Hey there, jam aficionados! 🍓 Ever get a whiff of something that instantly teleports you back to your childhood? For me, it's the smell of fresh strawberry jam preserves bubbling away on the stove. 

One sniff, and I'm a kid again, standing on a stool next to my grandma, pretending to help but mostly sneaking spoonfuls of the sweet, sticky goodness. Seriously, this jam is like a time machine in a jar! 🚀

So picture this: it’s a lazy Sunday morning, the sun is shining, and my kitchen is a delightful mess of strawberries and sugar. I'm jamming (pun totally intended) to some old-school tunes, grooving around the kitchen like I'm on a cooking show. 

Cue the dramatic voiceover: “And now, the magic begins…” 😂 Whether you're a jam-making newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to spread smiles on toast. Ready to turn your kitchen into a berry paradise? Let's do this!

Strawberry Preserves Vs Jam​: What's the Difference?

The main difference between strawberry preserves vs jam lies in their texture and fruit content. Strawberry preserves contain larger chunks or whole pieces of fruit, making them more textured and fruit-forward. In contrast, strawberry jam has a smoother consistency with the fruit usually broken down into smaller pieces or mashed, resulting in a more uniform spread. 

Preserves tend to have slightly less sugar, allowing the fruit’s flavor to shine through, while jam often has more sugar to help it set and achieve its smooth texture. So, if you prefer a chunkier, fruit-filled spread, go for preserves; if you enjoy a smoother spread, jam is your best bet.

Ingredients Used to Make Strawberry Jam Preserves

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and mashed
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 package fruit pectin (optional, but helps set the jam)

How to Make Strawberry Jam Preserves

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Inactive Time: 1 hour (cooling)
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Method: Canning
• Yield: 4 cups
• Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish

1. Prep the Strawberries: Start by washing and hulling the strawberries. Mash them with a potato masher or fork until you have a chunky, juicy mixture.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, mix the mashed strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine. If you're using pectin, add it in now.
3. Cook the Jam: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Once it reaches a rolling boil (one that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred), reduce the heat and let it simmer. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
4. Test the Jam: To check if the jam is ready, place a small plate in the freezer. After about 10 minutes of simmering, drop a bit of the jam on the plate. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it's done!
5. Jar the Jam: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean, seal with lids, and let them cool to room temperature.

Making preserved strawberry jam recipe is surprisingly easy, and with just a few ingredients, you can have jars of delicious jam ready to enjoy. 

And there you have it—a jar strawberry jam preserves recipe full of love! 🍓 Spread this on your morning toast, swirl it into yogurt, or just eat it by the spoonful (no judgment here!). Enjoy the sweet taste of homemade goodness.

Notes

• Make sure to skim off any foam for a clearer jam.
• Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a month.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• • Calories: 50
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Variations & Substitutions for Strawberry Jam Preserves

Experimenting with these variations and substitutions can help you create a strawberry jam preserve that's perfectly tailored to your taste preferences!

Variations

• Mixed Berry Jam: Combine strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• Strawberry Vanilla Jam: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a sweet twist.
• Spiced Strawberry Jam: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a fall flavor.
• Strawberry Balsamic Jam: Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for tangy depth.
• Low-Sugar Strawberry Jam: Use low-sugar pectin and halve the sugar.

Substitutions

• Sugar Substitutes: Replace sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
• Lemon Juice Alternatives: Use lime or orange juice instead of lemon.
• Pectin-Free Jam: Increase cooking time and use underripe strawberries.
• Vegan Gelatin: Substitute pectin with agar-agar.
• Flavor Add-ins: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or Amaretto for a sophisticated touch.

Experiment with these ideas to create your perfect strawberry jam preserve! 🍓

How to Store Strawberry Jam Preserves?

Storing your homemade strawberry jam preserves properly is essential to ensure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s a guide on how to do just that:

Room Temperature Storage

• Sterilize Jars: Boil jars for 10 minutes or run them through a hot dishwasher cycle.
• Seal Properly:
  • Fill jars with hot jam, leaving 1/4 inch space.
  • Wipe rims clean, seal with lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

• Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Properly sealed jars can be stored in a pantry for up to a year.

Refrigerator Storage

• Use Airtight Containers: Store in airtight containers or jars with tightly fitting lids.
• Label and Date: Keep track of freshness. Best used within 1-3 months.

Freezer Storage

• Use Freezer-Safe Containers: Leave 1/2 inch headspace for expansion.
• Cool Before Freezing: Let jam cool to room temperature first.
• Thawing: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

By following these tips, your homemade strawberry jam preserves will stay fresh and delicious for months! 🍓

Check out more delicious recipes and kitchen adventures on So Damn Delish. Get inspired to create something amazing in your kitchen today!

Strawberry Jam Preserves Recipe: Spread the Love

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Make the best homemade strawberry jam preserves with So Damn Delish! Our easy, delicious recipe is perfect for spreading on toast, topping desserts, or gifting.

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 cups 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and mashed
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 package fruit pectin (optional)

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Instructions

1. Wash, hull, and mash the strawberries.
2. In a large pot, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin (if using).
3. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat and simmer.
4. Test the jam for doneness using the cold plate method.
5. Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars and seal.

Notes

• Make sure to skim off any foam for a clearer jam.
• Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a month.

• Author: SoDamnDelish
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Inactive Time: 1 hour (cooling)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Sweets
• Method: Canning
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg