Spring is here, and that means it’s strawberry season! There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, juicy strawberries that have been picked at the peak of their ripeness. And what better way to enjoy this delicious fruit than by making your own homemade strawberry jam?
This simple recipe for strawberry jam only requires a few ingredients, but the end result is a sweet and flavorful spread that can be enjoyed all year round. And the best part is, you can customize it to your liking by adjusting the amount of sugar or lemon juice used.
Aside from being a delicious treat, making your own strawberry jam is a great way to make use of the abundance of fresh strawberries that are available during the spring season. And if you’re lucky enough to have your own strawberry patch or know someone who does, you can even pick your own strawberries and make your jam from scratch.
In addition to being tasty, strawberries are also packed with vitamins and nutrients that are beneficial to your health. They’re a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which can help to boost your immune system and promote overall well‑being.
So why not take advantage of the springtime strawberry harvest and whip up a batch of homemade strawberry jam? Not only will it be a delicious addition to your breakfast or snack, but it will also give you a sense of accomplishment knowing that you made it from scratch.
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
1 1/2 pints’ fresh strawberries, hulled and halved.
Combine the sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small saucepan and cook over very low heat for 10 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved. Add the strawberries and continue to cook over very low heat for 20 minutes, until the strawberries release some of their juices and the mixture boils slowly. Cook until a small amount of the juice gels on a very cold plate. (I keep one in the freezer.) Pour carefully into 2 pint canning jars and either seal or keep refrigerated. Use immediately, or follow proper canning guidelines.
Yield: 2 pints