Strawberry jam recipe
Strawberry jam is a delicacy that perfectly combines the sweet and fresh flavors of summer fruits. Its preparation is a simple process but requires a little patience and attention to detail to achieve the desired result. We start with the essential ingredients: 1 kg of fresh strawberries, 700 g of sugar, and the juice of one lemon. The strawberries should be well-ripened, preferably from organic sources, to fully enjoy their natural flavor and sweetness.
The first step is to wash the strawberries under a stream of cold water, thus removing any impurities. After cooling them, cut them in half or quarters, depending on your preferences. Then, in a large container, combine the strawberries with the sugar, gently mixing them to allow the sugar to dissolve and absorb the natural juice of the fruits. Let the mixture sit for about an hour, so the strawberries can release their flavor.
After this period, add the lemon juice, which will help preserve the sweetness and enhance the flavor of the fruits. Transfer the mixture to a large pot with a thick bottom and place it over medium heat. It is important to stir constantly to prevent the jam from sticking and burning. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens. This process can take between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the amount of water in the strawberries.
To check if the jam is ready, you can do the drop test: put a drop of jam on a cold plate and let it cool for a few seconds. If it holds its shape and does not spread, it is a sign that it is ready. When the jam reaches the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, filling them almost to the top. Seal the jars with airtight lids and let them cool completely at room temperature.
Once cooled, the strawberry jam can be stored in a dark, cool place, where it will maintain its flavor and taste for several months. This delicacy can be used in various combinations: on toast, in pie fillings, or simple desserts, bringing a touch of summer in every bite. Enjoy every moment of the year with this delicious jam!
1. Wash the strawberries, remove the leaves, and let them dry a bit, after which they are sprinkled with lemon juice and left to sit for about 1 hour. 2. Prepare the syrup from sugar and water, putting it on medium heat and constantly removing the foam that forms. We will know when the syrup is ready when it thickens, becomes sticky, and if we take a little with a spoon and put it on a plate, it hardens in a regular shape (it doesn’t splatter). 3. To the syrup obtained, add the strawberries and let everything simmer on low heat until the strawberries are soaked in syrup, but they should not be left too long to maintain their shape and not get crushed (for reference, I would say - 30 minutes) during which we constantly remove the resulting foam. 4. When we consider that the strawberry jam is ready, take the pot off the heat, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it cool. 5. When it is still warm, distribute it into jars and place them in a cool, dark place. The same method is followed for making jam from wild strawberries or raspberries. Strawberry jam can be used in various cake recipes with jam.
Ingredients: Strawberry jam recipe: 1 kg sugar, 750 g strawberries, 750 ml water, juice from 2 lemons.