Homemade Strawberry Jam
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SWEET & SIMPLE STRAWBERRY JAM
It’s the beginning of the strawberry season. As the days warm up, sweet local strawberries will be abundant. If you have a strawberry patch, then you are fortunate. It’s so much fun to pick strawberries and bring them into your kitchen.
For the rest of us, we can rely on the friendly farmers to buy our strawberries from. I have already made a few trips to the market and have been baking up a storm.
I recently posted my favourite strawberry muffin recipe. If you would like to try that recipe, you can find it here.
If you are ready to make jam, then all you need is strawberries, sugar and lemon. This recipe will make fresh jam that can last up to two weeks in the fridge. It’s perfect for beginners and is so easy you will want to make jam all summer long!
HEALTH BENEFITS
The best part about making homemade jam is that you know exactly what is inside the jar. This recipe only has three ingredients and none of the additives found in a storebought jam. Plus, you can control the type of sugar you are using and even the amount. Once you become comfortable with jam making, you can develop your own signature blend perfectly sweetened with more or less sugar as you prefer. I like using coconut sugar because of its low glycemic index.
The main ingredient in this jam is strawberries. They contain vitamins C and K, potassium, folate, magnesium, are rich in fibre, antioxidants and polyphenols. Plus, the antioxidants and phytochemicals found in strawberries may also help to reduce inflammation of the joints.
In their natural state, strawberries are a healthy and delicious treat. However, always be careful when selecting strawberries because they are frequently listed as the top produce item in the dirty dozen list for being contaminated with pesticides. If in doubt, buy local organic strawberries to reduce the risk of pesticide exposure.
HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY JAM
Preparing homemade strawberry jam is fun and easy! All you need is a pound of strawberries, a cup of sugar and lemon juice. I like using coconut sugar as a healthier alternative to granulated sugar.
To begin wash the strawberries, pat them dry with a paper towel, remove the hull and thinly slice them.
Next, add the sliced strawberries and sugar to a large pot over low heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Once the sugar has dissolved increase the heat to medium-high and add 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring, paying attention not to let the mixture burn. Continue to boil for around 15 minutes uncovered until the mixture thickens.
Once the mixture has thickened, turn down the heat to a low simmer and crush the strawberries with a fork directly in the pot. The texture of the jam depends on preference. If you prefer your jam with chunky pieces of fruit, then only crush half of the mixture. Otherwise, for a smoother consistency, mash all the strawberries.
When you are happy with the consistency of the jam, turn off the stove and spoon into a clean glass jar. You can also use an old jam jar. Let the jam cool in the jar uncovered. When the jar reaches room temperature, close with the lid and refrigerate overnight.
TIPS FOR KEEPING STRAWBERRIES FRESH
Many people buy strawberries and wash them right before placing them in the fridge. This is actually the worst thing you can do and will make strawberries spoil quicker.
The key to keeping strawberries fresh longer is to store them in the fridge uncovered and wash them only before you are about to eat them or use them in a recipe.
I hope you found this recipe helpful. Enjoy the jam making!
Hi I’m Michelle
I’m a certified nutrition specialist, herbalist, and plant-based recipe developer. I'm an ambassador for healthy living and clean eating promoting a diet free from processed foods.
Try out some of my healthy recipes or shop my limited-edition seasonal wellness remedies. I also offer 1:1 personalized nutrition coaching for anyone serious about transforming their health.