Description
This easy and refreshing Strawberry Freezer Jam is a quick way to preserve the fresh flavors of ripe strawberries. Made with simple ingredients including fresh strawberries, sugar, fruit pectin, and optional lemon juice, it requires no long cooking or canning process. Ready in just 20 minutes, this freezer jam sets naturally and can be stored in the freezer for up to a year, making it a perfect sweet spread for toast, biscuits, or desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Jam Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and crushed
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 box (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Begin by hulling and crushing the strawberries. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the strawberries into a pulp, leaving some chunks if you prefer a chunkier texture.
- Combine Sugar and Pectin: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the granulated sugar and fruit pectin until well combined.
- Boil Sugar-Pectin Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and the sugar-pectin mixture. Stir constantly until it comes to a full rolling boil. Continue boiling and stirring for 1 to 2 minutes to activate the pectin fully, then remove from heat.
- Mix with Strawberries: Immediately pour the hot pectin-sugar mixture into the crushed strawberries. Stir well for about 3 minutes to ensure even gelatinization and distribution.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to add brightness and enhance the flavor of the jam.
- Jar the Jam: Pour the jam into clean jars or freezer-safe containers, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Set the Jam: Let the jam sit at room temperature for approximately 24 hours to allow it to set properly.
- Store: Once set, store the jam in the freezer for up to one year or refrigerate for up to 3 weeks to enjoy fresh.
Notes
- Make sure jars or containers are clean and dry to avoid contamination.
- Do not substitute the fruit pectin with other types as it affects setting.
- If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain excess liquid before crushing.
- For a less sweet version, reduce sugar but note this may affect the jam’s consistency and shelf life.
- Always label jars with the date to keep track of storage time.
