Homemade Strawberry Jam in Mason Jars 🍓✨

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade jam – sweet, fresh, and bursting with flavor. This homemade strawberry jam recipe is perfect for spreading on warm toast, adding to yogurt, or even using as a filling for pastries and cakes. Unlike store-bought jams, this version is made with simple ingredients and love, giving it that authentic, old-fashioned taste that’s been passed down through generations. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to preserve fresh strawberries when they’re in season so you can enjoy them all year long.

If you’ve been wanting to try canning at home or just want to surprise your family with something delicious, this step-by-step recipe will help you make the perfect strawberry jam that’s both flavorful and shelf-stable.

Homemade Strawberry Jam Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and mashed)
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 packet fruit pectin (1.75 oz)
• ¼ cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the jars:
   • Wash Mason jars and lids in hot soapy water, then sterilize them by boiling for 10 minutes. Keep jars warm until ready to fill.
2. Prepare the strawberries:
   • Wash, hull, and mash the strawberries until you reach your desired consistency (chunky or smooth). Measure exactly 4 cups of mashed berries.
3. Cook the jam:
   • In a large heavy pot, combine strawberries and lemon juice. Gradually stir in fruit pectin. Bring mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
4. Add sugar:
   • Stir in sugar all at once. Return to a full rolling boil and boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam.
5. Fill jars:
   • Immediately ladle hot jam into prepared jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Wipe jar rims clean, place lids on, and screw bands until fingertip tight.
6. Process jars:
   • Place jars in a boiling-water canner, making sure they’re covered by at least 1 inch of water. Process for 10 minutes (adjusting time if needed for altitude).
7. Cool and store:
   • Carefully remove jars and place them on a towel to cool undisturbed for 24 hours. Check seals before storing. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used within 2 weeks.

Tips for Perfect Jam

• Use fully ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Don’t reduce the sugar – it helps the jam set properly and preserves the fruit.
• A potato masher works well for crushing strawberries, but you can use a food processor for a smoother texture.

Conclusion

Making homemade strawberry jam is easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. Not only will you have jars of sweet, ruby-red goodness to enjoy throughout the year, but you’ll also have a thoughtful homemade gift to share with friends and family.

So next time strawberries are in season, grab a basket and try this recipe – your taste buds (and loved ones) will thank you! 🍓❤️