Description
This Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe delivers a homemade, fresh fruit spread that’s perfect for toast, desserts, or as a sweet addition to many dishes. Using just fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon, this recipe guides you through a simple stovetop method to create a naturally sweet and slightly tangy jam without added pectin.
Ingredients
Scale
Jam Ingredients
- 5 cups strawberries, quartered (approximately 1 ½ lbs)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 lemon, zested
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly, hull them by removing the stems, and cut them into halves or quarters depending on size. Combine the prepared strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a medium pot or saucepan.
- Adjust Sweetness and Acidity: Taste the strawberry mixture at this stage and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice as needed, since strawberry sweetness varies.
- Cook Strawberries: Place the pot on medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook until the strawberries break down and release their juices, stirring occasionally. Use a potato masher to help break up the fruit faster if desired.
- Optional Seed Removal: For a seedless jam, use an immersion blender to puree the hot jam and then strain it through a fine mesh sieve. Return the smooth jam mixture to the pot to continue cooking, skimming off foam as it forms.
- Simmer to Set: Lower the heat and simmer the jam gently, stirring frequently. Test the jam’s consistency by placing a small amount on a frozen plate; it should hold a line briefly before slowly dripping, indicating it’s ready despite not using pectin.
- Cool and Store: Pour the hot jam into a large bowl or baking dish and cover with plastic wrap with a few holes to allow steam to escape. Let it cool completely to room temperature, then transfer the jam into clean mason jars or airtight containers. Store refrigerated and enjoy within a few weeks.
Notes
- Use ripe, fresh strawberries for best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Adjust sugar and lemon juice based on the tartness and sweetness of your strawberries.
- Immersion blending and straining are optional steps only if you prefer seedless jam.
- This jam does not contain added pectin, so the texture will be softer and less firm than commercial jams.
- Store finished jam in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 weeks for optimal freshness.
