Name: Strawberry Jam Recipe: Sweet and Homestyle
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped); 4 cups granulated sugar; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 1.75 oz package fruit pectin; Optional: Fresh strawberry (mint sprig); Suggested Pairings: Tea (scones)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Strawberry Jam is a sweet, homestyle preserve, perfect for spreading on toast, gifting, or enhancing desserts like scones or cakes. This vibrant jam, featuring ripe strawberries and a hint of lemon, delivers bright, fruity flavors with a smooth, spreadable texture. Presented in clear glass jars or a white ceramic bowl, optionally garnished with a fresh strawberry or mint sprig, this Strawberry Jam recipe offers a colorful, inviting aesthetic that elevates any occasion. This recipe provides a simple homemade version with accessible ingredients, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing preserve that brings classic, homestyle charm to any table.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Jam:

2 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped (or frozen, thawed)
4 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin (e.g., Sure-Jell)

For Serving:

Optional: Fresh strawberry, mint sprig
Suggested Uses: Spread on toast, scones, or biscuits; use in desserts or as a glaze
Suggested Pairings: Tea, sparkling water
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in clear glass jars or a white ceramic bowl
Suggested Equipment: Large pot, potato masher or food processor, canning jars (4 half-pint jars), water bath canner (optional), measuring cups/spoons, wooden spoon, ladle, jar lifter

Step-by-Step Process

Prepare Strawberries: Hull and chop fresh strawberries (or thaw frozen ones). Lightly mash with a potato masher or pulse in a food processor for a chunky texture.
Cook Strawberries: In a large pot, combine strawberries, lemon juice, and fruit pectin. Stir over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil (a boil that doesn’t stop when stirred).
Add Sugar: Add sugar all at once, stirring constantly. Return to a rolling boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring to prevent sticking.
Taste and Adjust: Carefully taste a small, cooled spoonful of the jam (use caution due to heat); adjust with a splash more lemon juice for acidity or a tablespoon more sugar for sweetness to ensure a balanced, fruity flavor.
Test Consistency: Spoon a small amount onto a chilled plate; if it gels and holds its shape, it’s ready. If too runny, boil for 1–2 more minutes and retest.
Can (Optional): For shelf-stable jam, ladle hot jam into sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe rims, apply lids, and process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude). Cool jars for 12–24 hours; check seals.
Store or Use: If not canning, transfer jam to clean jars or a container and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for immediate use (up to 3 weeks) or freeze.
Serve: Present in clear glass jars or a white ceramic bowl. Optionally garnish with a fresh strawberry or mint sprig. Serve with toast, scones, tea, or sparkling water.

Tips for Better Strawberry Jam

Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor; frozen strawberries work if thawed and drained.
Taste the jam before canning to balance sweet and tangy notes; adjust sparingly.
Sterilize jars and lids to ensure safe canning and a longer shelf life.
Stir constantly during boiling to prevent scorching or overflow.
Present in clear glass jars to showcase the vibrant red color or in a white ceramic bowl for serving.
Make ahead: Prepare and refrigerate jam up to 3 weeks or can for up to 1 year.
Use a chilled plate test to confirm that the jam sets properly.
Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with a strawberry or mint sprig for a fresh, homestyle pop.

Variations and Customization

Low-Sugar Strawberry Jam: Use low-sugar pectin and reduce sugar to 2 cups; follow pectin package instructions.
Sugar-Free Strawberry Jam: Use a sugar substitute (e.g., erythritol) and no-sugar-needed pectin.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Jam: Naturally gluten-free; ensure pectin is certified gluten-free.
Spiced Strawberry Jam: Add 1/4 tsp cinnamon or 1/8 tsp ground cloves during cooking.
Strawberry-Vanilla Jam: Add 1 tsp vanilla extract with the sugar for a warm note.
Mixed Berry Jam: Replace 1/2 lb strawberries with raspberries or blueberries.
Strawberry-Balsamic Jam: Add 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar with the lemon juice for depth.
No-Pectin Strawberry Jam: Omit pectin, increase sugar to 5 cups, and boil until thickened (15–20 minutes), testing for gel.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store refrigerated jam in airtight containers for up to 3 weeks; canned jam is shelf-stable for up to 1 year in a cool, dark place.
Freeze jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months; thaw in the fridge before using.
Serve at room temperature for the best spreadable texture and fruity flavor.
Use as a spread, dessert topping, or glaze for meats like pork.
Pair with tea or sparkling water to complement the sweet, tangy flavors.
Present in clear glass jars or a white ceramic bowl with garnishes for a vibrant, inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 64 servings (1 tbsp each):

Calories: 50 kcal
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 5mg
Total Carbohydrates: 13g
Dietary Fiber: 0.3g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 0.1g
Vitamin A: 0% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 10% Daily Value
Calcium: 0% Daily Value
Iron: 0% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (low-sugar options reduce calories). Low in calories; enjoy sparingly as a sweet treat.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Jam recipe delivers a sweet, homestyle preserve perfect for toast, gifting, or desserts. It transforms simple ingredients into a classic favorite. Its straightforward preparation and vibrant presentation make it a go-to. The bright strawberry flavor delights every spread. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing charm.