Strawberry jam

Strawberry Jam: A Flavorful Delicacy for All Seasons

Who doesn't love strawberry jam? This vibrant spread, with its bright red color and sweet-tart taste, is a symbol of summer and sunny days. Strawberry jam is not just an excellent delicacy for breakfast on toast or pancakes, but it can also be a versatile ingredient for sophisticated desserts or toppings for yogurts. While cooking, we will be carried away by childhood memories when fresh strawberries were picked from the garden or the market, bringing a smile to our faces.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 2-3 hours (including resting time)
Number of servings: Depends on serving preferences, but approximately 5 jars of 350g

Essential ingredients:
- 1 kg of fresh, sweet, ripe strawberries
- 1 kg of granulated sugar (preferably white sugar for a clearer color)
- 1 lemon (for its fresh juice and acidity that helps with preservation)

Step by step: Your guide to achieving perfect jam

1. Preparing the strawberries: Start by carefully cleaning the strawberries, removing the stems. Choose fresh, ripe, and blemish-free strawberries, as these will give your jam a special flavor and color. After cleaning, place them in a strainer and wash them well under cold running water to remove impurities.

2. Layering the ingredients: In a jam pot (preferably a copper cauldron or a stainless steel pot), layer the strawberries, alternating with sugar. Make sure each layer of strawberries is generously covered with sugar. This process will help extract the juice from the strawberries and create a natural syrup. Add the juice of one lemon, which will not only enhance the flavor but also help preserve the jam.

3. Waiting and extracting juice: Leave the pot covered for 2-3 hours so that the strawberries release their juice. You will notice that the sugar will partially dissolve, forming a delicious syrup.

4. Boiling the jam: After 2-3 hours, place the pot over high heat. A foam will form on the surface during boiling, which you need to skim off with a ladle. Boil the jam for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature; the jam is ready when it reaches 105 degrees Celsius.

5. Bottling: Prepare the jars, ensuring they are clean and sterilized. You can do this by washing them in the dishwasher or boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Fill the jars with hot jam, leaving a small space at the top. Screw the lids on tightly and turn the jars upside down for a few minutes to create a vacuum.

6. Storing: Once completely cooled, store the jars in a pantry, in a dark and cool place. Your strawberry jam will be perfect to enjoy throughout the year!

Practical tips for perfect strawberry jam:
- Choose high-quality strawberries; flavors concentrate in the jam, so good ingredients make a difference.
- If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the amount of sugar, but make sure to add a little extra lemon juice to maintain the balance of acidity.
- Experiment with adding spices like vanilla or fresh basil to give your jam a unique twist.

Nutritional benefits:
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy ingredient. Consuming strawberry jam in moderation can add a delicious and healthy touch to your meals.

Frequently asked questions:
1. What do I do if the jam doesn't thicken? It may be that the boiling time is insufficient. Continue to boil, stirring constantly, until you achieve the desired consistency.
2. Can I add other fruits? Of course! You can combine strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a delicious mixed jam.
3. How can I tell if the jam has spoiled? Check the jars for any signs of mold or an unpleasant smell. If you notice these signs, do not consume the jam.

Serving suggestions:
Strawberry jam is perfect on a slice of toast, alongside butter or cottage cheese. You can also use the jam as a filling for cakes or pancakes. Another delicious way to enjoy it is with Greek yogurt, sprinkled with nuts or granola.

Strawberry jam is more than just a simple preparation; it's a sensory experience that brings joy and nostalgia. I encourage you to make it and share this delicacy with your loved ones. Cooking is an art, and each jar of strawberry jam you create is a story you pass on!