Strawberry jam

Strawberry Jam - Sweet and Aromatic, a Homemade Delicacy

Who doesn't love the sweet and unmistakable aroma of strawberry jam? This jam is not only a delicacy but also a fantastic way to preserve the taste of summer all year round. Making strawberry jam is a joyful activity that can become a family tradition. Today, I will guide you step by step to achieve the perfect strawberry jam using a magical ingredient: gelfix, which will ensure a delicious consistency and optimal preservation.

Preparation Time
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 10 minutes
- Total: 40 minutes
- Number of servings: Approximately 6 jars of 400g

Necessary Ingredients
- 4 kg fresh strawberries
- 4 packets of gelfix 2:1
- 2 kg sugar
- Jars with lids and threads (approximately 6 jars of 400g)

Ingredient Details
- Strawberries: It is essential to use fresh, ripe strawberries to achieve an intense flavor. Choose strawberries with an even color and no blemishes.
- Gelfix: This special ingredient helps to gel the jam, ensuring that you achieve the perfect consistency. Gelfix 2:1 indicates that a smaller amount of sugar is needed compared to the fruit, which will preserve the natural flavor of the strawberries.
- Sugar: Sugar not only sweetens the jam but also acts as a natural preservative.

Making Strawberry Jam

1. Preparing the jars: Start by washing the jars and lids thoroughly. Once cleaned, place them upside down on a clean towel to dry completely. It is important that the jars are perfectly clean to prevent contamination of the jam.

2. Preparing the strawberries: Wash the strawberries under a stream of cold water and remove the stems. Place them in a colander for a few minutes to drain excess water.

3. Crushing the strawberries: Use a food processor to crush the strawberries. It is not necessary to turn them into a complete puree; a few pulses will be enough to achieve a smooth paste, but with some pieces to maintain the texture.

4. Cooking the strawberries: Pour the strawberry paste into a cast-iron pot and add the gelfix mixture with sugar (8 tablespoons of sugar). Mix well to combine the ingredients.

5. Cooking the jam: Place the pot over medium heat and stir occasionally. When the mixture starts to boil, add the remaining sugar and continue stirring. Let it boil for 4 minutes, stirring constantly.

6. Filling the jars: Prepare a baking tray and add a little water to prevent the jars from cracking. Use a funnel and a ladle to fill each jar with the hot jam.

7. Sealing the jars: Place a piece of damp cellophane on each jar, then screw on the lid. This trick will ensure a good seal of the jars and prevent the jam from oxidizing.

8. Cooling and labeling: Place the jars upside down for a few minutes, then turn them over. After they have cooled completely, remove the excess cellophane, wipe the jars, and label them.

Practical Tips
- Variation with other fruits: You can experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, mixing them with strawberries for a delicious combination.
- Flavor tricks: Adding a few drops of lemon juice can enhance the flavor of the strawberries and help preserve the color.
- Serving: Serve strawberry jam on toast, pancakes, or as a filling for cakes and tarts. It can also be a wonderful ingredient in cocktails or in your favorite yogurt.

Nutritional Benefits and Calories
Strawberry jam is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy immune system. Although it is higher in sugar, consumed in moderation, it can be a delicious addition to your diet. A 400g jar contains approximately 1200 calories, but the servings are usually small, so don't worry – it's a treat that can be enjoyed!

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but make sure to let them thaw completely and drain well before crushing.
- How can I tell if the jam has set well? A simple method is to place a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate; if it gels and does not run, it is ready.
- How long does strawberry jam last? If stored in a cool, dark place, the jam can last up to 1 year.

Conclusion
Making strawberry jam is not only a pleasant activity but also a great way to bring a touch of summer to every morning. With this simple and quick recipe, I invite you to enjoy the aroma of strawberries and share this delicacy with your loved ones. Whether you use it to sweeten a tart or simply to enjoy on a slice of toast, strawberry jam will surely bring smiles to the faces of those who taste it. Enjoy!

We wash the jars and lids thoroughly, then place them upside down on a clean towel to drain and dry. We wash and remove the stems from the strawberries and let them sit for a few minutes in a colander. To make jam, I processed the strawberries one by one in a food processor (just a few pulses, not too much) to crush them, making it easier to obtain a paste (for me, jam means a paste and should not have whole fruit pieces), then I emptied them into a cast iron pot for boiling. In a bowl, I mixed the gelfix powder with 8 tablespoons of sugar, added it to the strawberry paste, and placed the pot on the stove to boil, stirring occasionally. When it started to boil, I added the remaining sugar and continued to stir, letting it boil for another 4 minutes from the moment it started boiling before turning off the heat. I arranged the jars in a baking tray, adding a little water (to prevent the jars from cracking due to the hot jam) and filled the jars one by one using a funnel and ladle. I placed a piece of cellophane on each jar (wet beforehand to stick and seal the jar well) and screwed on the lid. I let the jars sit with the lid down for a few minutes, then turned them over and after they cooled, I tidied them up (cutting off the excess cellophane and wiping them if jam dripped), labeled them, and placed them on the shelf in the pantry. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 4 kg strawberries 4 packets of gelfix 2/1 2 kg sugar Jars with lid and thread

 Tags:  gem strawberries