Mmmm strawberry jam… who doesn’t like it? It was my absolute favourite for a long time. As a child, it would be the only one I would eat. Growing up I have learnt how to appreciate a wider vairiety of jams and preserves, but my love for strawberry jam is still there, intact. Making your own strawberry jam is quite easy, but as strawberries do not have much pectin in them, this makes your jam less “jelly-like” and a bit more runny (unless you add store bought pectin to it). I like it more the natural way, so I macerated them overnight and added some lemon juice (and increased the cooking time) to still get a jam consistency for it. Try it and you will be rewarded with a delicious natural jam perfect to have on toast for breakfast or to use as filling/topping for all sorts of cakes and pastries! Enjoy!
Strawberry Jam
How to make a delicious Strawberry Jam at home!
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg – 3.3 lbs. strawberries washed and hulled
- 600 gms – 1.3 lbs. sugar
- Juice of 1 ½ lemons
Instructions
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Put the cleaned strawberries in a big pot. Add the sugar and lemon juice and mix well.
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The next day, take the pot out of the fridge and put it onto the stove.
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Stir well and cook over moderate to high heat, stirring often so it does not stick to the bottom of the pan, for about 40 minutes.
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After the first 20 minutes have passed you can blend the strawberries with a stick mixer – this is optional – do it only if you like your jam smoother (without fruit pieces in it).
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While it’s cooking, put a small plate in the freezer.
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Once the bubbles subside and the jam appears like it is beginning to gel, put the fire off.
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Put a small amount of jam on the frozen plate and return it to the freezer for a few minutes. If it wrinkles when you nudge it, it’s ready. If not, cook it some more and test it again until it’s ready.
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Store the jam in sterilised jars.
Love strawberry jam. Have two containers in the refrigerator.
Fantastic looking! Strawberry jam is also my favorite jam, and I like that you make it without pectin – no need for gelling agents! Didn’t know about the frozen plate test… really interesting!
What is the difference between jam and jelly? I too like it that this recipe doesn’t use pectin. Kind regards, Chandra
Nothing compares to homemade strawberry jam. I didn’t make any last year and I wasn’t happy with myself. It won’t be long til local strawberries are ready for ‘pick your own’ and this year I’ll have jam that looks and tastes like this.
Manuela, my mouth is watering! I’d love this on a scone!
Just stunning, Manu. I just wish to reach into the screen. beautifully captured seasonal strawberries, here.