Strawberry jam recipe with gelling agent 3x1

Strawberry Jam with Setting Gel – A Sweet and Aromatic Delight

The summer fruit season invites us with fresh aromas and vibrant colors. Strawberries, with their sweet taste and juicy texture, are the stars of this season. Today, I will present a simple and quick recipe for making delicious strawberry jam that will turn any meal into a celebration of flavors. By using setting gel, you will achieve perfect jam without spending hours at the stove.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 4 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (including jar preparation)
Number of servings: 9 jars

Necessary ingredients:
- 3 kg fresh strawberries
- 1 kg sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla
- 2 teaspoons of dried mint
- 3 packets of setting gel 3x1

Let’s dive into this recipe!

Step 1: Preparing the strawberries
Start by washing the strawberries well under a stream of cold water. Make sure to remove all impurities. Remove the stems; for larger ones, cut them in half or quarters so they cook evenly. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, so you will not only get a tasty jam but also a healthy one!

Step 2: Preparing the jars
An essential aspect of any jam recipe is hygiene. Wash the jars with dish soap, rinse them well, and let them drain. Then, sterilize them in the oven at 100°C for 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent bacterial growth and ensure long-term preservation of the jam.

Step 3: Mixing the ingredients
In a large pot, add the cleaned and cut strawberries. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar with the setting gel, mixing well to avoid lumps. Add the sugar and gel mixture over the strawberries, followed by the vanilla and dried mint. The mint will provide a fresh and refreshing note, turning the jam into a true indulgence.

Step 4: Boiling the jam
Place the pot over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent sticking. From the moment it starts to boil, continue to boil the mixture for 3-4 minutes. It is important not to leave the mixture unattended, so stay close. The jam will begin to thicken due to the setting gel, and the aroma will fill the entire kitchen!

Step 5: Filling the jars
After boiling the jam, take the pot off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Using a ladle, fill the sterilized jars with the hot jam. Screw the lids on immediately and place the jars upside down to create a vacuum. This simple trick helps preserve the jam for a long time.

Step 6: Cooling and storing
Place the jars in a tray, with the lid side up, covering them with a thick blanket. This step will ensure a slow and even cooling. Once they have completely cooled, check the lids to ensure they have sealed properly. Label the jars and store them in a cool, dark place.

Useful tips:
- If you want to experiment, you can replace the mint with other herbs like basil or lavender for unique flavors.
- Use very ripe strawberries for a sweeter and more aromatic jam.
- You can also add other fruits like raspberries or blackberries for a delicious combination.

Nutritional benefits:
Strawberry jam is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and using setting gel significantly reduces the amount of sugar needed. This makes the jam a healthier choice for those who want to enjoy the sweet taste of fruits without compromising their health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I make jam without setting gel?
Yes, but you will need to boil the mixture longer and use a larger amount of sugar. Setting gel simplifies the process and reduces cooking time.
2. How can I check if the jam has thickened enough?
Do the drop test: put a drop on a cold plate; if it thickens and does not run, it is ready.
3. How can I use strawberry jam?
It is delicious on toast, pancakes, yogurt, or as a filling for cakes and pastries.

Serving and combinations:
Strawberry jam pairs perfectly with warm mint tea or refreshing lemonade. It can also be used as a filling for cakes, muffins, or even as a topping for ice cream. Imagine a pancake filled with this jam and served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream – a dessert that will surely impress anyone!

Now that you have discovered the recipe for strawberry jam with setting gel, all that’s left is to try it! It is a simple, quick, and flavorful recipe, perfect for bringing a touch of summer into every day. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: It's the season for all kinds of jams. These days I made strawberry jam, and it turned out very tasty, aromatic, and refreshing, thanks to the dried mint I added to the strawberry mixture. For some time now, I've been making jam with gelling agent, which I personally like a lot, and the time required is much shorter. The most time-consuming part was washing and sterilizing the jars and cleaning the strawberries from their stems. I always start by preparing the jars, which I wash well with dish soap, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water, let drain a bit, and then sterilize in the oven at a low heat for about 10 minutes until they dry. I always use jars with screw-on lids. I made these clarifications for beginner housewives; I hope they find them useful. These maneuvers took about 20-30 minutes. Here’s the recipe: Ingredients: 3 kg strawberries, 1 kg sugar, 2 vanilla pods, 2 teaspoons dried mint, 3 packets of gelling agent 3x1. The advantage of using the 3x1 gelling agent is that you don't need too much sugar. For 1 kg of fruit, only 350 g of sugar is necessary.