Homemade Strawberry Jam

$You need 2 pounds of fresh strawberries. Look for ripe, bright red berries. They should smell sweet and feel firm. Wash them gently under cool water. Remove the green tops and dice them into small pieces. This process helps release their juices during cooking. To sweeten the jam, use 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. The sugar helps balance the tartness of the strawberries. You’ll also need 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This adds a nice zing and helps the jam set. Adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract gives a lovely depth to the flavor. You will require 1 packet (1.75 oz) of fruit pectin, like Sure-Jell. Pectin helps the jam thicken. Finally, add a pinch of ¼ teaspoon salt. This enhances the overall taste of the jam. These ingredients come together to create a sweet and fruity treat. For the full recipe, check out the Sweet Summer Strawberry Bliss Jam. Start by rinsing your strawberries well. Remove the green tops, called hulls. Dice the strawberries into small pieces. This helps them break down easily during cooking. In a large mixing bowl, add the diced strawberries and granulated sugar. Mix them gently. Let this sit for about 30 minutes. This waiting time helps the strawberries release their juices. You will see the mixture become syrupy. After 30 minutes, move the strawberry mix to a large pot. Add in the lemon juice, salt, and pectin. Stir it all together well. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir it often to prevent sticking. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Keep stirring as it cooks. You might notice foam forming on the top. Use a ladle to skim off any foam. To check if the jam is ready, take a spoonful and place it on a cool plate. Let it sit for a minute. Then, run your finger through the jam. If it holds its shape, it’s ready! If it runs back together, continue to boil for another 2-3 minutes. Repeat the test until you reach the right thickness. Once done, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Now, your homemade strawberry jam is almost ready! Remember, you can find the full recipe in the previous section for easy reference. To make great jam, you need the right mix of fruit and pectin. Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. If your jam seems too runny, don't worry. You can cook it longer to thicken it up. Remember to test it on a cold plate. If it holds its shape, you’ve nailed it! To make your jam stand out, think about adding extra flavors. Lemon juice brightens the taste. A touch of vanilla adds warmth. If you like spice, consider a pinch of cinnamon. These small tweaks create layers in flavor that will surprise your taste buds. One common mistake is not measuring ingredients correctly. Too much sugar can make jam too sweet. Another mistake is not stirring enough while boiling. This can cause the jam to burn. Lastly, don’t skip the foam removal step. It can affect both texture and look. Follow these tips for a successful batch of homemade strawberry jam. Check the Full Recipe for more details! {{image_2}} You can mix strawberries with other berries for fun flavors. Try raspberries or blueberries. Each berry adds its own taste. For example, raspberries give a tart kick. Blueberries add sweetness. Use equal parts of each berry. This makes a jam that is both colorful and tasty. If you want a lower sugar option, you can use honey or agave syrup. These sweeteners give a nice flavor. Remember to adjust the amount. Honey is sweeter, so use less. If you use agave, start with the same amount of sugar. Test the sweetness and adjust as needed. Adding spices can take your jam to the next level. Consider cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth. If you want a citrus boost, try orange zest. Each of these will change the flavor profile. Get creative and mix different flavors to find your favorite. For the full recipe, check the complete instructions. To keep your jam fresh, sealing jars properly is key. Start with clean, sterilized jars. After filling them with hot jam, leave a little space at the top. This gap helps the jam seal well. Use new lids each time to ensure a tight fit. Once you screw on the lids, let the jars cool completely. This cooling helps create a vacuum seal, keeping air out. You can store your homemade strawberry jam in two ways. If you seal the jars well, you can keep them in the pantry. They should stay good for a few months. If you open a jar, store it in the fridge. Open jars should last about two weeks in the fridge. This keeps the jam fresh and tasty. Homemade strawberry jam can last long if stored right. Sealed jars in the pantry can stay fresh for up to a year. Once opened, use the jam within two weeks for best flavor. Always check the jam for any signs of spoilage before using it. If you see mold or feel unsure, it is best to toss it. Enjoy your tasty strawberry jam on toast, pancakes, or as a sweet treat! For the full recipe, check the details above. Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them first. Drain any extra liquid before mixing with sugar. This helps keep your jam thick and tasty. Frozen strawberries work well, but fresh berries will give the best flavor and texture. To check if jam has set, do a plate test. Spoon a bit of jam onto a cool plate. Let it sit for a minute, then run your finger through it. If it holds a line, it’s ready. If it runs together, cook it a bit longer. Repeat the test until it sets. Yes, you can can this strawberry jam. After filling your sterilized jars, seal them tightly. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes. This helps create a seal. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Enjoy this homemade treat anytime! For the full recipe, check out the Sweet Summer Strawberry Bliss Jam! You now know how to make a great strawberry jam. We discussed fresh strawberries, sweeteners, and other key ingredients. You learned simple steps for preparation, cooking, and testing your jam. We also shared tips on consistency, flavor, and mistakes to avoid. Variations like berry combos and sugar substitutes can make your jam unique. Lastly, we covered storage tips to keep your jam fresh. Enjoy making your jam and exploring new flavors!$

Homemade Strawberry Jam

Capture the essence of summer with Sweet Summer Strawberry Bliss Jam! This delightful jam is made with fresh strawberries and a touch of lemon for a burst of flavor. Follow our simple recipe to create 4 cups of this delicious treat in just an hour. Perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts, this homemade jam will brighten up any meal.

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Ingredients

2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and diced

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)

¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced strawberries and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.

After 30 minutes, transfer the mixture to a large pot and add lemon juice, salt, and pectin. Stir well until blended.

Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. Once boiling, let it simmer for about 10 minutes, continuing to stir.

Using a ladle or spoon, remove any foam that forms on the surface of the mixture.

Test the jam for doneness by placing a spoonful on a cool plate and allowing it to sit for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape, it's ready!

If not ready, continue to boil for another 2-3 minutes and repeat the test.

Once the desired consistency is achieved, remove from heat, and stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Seal tightly with lids.

Allow the jars to cool at room temperature before storing them in the refrigerator or pantry.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 1 hour | 4 cups