Description
This Strawberry Freezer Jam is a delicious and easy-to-make preserve that captures the fresh taste of summer strawberries. Made with crushed fresh strawberries, lemon juice, sugar, and fruit pectin, this jam sets up quickly without traditional cooking, making it perfect for beginners. It’s ideal for spreading on toast, adding to desserts, or gifting to friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Fruit
- 2 cups crushed fresh strawberries (about 1 pound)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Sugar Mixture
- 4 cups white sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 (1.75-ounce) box Sure-Jell Fruit Pectin
Instructions
- Crush the Strawberries: Hull the strawberries and place them in a large bowl. Use a potato masher or a cocktail muddler to crush the strawberries thoroughly, making sure they are well crushed but not pureed. Measure exactly 2 cups of crushed strawberries.
- Mix Lemon Juice and Sugar: Add the fresh lemon juice to the crushed strawberries and stir well. Then add the sugar and stir until it is dissolved. Let this mixture stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar fully.
- Prepare the Pectin Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the water and fruit pectin, stirring to mix. Place the pan over high heat and stir constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and boil for 1 minute while continuing to stir constantly. Remove from heat immediately.
- Combine Pectin with Strawberry Mixture: Pour the hot pectin mixture into the strawberry and sugar mixture. Stir vigorously for about 3 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is evenly combined. It is okay if a few sugar crystals remain, but the mixture should not be grainy.
- Jar and Set the Jam: Spoon the jam into 5 clean, 8-ounce freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Loosely cover the jars and let them sit at room temperature for 24 hours to allow the jam to set properly.
- Seal and Store: After setting, seal the jars tightly with lids. Store the jam in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks or in the freezer for up to a year to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Ensure jars and lids are clean and freezer-safe to prevent spoilage.
- Do not over-boil the pectin mixture, as this can affect the gelling ability.
- Allow jam to fully set at room temperature before sealing to ensure proper consistency.
- If freezing, leave space in jars for expansion to prevent cracking or bursting.
- Once opened, consume refrigerated jam within 3 to 4 weeks.
