Strawberry jam

Strawberry Jam: A Delicious and Refined Recipe

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 6 jars of 400 g

Who doesn’t love the sweetness of fresh strawberry jam? This classic preparation is more than just a simple preserve; it’s an explosion of flavors, a way to keep summer in every jar, for those winter moments when we want to indulge in something sweet. In this recipe, I will share with you the secrets to achieving a perfect, creamy strawberry jam, with a vibrant color and intense flavor. Let’s get started!

Ingredients Needed

- 2 kg of fresh, ripe, and healthy strawberries
- 2 kg of granulated sugar
- 1 lemon (sliced or diced)

Ingredient Details

Strawberries are seasonal fruits, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, with a low calorie content. When selecting them, make sure they are firm, blemish-free, and have a deep red color. Sugar not only sweetens the jam but also plays a crucial role in preservation, helping to prevent fermentation. The lemon, added towards the end, helps balance the sweetness and enhances the texture of the jam.

Preparing Strawberry Jam: Step by Step

1. Sorting the Strawberries
Start by washing the strawberries under a gentle stream of cold water. Remove the stems and leaves, then sort them, choosing only the ripe and healthy fruits. This step is essential to ensure an intense flavor in the jam.

2. Preparing the Fruits
Place the strawberries in a large bowl and sprinkle the sugar in alternating layers, so they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill for 2-3 hours. This process will help the strawberries release their juice and speed up the cooking process.

3. Boiling the Jam
Once the strawberries have released their juice, transfer the mixture into a large pot. Place the pot over medium heat and start stirring continuously. It’s important to be consistent at this stage to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4. Checking the Consistency
After about 30-40 minutes of boiling, you will notice that the liquid has started to reduce and the strawberries have taken on a glossy color. To check if the jam is ready, you can do the plate test: place 2-3 teaspoons of jam on a plate and let it cool. If it thickens after a few minutes, then the jam is perfect.

5. Adding the Lemon
About 10 minutes before turning off the heat, add the lemon slices or cubes. These will add a note of freshness and intensify the flavor of the jam.

6. Removing the Foam
When you consider the jam is ready, remove the foam from the surface with a spoon. This will help achieve a smooth and uniform texture.

7. Filling the Jars
Ensure that the jars are clean and dry. Fill each jar with hot jam, leaving a small space at the top. Seal the jars tightly and turn them upside down for 5 minutes to allow the fruits to settle evenly.

Useful Tips and Tricks

- To avoid fermentation of the jam, ensure that the sugar is well incorporated and that the jars are properly sterilized.
- If you prefer a smoother jam, you can puree the strawberries with an immersion blender before mixing them with the sugar.
- Add a special flavor by including a few fresh mint leaves during boiling.
- The jam is perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes, from fluffy pancakes, cakes, or even on a slice of toasted bread with butter.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of strawberry jam (approximately 20 g) contains about 50 calories. Besides being delicious, strawberry jam also provides a good source of vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system and maintain skin health.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Is it necessary to sterilize the jars?
Yes, it is essential to sterilize the jars before filling them with jam to prevent contamination.

- Can I add other fruits to the jam?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to create a mixed jam.

- How long does the jam last?
If well preserved, strawberry jam can last up to 1 year in the pantry. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and consume it within 2-3 months.

Strawberry jam is more than just a simple delicacy; it’s a memory of summer, a little joy in every morning. So, get ready to delight your family and friends with this delicious jam, full of authentic flavors, that will bring a smile to everyone’s face. Enjoy!