Master the Art of Canning: Homemade Strawberry Jam Recipe

Photo byAngie Bright

There’s something magical about opening a jar of homemade strawberry jam during the cooler months. It’s a taste of summer captured and preserved, perfect for spreading on toast, adding to pastries, or mixing into yogurt. Making your own canned jam at home isn’t just about preserving the season’s best berries; it’s about taking pride in a skill that generations before us mastered. This homemade strawberry jam recipe lets you enjoy fresh, fruity flavors year-round, and the process is easier than you might think.

Why Homemade Strawberry Jam?

Strawberry jam is one of those classic recipes that brings back fond memories of family kitchens filled with the sweet aroma of bubbling fruit. By canning it yourself, you ensure every jar is packed with pure, unadulterated ingredients – no preservatives or artificial flavors, just fresh strawberries, sugar, and a hint of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients, and with a few basic canning supplies, you’ll have a pantry full of your very own homemade strawberry jam to enjoy any time.

Recipe: Homemade Canned Strawberry Jam

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Instructions:

Prepare the Strawberries:
Start by combining the halved strawberries and sugar in a large bowl. Stir them gently, then let the mixture sit for 1-2 hours. This waiting period allows the strawberries to naturally release their juices, creating the base for your jam.

Cook the Jam:
Once the strawberries have softened and released their juices, transfer the mixture to a large saucepan. Set the heat to low and add the lemon juice. Stir the mixture until the sugar has fully dissolved, ensuring that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. Then, increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.

Simmer:
After reaching a boil, reduce the heat to medium and let the jam simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally. To check if the jam has thickened to the right consistency, use the "wrinkle test": place a small spoonful of jam on a cold plate. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready.

Remove from Heat:
Once the jam reaches the gel point, remove the saucepan from the heat. Skim off any foam that has formed on the surface to ensure your jam is smooth and clear.

Jar the Jam:
Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top of each jar. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a proper seal, and place the lids on tightly. Next, process the jars in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes to seal them.

Cool and Store:
Once the jars have been processed, let them cool at room temperature. Check the lids to ensure they’ve sealed properly (the lids should not pop when pressed). Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for long-term preservation. Once opened, refrigerate the jam.

The Sweet Reward

Making your own canned strawberry jam is not just about having a delicious spread at hand. It’s about preserving the essence of summer and creating something you can enjoy long after strawberry season has passed. Whether you use it on breakfast toast or as a topping for desserts, this homemade jam is sure to brighten up any meal.

The best part? Every time you open a jar, you’ll be reminded of the time and care you put into making it, and you’ll know exactly what’s inside – just simple, wholesome ingredients.

Here are some reliable sources for making and canning homemade strawberry jam:

1. National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) offers detailed guides on preserving fruits, including strawberry jam, with or without pectin. It covers the process from sterilizing jars to checking the consistency of the jam, making it an excellent resource for beginners and experienced canners alike. You can explore more about their method for strawberry preserves and other recipes here​(Home Food Preservation).
2. Ball Canning is a trusted name in home canning, offering step-by-step guides for making strawberry jam, whether you are using traditional or low-sugar methods. You can check out their classic strawberry jam recipe and detailed canning instructions at Ball Canning​(Home Food Preservation).
3. Illinois Extension also provides excellent resources for food preservation, including various jam and jelly recipes. They offer specific guidance on boiling water canning and step-by-step directions for ensuring your strawberry jam is preserved safely. You can find more information on their site here​(Home Food Preservation).

These sources provide well-tested recipes and safety guidelines for canning, ensuring your strawberry jam stays fresh and safe for long-term storage.