Aromatic strawberry jam

Strawberry Jam: a delight you can enjoy all year round!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 5 jars of 300g

Who doesn't love the aroma of fresh strawberries? This simple strawberry jam recipe will help you preserve the taste of summer in jars, giving you a delicious flavored jam, perfect for breakfast or as a secret ingredient in cakes. Follow the steps below to achieve a perfect result!

Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh strawberries
- 1 kg sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon rum (optional, for extra flavor)

Step 1: Preparing the strawberries
Start by selecting ripe strawberries with vibrant color and no blemishes. Wash them well under cold water and remove the stems. Make sure there are no spoiled or soft strawberries, as they can affect the entire jam.

Step 2: Sweetening the strawberries
In a large bowl, layer the strawberries with sugar. Use a stainless steel or glass container, as these materials do not react with the acidity of the fruits. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes so that the strawberries release their juice.

Step 3: Cooking the jam
Place the pot over medium heat and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, add the lemon juice and rum. The lemon juice not only helps with preservation but also adds a touch of freshness to your jam. Boil the mixture for about 30 minutes until the jam thickens. You can check the consistency by dropping a few drops on a cold plate; if it sits without running, it's ready.

Step 4: Skimming and bottling
After the jam has boiled, remove it from the heat and skim off the foam from the surface using a skimmer. This will help achieve a clear and beautiful texture. Let the jam cool slightly for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Packing into jars
Fill the sterilized jars with jam, leaving a small space at the top. Seal the jars with lids, then you can place them in the oven at 100°C for 5 minutes to ensure they are well sealed.

Step 6: Cooling and storing
Let the jars cool down, but keep them in a warm place until the next day. This natural cooling method helps preserve the flavors and color. Strawberry jam keeps best in cool places, away from direct sunlight.

Serving suggestions:
You can enjoy strawberry jam on a slice of toast, as a topping for pancakes, or as an ingredient in cakes, donuts, or even yogurt.

Variations:
For a different flavor, you can try adding a few fresh mint leaves or a splash of vanilla. Also, replacing strawberries with other seasonal fruits like raspberries or blueberries will give you a varied and interesting jam.

Enjoy this aromatic strawberry jam and savor the taste of summer all year round!