Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
- In a large bowl, mix the strawberries and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 1-2 hours to allow the strawberries to release their natural juices.
2. Cook the Jam:
- Transfer the strawberry-sugar mixture to a large saucepan. Add the lemon juice. Stir over low heat until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the jam reaches the gel point.
- Gel Point Test: Place a small amount of jam on a cold plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, itβs ready.
3. Final Steps:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and skim off any foam using a spoon.
4. Jar and Seal:
- While the jam is still hot, carefully ladle it into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
- Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes.
5. Cool and Store:
- Allow the jars to cool at room temperature. Check the seals before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Notes
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including resting)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: ~4 cups
Calories: ~50 kcal per tablespoon
Spread this luscious jam over buttery toast, swirl it into creamy yogurt, or use it as a topping for holiday desserts. Homemade Strawberry Jam is not just a recipeβitβs a jar full of memories waiting to be made! π