Description
This delightful Strawberry Freezer Jam is a quick and easy way to enjoy fresh strawberry flavor year-round. Made from fresh crushed strawberries combined with sugar, fruit pectin, and a touch of lemon juice, this no-cook jam requires minimal preparation and sets in just 24 hours without traditional canning. Perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on desserts, or gifting, this jam offers a sweet, tangy taste that captures the essence of ripe strawberries.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and crushed
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 box (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Hull and Crush Strawberries: Begin by thoroughly hulling the strawberries to remove stems, then use a potato masher or fork to crush them into a pulp. Leave some chunks if you prefer textured jam.
- Mix Sugar and Pectin: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and fruit pectin thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Cook Sugar-Pectin Mixture: In a saucepan, add the water and the sugar-pectin mix. Heat over medium heat and bring to a full boil while stirring constantly. Once boiling, maintain for 1-2 minutes to activate the pectin and dissolve sugar, then promptly remove from heat.
- Combine with Strawberries: Immediately pour the hot sugar-pectin mixture into the crushed strawberries. Stir vigorously for about 3 minutes to blend well and prevent clumping.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): For a subtle tartness that brightens the jam’s flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Transfer to Containers: Pour the jam mixture into clean jars or freezer-safe containers. Leave approximately 1/2 inch headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Allow Jam to Set: Let the jam sit at room temperature for about 24 hours to gel and set properly.
- Store the Jam: After setting, store the jam in the freezer for up to one year or refrigerate for up to three weeks for best quality.
Notes
- Make sure to use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and consistency.
- The jam sets without traditional canning because of the fruit pectin but requires refrigeration or freezing for preservation.
- Lemon juice is optional but helps enhance flavor and acts as a natural preservative.
- Always use clean containers to prevent spoilage.
- This recipe is ideal for those who want fresh jam quickly without the need for boiling jars or seals.
