Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Yield: About 4 cups (32 servings)
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (900 g) fresh strawberries
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- ½ teaspoon unsalted butter (optional, helps reduce foam)
Equipment Needed
- Large heavy-bottom saucepan
- Potato masher or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sterilized glass jars with lids
- Ladle
- Funnel (optional)
- Candy thermometer (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries thoroughly under cool running water. Remove the stems and any damaged portions. Slice larger berries into halves or quarters while leaving smaller berries whole. Place them into a large saucepan.
Step 2: Crush the Fruit
Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to gently crush the strawberries. Some larger fruit pieces can remain if you prefer a chunkier jam. For a smoother consistency, mash the berries more thoroughly.
Step 3: Add the Sugar
Pour the sugar over the strawberries and stir until evenly combined. Allow the mixture to rest for about 10 minutes so the sugar begins drawing moisture from the fruit.
Step 4: Add Lemon Juice
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and optional lemon zest. Lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps the jam set properly by providing natural acidity.
Step 5: Cook the Jam
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring frequently. Continue cooking for approximately 25–30 minutes. Stir regularly to prevent sticking or scorching.
If foam develops on the surface, skim it off with a spoon or stir in the optional butter to reduce foaming.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
To test if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful onto a chilled plate. Let it sit for one minute, then gently push it with your finger. If the surface wrinkles slightly and holds its shape, the jam is finished.
Alternatively, use a candy thermometer. The jam reaches the proper setting point at approximately 220°F (104°C).
Step 7: Fill the Jars
Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean before sealing with sterilized lids.
Step 8: Cool and Store
Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating or processing for long-term storage. The jam will continue thickening as it cools.
Tips for Success
- Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Avoid overcooking, as it can darken the color and produce a stiff texture.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent burning.
- Always use clean, sterilized jars for safe storage.
- Fresh lemon juice gives better flavor than bottled juice.
- If you prefer a less sweet jam, reduce the sugar slightly, though this may affect texture and shelf life.
Variations
Vanilla Strawberry Jam
Add one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract after removing the jam from the heat for a warm, comforting flavor.
Strawberry Basil Jam
Finely chop two tablespoons of fresh basil and stir it in during the final five minutes of cooking for a unique herbal twist.
Strawberry Raspberry Jam
Replace one-third of the strawberries with fresh raspberries for a mixed berry preserve.
Honey Strawberry Jam
Replace one cup of sugar with honey for a more natural sweetness and subtle floral flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade Strawberry Jam is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Spread on toasted bread or English muffins
- Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or French toast
- Mix into yogurt or oatmeal
- Serve with scones and biscuits
- Fill cakes, cupcakes, or doughnuts
- Pair with cream cheese and crackers
- Swirl into vanilla ice cream
- Use as a topping for cheesecake
Storage
Store unopened, properly sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year if processed using safe canning methods.
Refrigerate opened jars and consume within three to four weeks.
For freezer storage, leave extra headspace in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one year.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (2 tablespoons)
- Calories: 50
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Potassium: 30 mg
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Vitamin C: 8 mg
- Calcium: 3 mg
- Iron: 0.1 mg