Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Strawberry Jam with Pectin

If you’re a fan of homemade jams, you’ll absolutely love this recipe for strawberry jam with pectin. This jam is perfect for spreading on toast, adding to yoghurt, or using as a topping for desserts. And the best part? It’s super easy to make, even if you’re new to jam-making.

The key to successful jam-making lies in using the right ingredients and following the recipe closely. In this case, we’ll be using fresh strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin. Pectin is a natural substance found in many fruits that helps the jam thicken and set properly. The process of making strawberry jam with pectin is simple and straightforward, and it produces a bright, fresh-tasting jam that’s perfect for summer. So, grab your apron and let’s get started!

Ingredients

Making strawberry jam with pectin is easy, and it requires minimal ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 pounds of fresh strawberries
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 1 box of pectin
• 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp of unsalted butter (optional)
• 6-7 glass jars with lids

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make delicious strawberry jam with pectin:

Step 1: Preparing the Strawberries

Begin by washing the strawberries thoroughly before hulling and slicing them into small pieces. Once done, place the strawberries in a bowl and mash them until you have your desired consistency.

Step 2: Preparing the Jam Mixture

Combine the mashed strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a pot and mix well. Allow the mixture to stand for at least ten minutes while giving it an occasional stir.

Step 3: Cooking the Mixture

Start cooking the mixture on high heat for 15-20 minutes to dissolve the sugar and allow the mixture to thicken. Add a 1/2 teaspoon of unsalted butter to reduce foam if you desire.

Step 4: Adding Pectin

After the mixture has thickened, add the pectin and stir well. Cook the whole mixture on high heat for another 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.

Step 5: Testing for Doneness

Check whether your jam is done by pouring a small amount of it onto a chilled plate. Tip it slightly – if it’s thick enough to remain on the plate without sliding off, it is ready. If it’s still runny, cook for a few more minutes.

Step 6: Canning the Jam

Ladle the jam into sterile jars while leaving 1/4 inch of space at the top. Close the jars with lids and rings, and submerge them in a large pot of boiling water for about ten minutes.

Step 7: The Final Step

Take the jars out of the water and allow them to cool. Don’t forget to label them with the name and date of the jam before storing them in a cool and dry place.

Tips and Tricks

Making a delightful batch of strawberry jam with pectin requires some proactive decisions, and here are a few tips and tricks you should consider:

• Always use fully ripened strawberries for the best jam flavor.
• Using lemon juice helps to preserve the color and enhance the flavor of the jam.
• Use a pot that’s twice the size of the mixture to keep it from boiling over.
• If you prefer a softer-set jam, use a little less pectin. If you’d like a thicker jam, add a little more pectin than required.
• Using unsalted butter helps reduce foam formation during the cooking process.
• Always sterilize jars by boiling them in water before canning the jam. This helps prevent the growth of microorganisms.
• The jam will last up to one year when stored in a cool, dry place and unopened.

Conclusion

Making strawberry jam with pectin is a quick and easy process. It’s a perfect way to capture the essence of summer strawberries and ensure that you can enjoy them all year round. With the steps and tips outlined above, you’ll have no trouble whipping up a batch of your very own delicious strawberry jam with pectin. Give it a try today!

10 Steps to Making Strawberry Jam with Pectin

Making strawberry jam with pectin is a quick and easy process that even beginners can master. This recipe will yield about 6-7 cups of jam. Follow these steps to make your very own delicious strawberry jam with pectin:

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

To make strawberry jam with pectin, you will need the following ingredients:

– 2 quarts of fresh strawberries
– 7 cups of granulated sugar
– 1 box of powdered pectin
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter

Make sure to have all ingredients measured and ready to go before starting the jam-making process.

Step 2: Prepping the Strawberries

Before starting, rinse the strawberries and cut off their stems. Then, mash the strawberries in a large mixing bowl. You can use either a potato masher or a fork, depending on what you have on hand.

Step 3: Prepping the Jars

It’s important to sterilize the jars before filling them with jam. You can do this by boiling the jars for 10 minutes in a large pot of water. Keep them in the hot water until you’re ready to fill them.

Step 4: Mixing the Pectin and Sugar

In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and pectin together. This will help prevent any lumps from forming in your jam.

Step 5: Combining the Ingredients

Add the mashed strawberries into a large pot, then stir in the sugar/pectin mixture. Add in the butter. This will help prevent foaming while the jam is cooking.

Step 6: Boiling the Mixture

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. This should take about 5 minutes. Keep stirring to make sure everything is combined uniformly.

Step 7: Skim the Foam

As the mixture starts to boil, white foam will appear on the surface. Use a spoon to skim off and discard the foam. This will help keep your jam looking smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Monitoring the Temperature

Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the jam. When it reaches 220°F (104°C), it’s done.

Step 9: Filling the Jars

Carefully remove the jars from the hot water. Using a funnel, fill each jar with the hot jam mixture, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a damp cloth to remove any spills or spills.

Step 10: Sealing the Jars

Seal the jars tightly with their lids and let them sit undisturbed for about 24 hours. This will allow the jam to set properly. After that, store the jars of jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Enjoy your delicious homemade strawberry jam with pectin!

Choosing the Right Pectin for Your Jam

Pectin is an essential ingredient that helps the jam set correctly. It is a natural gelling agent found in fruits and vegetables. However, sometimes fruit doesn’t contain enough natural pectin to set the jam properly. Therefore, it is necessary to use commercial pectin to set the jam. Here are five types of pectin you can choose from:

When choosing the right pectin for your jam, read the instructions carefully. Use the appropriate amount of pectin for your recipe and follow the cooking instructions precisely. Too little pectin and your jam won’t set, and too much pectin may result in a hard and rubbery jam. Remember, each pectin type has specific instructions, so read the package carefully and follow it accordingly.

Regular Pectin

Regular Pectin is a classic choice for making strawberry jam. It comes in powdered or liquid form and requires sugar and acidic fruit to set. The sugar content helps to activate the pectin, and the acidic fruit speeds up the gelation process.

Add the pectin to a separate bowl with sugar, then mix it well to avoid lumps. For making strawberry jam with regular pectin, add the pectin-sugar mixture into the boiling mashed strawberries. Boil the mixture for another minute or two, then remove it from heat. Allow it to cool down for a few minutes, then pour it into sterile jars.

Low-Sugar Pectin

Low-sugar pectin is a popular choice for people looking for less of the sweet stuff. Sugar is still needed to activate the pectin, but the amount is less compared to regular pectin. The balanced pH level in the fruit and added citric acid aid in setting the jam.

To make low-sugar strawberry jam, add the pectin to sugar and mix well. In a separate pot, boil mashed strawberries, then add the sugar-pectin mixture and stir for a minute. Turn off the heat, then let the pot sit without stirring for five minutes. Pour the jam into sterile jars, then let them cool.

No-Sugar Pectin

For a high-quality, sugar-free strawberry jam, no-sugar pectin is required. With this type of pectin, you can use alternative sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or artificial sweeteners to add flavor. The fruit must be at the right level of acidity, and the recipe requires a long cooking time.

Add the no-sugar pectin into the fruit, then bring it to a boil. Next, add the sweetener and let it cook for a few minutes over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the jam thickens to the desired consistency. Cool it down for a few minutes, then transfer it into sterile jars.

Instant Pectin

Instant pectin is a no-cook type of pectin that dissolves quickly in warm jams. It is perfect for small batches of jams and jellies and for people who don’t have much time.

To use instant pectin in strawberries, mash them thoroughly, and move them to a pot. Add the sugar, acid, and the package of instant pectin. Whisk the mixture for a minute, then let it sit for 30 minutes or until the jam thickens to your liking. Pour the jam into the clean jars, close the lid, and store in the fridge.

Freezer Pectin

Freezer pectin is the ideal option for making small batches of jam without cooking. It sets when frozen and has a softer texture. The final product is delicious, but it needs to be stored in the freezer for long-term use.

In a bowl, mix the pectin with sugar and combine it with mashed strawberries. Stir the mixture for three minutes, then pour it into the sterile freeze-safe containers, leaving about ½ inch of headspace. Allow the jam to freeze for 24 hours before using it. When ready, thaw the jam in the fridge overnight.

Happy Jamming!

That’s all there is to it, folks! Making strawberry jam with pectin is an easy and rewarding process that yields delicious results. I hope these easy-to-follow steps have helped you create the perfect jar of jam for you and your loved ones. Thank you for reading, and don’t forget to visit again for more fun and delicious recipes. Happy jamming!