Imagine capturing the essence of summer in a jar - bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, no complicated ingredients, and zero store-bought pectin required! This incredibly easy no-pectin strawberry jam will transform your ordinary breakfast into a gourmet experience, with nothing more than three simple ingredients and a little bit of kitchen magic. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned home chef, this recipe promises to deliver a jam so delicious, you'll never want to buy store-bought again!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and crushed
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Hull the strawberries by removing the green tops and any white parts. Crush the strawberries using a potato masher or fork until you have a chunky puree. You should have about 2 cups of crushed strawberries.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed strawberries with 1 cup of sugar. Stir the mixture gently to ensure that the sugar is evenly distributed. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. This will help the strawberries release their natural juices, which is essential for the jam.
- While the strawberry and sugar mixture is resting, prepare your cooking equipment. Get a large, heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan and a wooden spoon for stirring. You will also need clean jars for storing the jam; make sure they are sterilized by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through a dishwasher cycle.
- After the mixture has rested, transfer it to the pot and place it over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally to help dissolve the sugar completely. Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the pot. The acidity from the lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps with the gelling process. Continue to boil the mixture, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Cook the jam for about 20-30 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. You can test the consistency by placing a small spoonful of the jam on a cold plate and letting it sit for a minute. Run your finger through the jam; if it holds its shape and doesn't run back together, it's ready.
- Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat. Allow the jam to cool for a few minutes before transferring it to your prepared sterilized jars. Use a ladle to fill the jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
- Seal the jars tightly with lids while the jam is still warm. If you plan to store the jam for an extended period, consider processing the jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly. This step is optional if you plan to consume the jam within a few weeks.
- Let the jars cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in a cool, dark place for up to a year if properly sealed.
- Your no pectin strawberry jam is now ready to be enjoyed! Spread it on toast, use it in desserts, or simply enjoy it by the spoonful.
Tips
- Choose perfectly ripe strawberries for the most intense flavor and natural sweetness.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the jam from sticking or burning.
- For a smoother jam, you can blend the strawberries before cooking, or for a chunkier texture, use a potato masher.
- The cold plate test is crucial - it helps you determine the perfect jam consistency without guesswork.
- Sterilize your jars properly to ensure the longest possible shelf life for your homemade jam.
- If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind this might affect the jam's consistency and preservation.
- Fresh lemon juice is key - it helps with pectin activation and adds a bright flavor to the jam.
- Allow the jam to cool completely before refrigerating to help it set properly.
- Store in clean, airtight containers and enjoy within 3 weeks for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 111kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
