Strawberry jam

Homemade Strawberry Jam - A Sweet and Fragrant Delicacy

Preparation time: 1 hour
Waiting time: 24 hours
Total time: 25 hours
Number of servings: Approximately 10 jars of 400g

Who doesn’t love the irresistible aroma of strawberry jam? This jam is not just a simple recipe, but also a wonderful way to preserve the taste of summer to be enjoyed all year round. Making strawberry jam is an art that connects us to childhood memories, to moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones. Today, I will guide you step by step through this delicious recipe.

Necessary ingredients:
- 10 kg of ripe and healthy strawberries
- 5 kg of sugar (preferably granulated sugar for better dissolving)
- Juice from 2 fresh lemons (for a balanced taste and preservation)

Preparing the strawberries:
1. Start by carefully washing the strawberries under a stream of cold water. Make sure to remove any that are not ripe or show signs of damage. The strawberries should be firm, juicy, and fragrant.
2. After washing, remove the stems and cut the strawberries in halves or quarters, depending on your preference.

Mixing with sugar:
3. In a large container, mix the strawberries with the sugar. It’s important to ensure that all the fruit is evenly coated with sugar. Cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit in the fridge overnight. This process will allow the strawberries to release their natural juice, forming a delicious syrup.

Cooking the jam:
4. The next day, take the container out of the fridge. Strain the strawberries and keep the syrup. Put the syrup in a large pot over low heat.
5. Add the lemon juice and gently mix. This ingredient not only gives the jam a fresh taste but also helps with preservation due to its acidity.
6. When the syrup starts to boil, add the strained strawberries. Stir constantly to prevent sticking. It’s important not to boil the jam on high heat, as this can lead to an unpleasant consistency.

Testing the consistency:
7. After about 30-40 minutes of boiling, start testing the consistency of the jam. A simple method is to put a spoonful of jam on a cold plate. If, after a few seconds, the jam thickens, it’s ready. If not, let it cook for a few more minutes.

Sterilizing the jars:
8. While the jam is boiling, prepare the jars. Wash them well with water and detergent, then rinse. You can sterilize the jars in the oven at 100 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes to ensure they are completely disinfected.

Filling the jars:
9. When the jam is ready, carefully pour it into the sterilized jars, filling them to the brim. Put the lids on immediately so that a vacuum forms as the jam cools.

Storage:
10. Place the jars in a box or basket and leave them in a cool, dry place for 24 hours to cool completely. Then, you can transfer them to your pantry. Strawberry jam can be kept for a year, but chances are it will be gone much sooner!

Useful tips:
- Choose organic strawberries if possible - the taste will be much better.
- You can add a teaspoon of vanilla or a few mint leaves for a unique flavor.
- If you prefer a smoother jam, you can puree the strawberries with a blender, but I personally like to keep some whole pieces for texture.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits to make jam? Yes, you can experiment with raspberries, blackberries, or even fruit combinations.
- How can I tell if the jam is well cooked? Check the consistency, but also if, after cooling, it doesn’t run off the plate.
- What can I do if the jam doesn’t thicken? You can add a packet of pectin or cook the jam longer.

Delicious combinations:
This strawberry jam is perfect for spreading on a slice of toast, on pancakes, or for use as a filling for cakes. You can also pair the jam with natural yogurt or fresh cheese for a savory breakfast.

In conclusion, making strawberry jam is a satisfying activity that will fill your home with sweet aromas and provide delicious moments to enjoy with loved ones. So put on your favorite apron, turn on your favorite music, and let’s get cooking! Enjoy your meal!