Strawberry jam recipe (baked)

Strawberry Jam in the Oven – A Recipe Full of Memories and Flavor

Strawberry jam is undoubtedly one of the most beloved delights in our pantries. With a sweet aroma and a slightly caramelized texture, it takes us back to summers spent in the garden, under the watchful eyes of our grandmother. This recipe not only revives the taste of childhood but is also incredibly simple, with the advantage of being baked, making it almost self-sufficient. Let’s discover together how we can recreate the magic of strawberry jam in jars!

Preparation time: 12 hours (including maceration time)
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total time: 12 hours and 3 hours
Number of servings: approximately 12 jars of 400 g

Necessary ingredients:
- 5 kg fresh strawberries
- 2.5 kg sugar
- Clean 400 g jars with lids
- A blanket (for insulation)

Preparing the strawberries:
1. Washing and cleaning: Start by washing the strawberries under a stream of cold water. Make sure to remove all dirt and any impurities. After washing, let them drain and remove the stems. This step is essential to avoid bitterness that may arise from the green parts of the fruit.

2. Maceration: In a 10-liter pot, place a layer of strawberries, followed by a layer of sugar. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used. Cover the pot and let the mixture sit in a cool place (in the pantry) for 12 hours. This step will help extract the juice from the strawberries, making the jam more flavorful.

Preheating the oven:
3. Preparing the oven: About 30 minutes before you start cooking, preheat the oven to the maximum temperature. If you are using a natural gas stove, make sure the temperature is consistent.

Making the jam:
4. Collecting the syrup: After the 12 hours of maceration, you will notice that a delicious syrup has formed. Carefully remove as much of the syrup left by the fruit (about 2 liters). You can save the remaining syrup for other uses, such as sweetening drinks or desserts.

5. Baking: Place the pot with strawberries in the oven and let it boil on high heat for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to low and continue cooking for another 1 hour and 30 minutes. This long cooking process allows the strawberries to caramelize slightly and become tender while still retaining their shape.

Preparing the jars:
6. Sanitizing the jars: Wash the jars thoroughly with warm water and detergent, then rinse well. You can also sterilize them in the oven by leaving them at 100 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. This will ensure better preservation of the jam.

Filling the jars:
7. Bottling the jam: When the jam is ready, use a small ladle to carefully pour it into the jars. Be careful, the jam is very hot, so I recommend placing the blade of a knife under the jars to avoid cracking.

8. Sealing the jars: After filling the jars, seal them tightly with the lids and place them in a blanket nest to retain heat. Leave them there for 24 hours to cool gradually. This will help create a better seal.

Storage and serving:
9. Labeling and storage: Once the jam has completely cooled, label the jars with the preparation date and a brief description. Store them in the pantry or cellar, where they will remain delicious until winter.

Strawberry jam can be enjoyed in countless ways! It can be a perfect accompaniment for pancakes, yogurt, or even a secret ingredient in cakes. Personally, I love to eat it straight from the jar, but that remains a secret between us!

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen strawberries? While it is recommended to use fresh strawberries for optimal taste, frozen strawberries can be a good alternative out of season.
- How can I vary the recipe? You can add a little lemon juice for a pleasant contrast of acidity or experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries or blackberries.
- How long can the jam be stored? If stored correctly, the jam can last up to 1 year.

Nutritional benefits:
Strawberry jam is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, and antioxidants that contribute to heart health. When consumed in moderation, it can add a boost of nutrients to your diet.

In conclusion, oven-baked strawberry jam is not just a simple recipe but also a way to preserve memories and the flavors of summer. With each jar opened, you will relive the stories and beautiful moments from childhood. So don’t hesitate, gather the ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the sweet aromas of strawberries!