Strawberry jam without preservatives

Strawberry Jam Without Preservatives - The Delight of Summer in a Jar

When it comes to making jam, nothing compares to the fresh taste of seasonal strawberries. This simple and quick recipe for strawberry jam without preservatives is perfect for preserving the flavor of summer all year round. With just a few basic ingredients, you will create a refined and natural dessert, perfect for enjoying on a slice of toast or as a topping for pancakes and yogurt.

Total preparation time: 24 hours (including infusion time)
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 5 jars of 400g

Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh strawberries
- 1 kg granulated sugar
- Juice of one lemon (or 1/2 teaspoon of lemon salt)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy strawberries without blemishes. Wash them well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Remove the stems and cut them in half or quarters, depending on your preference.

2. Infusing with sugar: Place the cleaned strawberries in a large bowl and cover them with sugar. Gently mix to distribute the sugar evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours. This step will allow the strawberries to release their juice, turning the sugar into a natural syrup.

3. Sterilizing the jars: While the strawberries are infusing, prepare the jars. Wash them well with soap and water, then rinse. Sterilize the jars either by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or in the oven at 100°C for 15 minutes. This step is essential to prevent bacterial growth.

4. Boiling the jam: After the strawberries have infused, place the mixture in a wide pot and add the lemon juice or lemon salt. These not only enhance the flavor but also help preserve the vibrant color of the strawberries. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

5. Checking the consistency: After about 20-30 minutes, start checking the consistency of the jam. You can do a simple test: place a drop of jam on a cold plate. If it holds its shape and doesn't run, it’s ready. If you prefer a thicker jam, let it boil for a few more minutes, stirring constantly.

6. Bottling: Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, carefully pour it into the sterilized jars, filling them to about 1 cm from the top. Seal the jars with sterile lids and let them cool completely at room temperature.

7. Storing: Once cooled, store the strawberry jam in the pantry or refrigerator. It’s important to keep it in a dark, cool place to maintain its freshness during the winter.

Serving suggestion: Enjoy this delicious jam on a slice of toasted bread, alongside butter or cheese, for a perfect breakfast. It can also be used as a filling for cakes or as a topping for ice cream.

Possible variations: You can experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon, vanilla, or even mint leaves during boiling. Additionally, mixing strawberries with other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, can create a complex and flavorful jam.

This recipe for strawberry jam without preservatives is not only easy to make but also a great way to bring a touch of summer to the cold winter days. Try it and enjoy the authentic taste of fresh strawberries!