Description
Strawberry preserves capture the rich, fruity essence of ripe strawberries, creating a sweet and slightly tangy spread perfect for toast, desserts, and more. Unlike jam, preserves contain chunks of real fruit, offering a rustic texture that enhances every bite. This homemade version is free from artificial preservatives and allows you to control the sweetness to your preference.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g (1 lb) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 300g (1 ½ cups) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
-
Prepare the Strawberries:
- Rinse strawberries under cold water.
- Hull and halve them for even cooking.
-
Cook the Preserves:
- In a large pot, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes to release juices.
- Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves.
- Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30–40 minutes, skimming off any foam.
- Check for doneness using the plate test (place a small amount on a cold plate; if it thickens without running, it’s ready).
-
Sterilize and Fill Jars:
- Boil jars and lids for 10 minutes to sterilize.
- Ladle the hot preserves into jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.
- Wipe rims, seal jars tightly, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
-
Cool and Store:
- Let jars cool at room temperature.
- Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Refrigerate after opening and consume within 2–3 weeks.
Notes
- For thicker preserves: Add 1 tablespoon of pectin or cook longer.
- For extra flavor: Stir in vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon.
- For a low-sugar version: Reduce sugar to 200g and use honey as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Spread
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 40 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Strawberry preserves, homemade jam, fruit spread, easy strawberry recipe, breakfast topping, canning recipe