Strawberry jam

Strawberry Jam

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: about 12 jars

One of the most delicious and beloved fruit preparations is strawberry jam. This easy-to-make recipe will bring an explosion of flavor and aroma to your table, perfect for spreading on a slice of fresh bread or adding to desserts. Strawberry jam is not just a simple preparation, but a memory from childhood for many of us, evoking moments of joy spent with loved ones.

Necessary ingredients:
- 6 kg fresh, ripe, and fragrant strawberries
- 2 kg sugar
- 1 packet of gelfix (optional, for a firmer texture)
- Washed and sterilized jars
- New lids (ideally, change them every year to ensure a good seal)

Step by step for perfect strawberry jam:

1. Choosing the strawberries: Select fresh strawberries, free from blemishes or signs of spoilage. It is essential that they are ripe to achieve a sweet and aromatic jam. Smaller strawberries are usually more fragrant.

2. Cleaning: Wash the strawberries under a stream of cold water. After washing, remove the stems with a sharp knife. Make sure no stem remnants remain, as they can affect the final texture of the jam.

3. Boiling: In a large pot, add the cleaned strawberries and sugar. At first, keep the heat low to allow the sugar to dissolve gradually. This is a crucial step as it helps prevent the formation of sugar crystals in the jam.

4. Cooking: Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the temperature and let the mixture boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After 15-20 minutes, to check the consistency of the jam, place a spoonful of the mixture on a cold plate. Separate the jam with a teaspoon; if the two parts do not come back together, the jam is ready.

5. Adding the gelfix: If you prefer a firmer jam, at the end of cooking, mix 3-4 tablespoons of sugar with the gelfix. Place the mixture on the heat for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is optional but will give you a more pleasant texture.

6. Bottling: In the meantime, ensure that your jars are perfectly sterilized. Fill the jars with hot jam, leaving a small space at the top, then screw on the lids. It is important to work quickly, as the jam needs to be warm to seal properly.

7. Cooling: Once you have filled all the jars, wrap them in thick blankets or kitchen towels to keep them warm. Leave them like this until they cool completely, ideally overnight. This is an important step to ensure a proper seal.

Practical tips:
- Choosing the sugar: You can use white or brown sugar, but white sugar gives a jam with a more vibrant color and sweeter taste.
- Adding flavor: If desired, you can infuse the jam with flavors such as vanilla or lemon juice for a more complex taste.
- Variant with other fruits: You can combine strawberries with other fruits, such as raspberries or blackberries, to create a flavored mixed jam.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Strawberry jam generally has about 250 calories per 100 grams. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, providing important benefits for the immune system and cardiovascular health.

Frequently asked questions:
- What to do if my jam doesn’t thicken? If you notice that the jam hasn’t thickened enough, you can add a little gelfix and boil it again.
- How can I store the jam for a longer time? Make sure the jars are properly sterilized and tightly sealed. Store the jam in a cool, dark place.

Serving suggestions:
Strawberry jam is delicious on toast, but it can also be used as a filling for cakes, pancakes, or yogurt. You can also create a quick dessert sauce by mixing the jam with a little hot water and serving it over ice cream.

Enjoy every spoonful of this strawberry jam, a true delicacy that will sweeten your mornings! With each jar you fill, you bring a little of summer's sunshine into winter days. Savor it with your loved ones and share this recipe that brings smiles!