fresh strawberry preserves recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best fresh strawberry preserves recipe

I’m so excited to share this fresh strawberry preserves recipe with you all! As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for delicious and easy-to-make recipes that my family will love. This one is a classic, and it’s perfect for springtime when fresh strawberries are in season.

I first tried this recipe at a family gathering, and it was an instant hit. The combination of sweet and tart flavors is just perfect, and the texture is so smooth and spreadable. My kids love it on toast, yogurt, or even as a topping for ice cream.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Just cook down some fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice, and you’re done.

You can also customize it to your taste by adding in other fruits or spices. I like to add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. My family requests this recipe all the time, especially during the summer months when we’re grilling up burgers and hot dogs.

It’s a perfect accompaniment to any outdoor gathering or picnic. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love having homemade jam on hand at all times? It’s so much better than store-bought stuff, and it’s actually pretty good for you too (as long as you don’t overdo it on the sugar).

I like to use this jam as a topping for my breakfast oatmeal or as a filling for my favorite strawberry shortcake recipe. It’s also great as a dip for fruit kebabs or as a topping for my favorite salads (yes, you read that right – salads!) This recipe is truly versatile, and I’m so glad I can share it with you all today.

Fresh Strawberry Preserves

4.8 from 1894 votes

A delightful homemade strawberry preserves recipe that captures the essence of fresh strawberries. Perfect for spreading on toast or using in various desserts.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
3 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice

Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Canning jars with lids
Ladle
Water bath canner

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2Stir well to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed.
3Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.
4Place the pot over medium heat.
5Stir the mixture occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
6Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently.
7The preserves are ready when they reach a thick, jam-like consistency.
8To test, spoon a small amount onto a chilled plate and place it in the freezer for 1 minute.
9If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it is done.
10While the preserves are cooking, sterilize the canning jars and lids by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes.
11Keep them hot until ready to use.
12Prepare the water bath canner by filling it with water and bringing it to a boil.
13Once the preserves are done, remove the pot from the heat.
14Ladle the hot preserves into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.
15Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a good seal.
16Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until fingertip-tight.
17Using a jar lifter, carefully place the filled jars into the boiling water bath canner.
18Ensure the jars are fully submerged in water.
19Boil the jars for 10 minutes.
20After boiling, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the hot water for an additional 5 minutes.
21Using the jar lifter, carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel-lined counter to cool.
22You should hear the lids pop as they seal.
23Allow the jars to cool completely before checking the seals.
24Press the center of each lid to ensure it is concave and does not flex.
25If any lids do not seal properly, store those jars in the refrigerator and use within a few weeks.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Canning jars with lids
Ladle
Water bath canner

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0.5g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 5mg🌾Total Carbs: 89g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 86g🥩Protein: 0.5g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother preserve, you can mash the strawberries slightly before cooking. Store the preserves in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Refrigerate after opening and use within a few weeks.

This fresh strawberry preserves recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s Easter brunch or just Tuesday morning breakfasts. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: just cook down some fresh strawberries with some sugar and lemon juice until they’re nice and thickened up.

Then voila! You’ve got yourself some delicious homemade jam that’s perfect for spreading on toast or using as a topping for yogurt parfaits (or whatever your heart desires).

My family loves when we have homemade jam on hand because it makes mealtime feel extra special – plus we know exactly what goes into making our food healthy and delicious.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Fresh Strawberry Preserves

Q: What type of sugar should I use in this recipe?

A: You can use either granulated sugar or brown sugar in this recipe – whichever you prefer! If you want a more caramel-like flavor, go with the brown sugar; if you want a cleaner taste, stick with the white sugar. Either way, just be sure to use real sugar (not artificial sweeteners) for the best results.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen strawberries in this recipe – just thaw them first before using. Keep in mind that frozen berries might not have the same intense flavor as fresh ones, but they’ll still work beautifully in this jam.

Q: How long does this jam keep in the fridge?

A: This jam will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 months – so feel free to make a big batch and enjoy it all year round! Just be sure to check on it every now and then to ensure it hasn’t gone bad.

Q: Can I make this recipe in large quantities?

A: Absolutely – just multiply all the ingredients by however many times you need to make your desired amount of jam. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly (the bigger your batch, the longer it’ll take to thicken).

Q: What if I don’t have lemons on hand – can I substitute with something else?

A: While lemons do add a nice brightness to this jam, you can omit them altogether if you don’t have any on hand. Alternatively, if you want to try something different, go ahead and substitute with lime juice – but keep in mind that will give your jam a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: Can I make this jam without using refined sugar?

A: Yes – if you’re looking for a lower-sugar option or simply want to avoid refined sugars altogether, feel free to swap out granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup (keep in mind these alternatives will change up the flavor quite a bit).

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