Strawberry jam recipe

Strawberry Jam – A Delicious Recipe for Summer Days

Who doesn't love the sweet and fresh aroma of strawberries? This strawberry jam is more than just a dessert; it's an experience that brings back memories of summer, of wandering through fields filled with ripe fruit. In this recipe, we'll explore the necessary steps to achieve a perfect jam, bursting with flavor and color, that will delight every table.

Preparation time: 12 hours (marinating) + 30 minutes (cooking)
Total time: 12 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: approximately 5 jars of 400g

Ingredients needed:
- 1 kg of fresh, high-quality, fragrant whole strawberries
- 1 kg of granulated sugar
- 1/2 lemon, sliced thinly

Step 1: Preparing the strawberries
Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. The strawberries are the key to this recipe, so choose them carefully. Select firm, unblemished strawberries to achieve a jam with exceptional texture and flavor.

1. Wash the strawberries under cold running water, keeping the stems intact. It's important not to submerge them in water, as this can cause them to absorb moisture and spoil.
2. Carefully remove the stems, taking care not to crush the fruit.

Step 2: Marinating the strawberries
3. In a large pot, wider than it is tall, arrange the strawberries in a single layer and sprinkle the sugar over them.
4. Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for 12 hours. This is a crucial step, as the strawberries will release their natural juices, forming a delicious syrup.

Step 3: Cooking the jam
5. After 12 hours, remove the pot from the refrigerator and place it over high heat. Allow the mixture to come to a boil.
6. Once it starts boiling and bubbling, let it boil for 15 minutes. Be careful not to stir with a spoon! Instead, gently swirl the pot to avoid crushing the strawberries.

Step 4: Separating the strawberries from the syrup
7. Use a slotted spoon to remove the strawberries from the syrup, draining them well. Place them on a clean plate.
8. Let the syrup boil for another 15 minutes to thicken.

Step 5: Baking the jam
9. Return the strawberries to the hot syrup and add the lemon slices.
10. Preheat the oven to 180°C (thermostat 6) and place the pot in the oven for about 20 minutes. Check frequently, without stirring, to observe the color change.

Step 6: Bottling and sterilizing
11. When the jam has taken on a deep red color, remove the pot from the oven.
12. While still hot, pour the jam into sterilized jars that have been preheated in the oven (for sterilization, wash the jars in hot soapy water, rinse well, then place them upside down in the oven for 10 minutes at 180°C).
13. Seal the jars and return them to the oven for another 10 minutes at 160°C (thermostat 5).
14. Allow the jars to cool completely in the oven until the next day.

Serving suggestions
This strawberry jam is delicious both cold and warm. You can serve it alongside fluffy pancakes, spread on fresh bread, or even with vanilla ice cream. A great idea is to pair it with a glass of iced mineral water or a refreshing lemonade.

Nutritional benefits
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to a healthy diet. This jam will not only delight your taste buds but also provide important nutritional benefits.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use brown sugar? Yes, you can substitute white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but the jam will have a different color.
- How can I check if the jam is ready? A simple method is to put a drop of syrup on a cold plate; if it thickens and doesn’t run, it’s ready.
- Is lemon necessary? Lemon helps preserve the color and flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer a simpler jam.

Possible variations
For a jam with a twist, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla or a few fresh mint leaves during cooking. You can also combine strawberries with other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to create a delicious mix!

This strawberry jam recipe is not only simple but also a wonderful way to preserve the taste of summer for the fall and winter months. Give it a try and enjoy every spoonful!