Ingredients
- 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 500g (2 1/2 cups) granulated sugar
- 60ml (1/4 cup) fresh lemon juice
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Fruits
Start by thoroughly washing and hulling the strawberries. Once prepared, slice them evenly. This uniformity ensures even cooking and a consistent texture in the final jam.
Step 2: Macerating the Fruits
In a large saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the sugar to draw out the fruit juices. This process, known as maceration, dissolves the sugar, creating a sweet syrup enriched by the fruit’s natural flavor.
Step 3: Cooking the Jam
Place the saucepan over medium heat, adding the vanilla bean seeds. Stir continually with a wooden spoon until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture reaches a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let the jam simmer for about 45 minutes. It’s important to skim off any foam that appears on the surface. This practice ensures a clearer, smoother jam.
Step 4: Achieving the Perfect Consistency
To check for doneness, place a small spoonful of jam on a cold plate. Let it sit for a minute, then run your finger through the middle. If the jam holds its shape and doesn’t run, it’s ready. If not, continue simmering and test again after several more minutes.
Step 5: Jarring the Preserves
Carefully ladle the hot jam into your sterilized jars using the funnel, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace at the top. Wipe any spills on the jar’s rim with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a tight seal. Secure each jar with a lid, then place in a boiling water bath using a canning rack for 10 minutes to further preserve.
Conclusion
Congratulations on crafting your homemade strawberry preserves! Through the art of sugaring and jamming, you’ve not only captured summer’s essence but also developed a versatile ingredient. These jars of homemade goodness can reinvent breakfast spreads, desserts, or even savory pairings. Engage in this delicious endeavor repeatedly, experimenting with various fruits and flavors. Mastering this process fills your pantry with sweet testimonials to your culinary skills. Happy jamming!
