There’s nothing quite like the sweet, vibrant flavor of homemade strawberry jam. This recipe captures the essence of summer, preserving the luscious taste of fresh strawberries with just the right hint of tartness from the lemon juice.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and mashed
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberries: Hull the strawberries and then mash them in a large bowl until you reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the mashed strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Boil the Mixture: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir constantly, and continue boiling until the jam reaches 220°F (use a candy thermometer to check).
- Test for Doneness: To test if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles and holds its shape when pushed with your finger, it’s done.
- Jar the Jam: Remove the pot from the heat and skim off any foam. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace. Seal immediately with sterilized lids.
- Process the Jars: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
- Cool and Store: Let the jars cool completely. Check the seals and store in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate after opening.
