The Only Strawberry Jam Recipe I Trust – Full of Flavor and No Thickeners

2. Cook the Strawberries

Place the chopped strawberries in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add the sugar and lemon juice, stirring well to combine. The lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and aids in the natural setting of the jam.

Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their natural juices and the sugar to dissolve.

3. Simmer the Jam

Once the mixture is ready, turn the heat to medium-high and bring it to a gentle boil. As it heats up, stir frequently to prevent burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot.

You’ll notice that the strawberries begin to break down and release more juice as the mixture boils. Let the jam simmer for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The key here is to cook the jam down until it thickens naturally without the need for added thickeners. If foam starts to form at the top, you can add a small amount of butter to reduce the foam and give your jam a smoother finish.

4. Check for Doneness

To check if your jam is ready, use the “plate test”: Place a small plate in the freezer before you start cooking. When you think your jam has thickened enough, drop a spoonful of the jam onto the cold plate. Let it sit for a minute, then run your finger through it. If the jam wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s ready to be jarred. If it’s still runny, continue simmering for a few more minutes and test again.

5. Jar the Jam

Once your jam has reached the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat. Let it cool for a few minutes before ladling it into sterilized jars. Leave a small gap at the top of each jar. If you’re canning the jam for long-term storage, follow proper canning procedures by sealing the jars in a hot water bath for about 10 minutes.

If you’re planning to enjoy the jam within the next couple of weeks, you can simply refrigerate it after cooling and skip the canning process.

6. Let It Set

Allow the jam to cool completely before sealing the jars. If you’ve canned the jam, let it sit at room temperature until it’s fully cooled. If you’ve made the jam for immediate use, just pop it in the fridge and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Strawberry Jam

Now that you’ve made your own strawberry jam, here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• Spread it on Toast: The classic choice! Spread a generous spoonful of this jam on toasted bread or a warm scone for a perfect breakfast or snack.
• Add to Yogurt: Swirl a spoonful of strawberry jam into your morning yogurt or cottage cheese for a fruity, sweet twist.
• Top Desserts: Use your homemade jam as a topping for cakes, cupcakes, or even pancakes. It adds a natural sweetness and bright flavor.
• Fill Pastries: Use the jam as a filling for homemade pastries, Danish rolls, or turnovers. The tartness from the lemon balances perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberries.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Jam

• Use Ripe Strawberries: The key to a great strawberry jam is using the ripest, sweetest strawberries you can find. They’ll yield the best flavor without the need for added sugar or thickeners.
• Monitor the Consistency: If your jam is too runny after cooking, continue simmering it on low heat. If it’s too thick, you can add a small amount of water or more lemon juice to adjust the texture.
• Sterilize Your Jars: If you’re canning the jam, ensure your jars are properly sterilized. This will help preserve the jam for longer storage and ensure it’s safe to eat.
• Add a Touch of Vanilla: For a unique twist, you can add a splash of vanilla extract towards the end of cooking to bring a warm, aromatic flavor to your jam.

Why This Strawberry Jam Is a Keeper

• Simple and Natural: With no thickeners, artificial pectin, or preservatives, this jam is as natural as it gets.
• Versatile: Use it on toast, in desserts, or as a topping for just about anything. The possibilities are endless!
• Flavorful: The sweetness of the strawberries combined with the bright acidity of the lemon juice creates a jam that’s bursting with flavor, just like it should be.

Conclusion

This Homemade Strawberry Jam is the epitome of what a fruit preserve should be—simple, full of flavor, and natural. By using only fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice, you can create a jam that highlights the true essence of summer’s finest fruit. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, adding it to desserts, or simply enjoying it by the spoonful, this homemade strawberry jam will quickly become your go-to recipe.

Once you taste this jam, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions again! So, grab a basket of fresh strawberries and make your own batch today—your taste buds will thank you.