Description
This Strawberry Freezer Jam recipe is a quick and easy way to preserve the fresh taste of ripe strawberries. Using simple ingredients like fresh strawberries, lemon juice, sugar, and Sure-Jell fruit pectin, this freezer jam sets overnight and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for extended freshness. Ideal for spreading on toast, biscuits, or adding a sweet touch to desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Base
- 2 cups crushed fresh strawberries (about 1 pound)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Syrup and Setting Agent
- 4 cups white sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 (1.75-ounce) box Sure-Jell Fruit Pectin
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Hull the strawberries and place them in a large bowl. Use a potato masher or cocktail muddler to crush the strawberries thoroughly until you have exactly 2 cups of crushed fruit, careful not to purée them completely.
- Mix with Lemon and Sugar: Add the fresh lemon juice to the crushed strawberries and stir well. Add the sugar to the mixture and stir until it is completely dissolved. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even dissolving.
- Cook Pectin Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the water and fruit pectin. Stir constantly over high heat as the pectin may be lumpy. Bring the mixture to a boil and maintain boiling for 1 minute, stirring continuously to avoid burning. Remove from heat once done.
- Combine and Final Stir: Pour the hot pectin mixture into the strawberry and sugar mixture. Stir continuously for about 3 minutes to thoroughly dissolve the sugar and integrate the pectin. Allow a few sugar crystals but avoid a grainy texture.
- Jar and Set: Spoon the jam into 5 clean, 8-ounce freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace to allow for expansion. Loosely cover the jars and let them sit at room temperature for 24 hours so the jam can set properly. Afterward, seal the jars tightly.
- Storage: Store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 weeks or freeze it for long-term storage, lasting about one year.
Notes
- Use only fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and proper setting.
- Ensure the jars or containers are clean and freezer-safe to avoid contamination and freezer burns.
- Do not over-crush the strawberries; they should be juicy but retain some texture.
- If you want less sweetness, you can slightly reduce the sugar, but this may affect the preservation and set of the jam.
- Allow the jam to fully set at room temperature before sealing to ensure the best texture.
- This jam is perfect for freezing and does not require canning.
