Wednesday, May 9, 2012

So EZ Strawberry Jam!


This is the easiest Strawberry Jam ever!
3 ingredients
No Pectin
No Canner necessary

*  2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled (green tops cut off) = 4 cups mashed
*  4 cups sugar
*  1/4 cup lemon juice
(see notes at end)


Step One:
Combine 4 cups mashed berries, sugar and lemon juice in a large, heavy bottomed saucepan. Stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved.

Step Two.
Increase heat to high and bring to a full, rolling boil. Boil, stirring often until mixture reaches 220 degrees F. (105 degrees C.) (10-20 minutes)


To test for jelling:
Place a plate in the freezer. After 10 minutes of boiling put a tsp of the jelly liquid on the cold plate. Put back in freezer for a minute.  Run your finger through the jelly. If it does not run back together and you can make a line through it - it's done.


Step Three:
Ladle into hot, sterile jars leaving 1/4 - 1/2 inch headspace.


Step Four:
Wipe jar lids with a clean cloth to ensure sealing.


Step Five:
Process in hot water bath for 15 minutes
OR
Turn upside down for 10 minutes to seal!


Notes:
*  4 cups of sugar was a little too sweet. I'd use 2-3 cups next time.
* I'd never inverted jars to seal before. I started using a canner, but the house was too hot (we were still spinning honey and hadn't turned on AC yet) so I tried this method - LOVE IT!
*  Initially the jam will be like syrup - it takes up to 48 hours to "set"
* Makes GREAT gifts! Think end of school gifts for teachers, and the holidays will be here before you know it!



1 comment:

  1. Marcy, Robin Bills here, how long will the jam last? Refrigerated, how long? Shelf life, how long? Mine sometimes turn, with mold, if I don't use Pectin. But I like your recipe better. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete