Strawberry jam

Strawberry Jam

When it comes to jam, strawberry jam remains a favorite for many, and rightly so! The intense flavors, smooth texture, and natural sweetness make this jam a perfect choice for breakfasts, desserts, or even to add a splash of flavor to your favorite recipes. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to make a delicious strawberry jam without preservatives or additives that will delight the taste buds of your loved ones. With a total preparation time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, you will have enough portions to enjoy this delight throughout the year.

Ingredients

- 3 kg fresh strawberries (hulled and washed)
- 1.5 kg sugar
- 2 lemons (zest and juice)

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10 jars of 400 g

Steps for making strawberry jam

Step 1: Preparing the strawberries
Start by carefully washing the strawberries. It is important not to rinse them under running water, as they may lose flavor. Instead, use a basin of cold water to gently clean them. Remove the stems and place the strawberries on a clean kitchen towel to dry.

Step 2: Marinating the strawberries
In a large pot, add the cleaned strawberries and 1 kg of sugar. Add the zest of one lemon, cut into large pieces (not grated, as we want to remove it later). Cover the pot and let it chill, ideally overnight. This step will help extract the juices from the strawberries, creating a flavorful base for the jam.

Step 3: Making the jam
The next day, remove the lemon zest from the pot and add the remaining sugar (0.5 kg) and the juice from the two lemons. Place the pot on low heat and allow the mixture to boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Let it boil for 45-50 minutes.

Step 4: Checking the consistency
After the cooking time has elapsed, it is essential to check if the jam is ready. Place a spoonful of jam on a saucer and let it cool for a few minutes. If the jam does not run when you tilt the saucer, it is ready! If not, leave it on the heat for a few more minutes and repeat the test.

Step 5: Sterilizing the jars
Meanwhile, prepare the jars in which you will store the jam. Wash them well with water and detergent, then rinse them. Place the jars, along with the lids, in a tray and put them in the preheated oven at 100-125°C for 15-20 minutes. This sterilization will prevent bacterial growth and ensure long-term preservation.

Step 6: Filling the jars
When the jam is ready, fill the jars with hot jam, being careful to use a knife or spatula to prevent the jars from cracking. Seal the jars with the lids and turn them upside down. This will create a vacuum, keeping the jam fresh. You will hear a "click" when the lid seals properly.

Step 7: Cooling and storing
Allow the jars to cool completely in this position. Once cooled, you can store them in a cool, dark place until use. If you store these jars for winter, I assure you that the jam will be a joy on your tables!

Useful tips and tricks

1. Choose quality strawberries: Buy fresh, fragrant, and sweet strawberries, as these are the base of your jam. Look for medium-sized fruit, free from blemishes or damage.

2. Jam taste: You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences. If you want a tarter jam, reduce the amount of sugar.

3. Sugar-free option: For a healthy option, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup, but you will need to adjust the cooking time.

Nutritional benefits
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. By consuming strawberry jam, you benefit from the same nutritional properties along with a delicious taste. It is an excellent source of energy and can support the immune system.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.

2. How can I check if the jam is well sealed?
After the jars have cooled, check if the lid is indented. If it does not pop up when you press in the center, it is well sealed.

3. How long can the jam be stored?
If properly preserved, strawberry jam can be kept for up to 1 year in the pantry. Once opened, consume it within 3 months.

Serving suggestions
Strawberry jam is perfect on toast, pancakes, or as a filling for cakes and tarts. It can also be added to your favorite yogurt or smoothies for an extra flavor boost.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to prepare this delicious strawberry jam! Enjoy every moment of the process and don’t forget to savor the final result. You might even want to share the jam with your loved ones, but be careful, there might not be anything left in the jars!