Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 lb fresh strawberries, quartered
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Cut 2 pounds of fresh strawberries into quarters using a scale to measure the exact amount. Place them in a medium saucepan.
- Add Sugar and Lemon Juice: Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the saucepan with the strawberries. Stir to combine.
- Initial Boil: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- First Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture gently for about 30 minutes, allowing the strawberries to break down and the jam to thicken.
- Second Boil: Turn the heat back to high and bring the mixture to a boil again, ensuring it thickens properly.
- Final Simmer: Reduce the heat back to low and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This step finalizes the jam’s consistency.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the jam cool before transferring it to sterilized jars. Store in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks.
Notes
- Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- You can adjust sugar levels slightly depending on desired sweetness, but sugar acts as a preservative.
- Adding lemon juice balances the sweetness and helps set the jam by activating natural pectin in the fruit.
- Stir frequently during boiling and simmering to avoid burning on the bottom of the pan.
- Let the jam cool completely before sealing jars to prevent spoilage.
- This recipe yields approximately 12 servings of jam, perfect for small jars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Preserves & Jams
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
