Strawberry jam recipe

Strawberry jam is a delicacy that reminds us of sunny summer days, blooming gardens, and moments spent with loved ones. This simple yet flavorful recipe gives us the opportunity to preserve the fresh taste of strawberries even on chilly days. A successful strawberry jam not only sweetens breakfast but also adds a touch of magic to any cake or dessert. In the following steps, I will guide you through the process of making delicious strawberry jam.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 10 jars of 300g

Ingredients

- 2 kg fresh strawberries
- 1.5 kg sugar
- 1 vanilla essence
- Zest from 1 orange
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Juice from 1/2 lemon

Necessary utensils

- Large cooking pots
- Skimmer
- Sterilized jars (300g)
- Ladle
- Wooden spoon

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the strawberries

Start by washing the strawberries thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to remove any impurities or dried leaves. Then, remove the stems and cut the strawberries in half or quarters, depending on your preference. If you like larger pieces of fruit in your jam, leave them whole.

Step 2: Mixing the ingredients

In a large pot, add the cut strawberries, sugar, vanilla essence, orange zest, vanilla sugar, and lemon juice. Mix the ingredients well to ensure an even distribution of sugar. This mixture will begin to release the juice from the strawberries, forming a delicious base for your jam.

Step 3: Macerating

Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes. This will help the sugar dissolve and extract the juice from the strawberries. During this time, you can prepare for the next step: washing and sterilizing the jars. It is essential that the jars are perfectly clean to avoid contaminating the jam.

Step 4: Cooking the jam

Once the mixture has rested, place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Once the jam starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and use a skimmer to remove the foam that forms on the surface. This is an important step as it helps achieve a clearer and finer jam.

Step 5: Testing the consistency

After about 30-40 minutes of boiling, you can start checking the consistency of the jam. Take a teaspoon of the mixture and place it on a cold plate. Let it cool for a few seconds, then tilt the plate. If the jam drips slowly, it is ready. If it is too liquid, let it cook for a few more minutes.

Step 6: Jarring

Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Using a ladle, fill the sterilized jars with hot jam, leaving about 1 cm of headspace at the top of the jar. Seal the jars with lids immediately to create a vacuum that will aid in preservation.

Step 7: Cooling and storing

Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store them in a cool, dark place. Strawberry jam can be kept for up to a year, but chances are it will be consumed much sooner, as it is simply delicious!

Serving suggestions

Strawberry jam is perfect for spreading on toasted bread or pancakes. You can also add it to your morning yogurt or use it as a filling for cakes and pastries. I recommend trying it with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a truly refined dessert.

Nutritional benefits

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a healthy ingredient. Although the jam contains sugar, when consumed in moderation, it can be a better choice than other types of processed desserts.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to fully thaw and drain them well before using them in the recipe.

2. How can I reduce the amount of sugar?
You can reduce the sugar to 1 kg for 2 kg of strawberries. The jam will have a less sweet flavor but will still be delicious.

3. Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! Strawberry jam can be combined with other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to create varied and interesting flavors.

Possible variations

- Strawberry mint jam: Add a few fresh mint leaves during boiling for a refreshing flavor.
- Strawberry basil jam: An unusual combination, but surprisingly delicious. Add a few fresh basil leaves for a unique taste.

Conclusion

Making strawberry jam is a simple and satisfying process. This recipe will not only fill your pantry with a delicious product but will also bring back beautiful memories every morning when you enjoy it. Try this recipe and let the aroma of fresh strawberries transport you, bringing a touch of summer to every jar!

 Ingredients: Strawberry Jam Recipe 2 kg strawberries 1.5 kg sugar 1 vanilla essence zest from 1 orange 1 packet of vanilla sugar juice from 1/2 lemon

 Tags:  strawberry jam