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!
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