam, store it in the refrigerator or freezer instead. Be sure to use freezer-safe jars or containers if freezing.
By having the right equipment, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious traditional strawberry jam.
Traditional Strawberry Jam Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 package powdered fruit pectin
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, crush the strawberries using a potato masher or fork.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed strawberries with sugar and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine the strawberry mixture with lemon juice and powdered fruit pectin.
- Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
- Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Skim off any foam with a metal spoon and discard.
- Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top.
- Wipe the jar rims and threads with a clean, damp cloth.
- Cover with sterilized lids and screw bands.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Remove the jars and let them cool before storing in a cool, dark place.
Note: If you’re going to make a lot of jam or jelly, it’s much less expensive to purchase pectin in bulk.
Canning Process
Filling the Jars
To start the canning process, you’ll need to wash and sterilize your jars and lids. Once they’re ready, fill each jar with your homemade strawberry jam, leaving about ΒΌ inch of headspace at the top. Be sure to wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth before placing the lids on top.
Sealing and Sterilization
Before sealing the jars, make sure the lids are centered and screwed on tightly. Next, place the jars in a boiling water canner, making sure they’re submerged by at least an inch of water. Boil the jars for 10 minutes to sterilize the contents and seal the jars.
Water Bath Canning
After sterilization, use tongs to carefully remove the jars from the boiling water and place them on a towel to cool. As the jars cool, you may hear a popping sound, which indicates that the lids have properly sealed.
Once the jars have cooled completely, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t move, the seal is good. Store your homemade strawberry jam in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
It’s important to note that the National Center for Home Food Preservation recommends using a water bath canner for the canning process to ensure proper sterilization and sealing. Make sure to follow all safety guidelines and instructions carefully to avoid any potential hazards.
Storing and Serving
Shelf Life and Storage
Once you have made your delicious strawberry jam, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh for as long as possible. If stored correctly, your jam can last for up to a year. The best way to store your jam is to keep it in a cool, dry place, such as your pantry.
If you prefer to store your jam in the refrigerator, it should last for up to 3 months. It’s important to keep your jam in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from other foods in your fridge.
Serving Suggestions
There are many ways to enjoy your homemade strawberry jam. Spread it on toast, muffins, or biscuits for a quick and easy breakfast. You can also use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
For a special treat, try making a jam-filled pastry. Simply roll out some puff pastry, spread a layer of jam on top, and roll it up into a log. Cut the log into slices and bake until golden brown.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use your jam as a glaze for meats such as chicken or pork. Simply mix it with a bit of soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger for a sweet and tangy marinade.
No matter how you choose to serve your strawberry jam, be sure to enjoy it with a pat of butter and a smile on your face.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the secret to making the best traditional strawberry jam?
The secret to making the best traditional strawberry jam is to use high-quality, ripe strawberries and the right amount of sugar.
How can I make strawberry jam without using pectin?
You can make strawberry jam without using pectin by using a natural thickener like apple or quince. Simply chop up the fruit and add it to the strawberries and sugar as you cook the jam. The natural pectin in the fruit will help thicken the jam.
Why is lemon juice important in making strawberry jam?
Lemon juice is important in making strawberry jam because it helps balance the sweetness of the sugar and enhances the flavor of the strawberries. It also helps the jam set by reacting with the natural pectin in the fruit.
Can you explain the difference between strawberry jam and strawberry preserves?
Strawberry jam and strawberry preserves are similar, but there is a slight difference between the two.
Strawberry jam is made with crushed or pureed fruit and sugar, while strawberry preserves are made with whole or sliced fruit and sugar. Both are cooked until thick and spreadable, but preserves have a slightly chunkier texture.
What is the simplest way to make strawberry jam at home?
The simplest way to make strawberry jam at home is to combine fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a pot and cook until thickened.
You can also add a natural thickener like apple or quince if desired. Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, transfer it to jars and let it cool before storing in the refrigerator.
What are some tips for canning homemade strawberry jam safely?
When canning homemade strawberry jam, it’s important to follow safety guidelines to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Use sterilized jars and lids, process the jars in a boiling water bath for the recommended amount of time, and store the jars in a cool, dark place. It’s also important to check for signs of spoilage before consuming the jam.
Follow my canning and preserving board on Pinterest.
