Strawberry Jam Recipe – Easy Homemade with Organic Strawberries

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Strawberry Jam Recipe – Easy Homemade With Organic Strawberries

Hey everyone! There’s just something so special about a jar of homemade jam, isn’t there? It instantly feels like a hug in a jar, and honestly, nothing beats the taste of sunshine captured in a sweet, fruity spread. I first made this strawberry jam a few years ago, and it’s become a yearly tradition – especially around festive seasons. It’s surprisingly easy, and the flavour is just incredible, especially when you use really good quality strawberries. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry jam recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s quick to make (under an hour!), uses just a handful of ingredients, and tastes a million times better than anything you’ll find in the store. Plus, knowing exactly what goes into it gives you peace of mind. It’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or even as a delicious addition to desserts.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a beautiful batch of homemade strawberry jam:

• 600 grams organic strawberries (about 4 cups, hulled and chopped)
• 2 cups white sugar or raw sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right makes all the difference.

Organic Strawberries: Selecting the Best

Using organic strawberries really elevates the flavour. Look for berries that are bright red, plump, and fragrant. If you can find locally grown strawberries, even better! They’ll be bursting with flavour.

Sugar Choices: White vs. Raw Sugar

You can use either white sugar or raw sugar (like turbinado or demerara). White sugar will give you a clearer, brighter jam. Raw sugar adds a lovely caramel note and a slightly coarser texture. I often use raw sugar for a more rustic feel.

Lemon Juice: The Key to Flavor & Preservation

Don’t skip the lemon juice! It not only brightens the flavour of the strawberries but also helps with the setting process and acts as a natural preservative. Freshly squeezed is always best, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some jam! It’s easier than you think.

1. First, give your strawberries a good rinse and dry them thoroughly. Remove the stems and chop them into pieces – I like to leave some smaller chunks for texture.
2. Now, in a heavy-bottomed pan (this prevents scorching!), combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
3. Place the pan over low-medium heat and stir occasionally. You’ll notice the strawberries start to release their juices.
4. Keep cooking, stirring now and then, until the mixture thickens. This usually takes around 30-40 minutes.
5. To check if it’s ready, do the “plate test.” Place a small spoonful of jam onto a chilled plate and let it cool for a minute. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready!
6. Once cooled completely, carefully transfer the jam to a sterilized glass jar.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to help you make the perfect jam:

Achieving the Perfect Set

The plate test is your friend! Don’t rush this step. Under-cooked jam will be runny, and over-cooked jam can be too hard.

Preventing Crystallization

Stirring occasionally during cooking helps prevent sugar crystals from forming. Also, avoid stirring too vigorously towards the end of the cooking process.

Working with Fresh Strawberries

The quality of your strawberries is key. If they aren’t very sweet, you might need to add a little more sugar.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few fun twists on this classic recipe:

Lower Sugar Strawberry Jam

Reduce the sugar to 1.5 cups, but be aware that this might affect the setting time and shelf life. You could also add a little apple pectin to help with setting.

Vegan Strawberry Jam (Pectin Options)

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure your sugar isn’t processed with bone char (some white sugars are). If you’re concerned about setting, use a vegan pectin.

Spice Level: Adding a Hint of Spice (e.g., Black Pepper, Cardamom)

My friend, Priya, swears by adding a tiny pinch of black pepper to her strawberry jam. It sounds strange, but it adds a lovely warmth! A dash of cardamom is also delicious.

Festival Adaptations: Strawberry Jam for Makar Sankranti or Christmas Gifting

During Makar Sankranti, we love to serve this jam with til laddoos (sesame sweets). It’s also a beautiful homemade gift for Christmas – tie a ribbon around the jar and add a handwritten label!

Serving Suggestions

Okay, so you’ve made a gorgeous jar of strawberry jam. Now what?

• Spread it on toast, scones, or muffins.
• Swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal.
• Use it as a filling for cakes and pastries.
• Serve it with cheese and crackers (seriously, try it!).

Storage Instructions

Let’s keep that jam fresh!

Refrigerator Storage

Store opened jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing Strawberry Jam

Jam freezes beautifully! Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. It will keep for up to 6 months.

Shelf-Stable Canning (Optional)

For long-term storage, you can process the jam in a boiling water bath to create shelf-stable jars. There are lots of great resources online for detailed canning instructions.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What’s the best type of strawberry to use for jam?

Chandler, Seascape, or Albion strawberries are all excellent choices. They have a good balance of sweetness and flavour.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using. The jam might be slightly softer in texture.

How do I know when the jam has reached the setting point?

The plate test is the most reliable method. A wrinkle forms when you push the cooled jam with your finger.

What does “sterilizing jars” mean, and why is it important?

Sterilizing jars means killing any bacteria that could cause the jam to spoil. Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water, then boil them for 10 minutes.

Can I adjust the sweetness level of the jam?

Yes, but reducing the sugar significantly can affect the setting and preservation.

How long does homemade strawberry jam last?

Refrigerated jam lasts up to 2 weeks. Frozen jam lasts up to 6 months. Properly canned jam can last for a year or more.

Enjoy your homemade strawberry jam! I hope this recipe brings a little bit of sunshine to your kitchen. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!