Traditional Strawberry Preserve

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Few things capture the essence of summer quite like a jar of traditional strawberry preserve. This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor, letting the natural sweetness of strawberries shine through with just a hint of lemon.

Ingredients for Traditional Strawberry Preserve

The star of the show is, of course, the strawberries. Choose ripe, fresh berries for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Granulated sugar not only sweetens but also helps preserve the fruit. Finally, lemon juice adds a touch of acidity, balancing the sweetness and helping to set the jam without needing additional pectin.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a wide saucepan to allow quicker evaporation, which helps the jam set better.
  • If you prefer a smoother preserve, use a blender instead of a potato masher.
  • To sterilize jars, boil them for 10 minutes or run them through a hot dishwasher cycle.

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry preserve is versatile. Try spreading it on warm, buttered toast for a comforting breakfast. It also pairs beautifully with creamy brie on a cheese board or as a sweet topping for vanilla ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.
How long will the preserve last?
If properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, it can last up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a month.

Traditional Strawberry Preserve Recipe Walkthrough

Start by giving your strawberries a good rinse. You want to get rid of any dirt or little critters that might be lingering. Remove the stems and any blemished parts, then grab your trusty potato masher. Crush the berries in a large bowl until they’re as chunky or smooth as you like. This is your chance to control the texture!

Next, transfer the crushed strawberries into a saucepan and stir in the sugar and lemon juice. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as you bring it to a boil — this part is crucial to prevent sticking. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for foam on the surface, and skim it off as needed.

Now, to test if your jam is ready, drop a teaspoon of it onto a cold plate. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, you’re good to go. If not, let it simmer a little longer. Once it’s reached the right consistency, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly before pouring the jam into sterilized jars. Leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top before sealing them tightly. And there you have it, homemade strawberry preserve!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly captures the fresh taste of ripe strawberries.
  • Simple to make with only three ingredients.
  • Homemade jam that makes an excellent gift or personal treat.
  • No need for pectin; lemon juice does the trick naturally.

Ingredients

2 lbs fresh strawberries
4 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse the strawberries thoroughly and remove the stems.
2. In a large bowl, crush the strawberries with a potato masher until you achieve the desired consistency.
3. In a saucepan, combine the crushed strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well.
4. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, skimming off any foam that forms on the surface.
6. Test the jam by placing a small amount on a cold plate; it should wrinkle when pushed with a finger.
7. Once the desired consistency is reached, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
8. Pour the jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Seal tightly.

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