Homemade Strawberry Jam
A vibrant and approachable Homemade Strawberry Jam that captures the essence of fresh strawberries with reduced sweetness, perfect for spreading or gifting.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh strawberries
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 pinch fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the strawberries thoroughly, remove the green hulls, and slice them into halves or quarters.
- Place the sliced strawberries in a large pot and add sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Stir well and let macerate for 30 minutes.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Boil for 15-20 minutes until it reaches the gel point.
- Perform the cold plate test to check if the jam is ready. If it wrinkles when pushed, it's done.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract if using, and let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to sterilized jars.
Notes
Ensure to use a large pot to prevent boil-overs. The jam will thicken as it cools.