Are you ready to capture the sweet, fresh flavors of strawberry season and preserve them for later? Strawberry jam is a perfect way to enjoy strawberries all year long, and it's simple to make.

Plus, it's an excellent companion for your bread, whether you're making toast, sandwiches, or just enjoying it on its own! In this article, we'll guide you through the steps of making homemade strawberry jam that you can savor throughout the year.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make our delightful strawberry jam, we'll need the following ingredients:

• 300g of fresh strawberries

• 20g of lemon juice (fresh is best!)

• 180g of sugar (you can adjust the amount depending on your sweetness preference)

These ingredients are easy to find and affordable, making this recipe both tasty and budget-friendly. Let's gather them up and get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Strawberry Jam

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

First, we'll start with the strawberries. Gently remove the stems and wash them thoroughly. Once washed, soak them for a while to remove any impurities, ensuring we're working with the cleanest fruit possible.

Step 2: Slice the Strawberries

After the strawberries are washed and drained, we can slice them. If you enjoy a chunkier jam, feel free to cut them into thicker pieces. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a blender to turn them into strawberry puree.

Step 3: Add the Lemon Zest and Juice

Next, we'll use the zest and juice of a fresh lemon to add some natural acidity and enhance the jam's flavor. Grate the lemon peel to get the zest, and don't forget to squeeze out the juice, too. This adds a beautiful balance to the sweetness of the strawberries and helps with preserving the jam for longer.

Step 4: Mix the Ingredients

Combine your sliced strawberries, lemon zest, and juice in a bowl, and then add the sugar. The sugar helps to extract the natural juices from the strawberries and acts as a preservative. You'll want to let this sit for at least 3 hours, but if you can let it sit for up to 24 hours, the results will be even better!

Step 5: Cook the Jam

Now that we have our strawberry mixture ready, it's time to cook it. Use a wide pot to cook the mixture over medium heat. The wide surface area helps the moisture evaporate more quickly, making sure the jam doesn't turn brown. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning. Keep an eye on it as it cooks, and in about 30 minutes, you'll notice the jam thickening to the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Sterilize the Jars

Before we transfer the jam into jars, it's important to make sure the jars are clean and sterilized. You can sterilize the jars by placing them in the oven at high heat to dry out, ensuring they are free from bacteria and ready for the jam.

Step 7: Jar and Store

Once your jam has reached the perfect consistency, carefully pour it into your sterilized jars while it's still hot. Seal the jars tightly and allow them to cool at room temperature. You'll have fresh, homemade strawberry jam that's ready to be enjoyed!

Storage Tips

For the best shelf life, store the strawberry jam in a cool, dark place. The sugar and lemon juice help preserve the jam, and it should last for several months if stored properly. When you're ready to enjoy, simply open a jar and spread it on your favorite bread or pastry.

Final Thoughts

Making your own strawberry jam is a wonderful way to enjoy the taste of fresh strawberries all year round. It's simple, fun, and most importantly, it tastes incredible. Plus, it makes a great gift idea if you're looking for something homemade and heartfelt. Try making it today, and you'll have a sweet, tangy treat to share with your friends and family.

So, Lykkers, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let's create some delicious strawberry jam together!