How to Make Delicious Strawberry Jelly at Home

If you’re in the mood for something sweet and refreshing, then making a batch of homemade strawberry jelly might just be the answer. Not only is strawberry jelly tasty, but it’s also incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time.

To get started on making strawberry jelly, all you need are some fresh strawberries, sugar, and gelatin. With just a few simple steps, you can turn these humble ingredients into a scrumptious dessert that everyone will love. So gear up your sweet tooth and get ready to make some delicious jelly with this recipe.

H2: Picking the Perfect Strawberries

The key to a tasty strawberry jelly is using the best quality strawberries. When selecting strawberries, ensure that they are ripe, firm, and free from any blemishes or mold. For the best taste, choose locally sourced strawberries that are in season.

Picking strawberries is also a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sunshine at a nearby pick-your-own farm. You can also make sure that you are getting the freshest berries possible by selecting them straight from the plant.

If you are unable to find fresh strawberries or they are out of season, frozen strawberries can be used as a substitute. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly before beginning the jelly-making process.

H2: Prepping the Strawberries

Once you have your strawberries, it’s time to prepare them for jelly making. Rinse the strawberries thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt and debris. Remove the green stems and any bruised or overripe parts of the berries.

Next, use a food processor or blender to puree the strawberries. Alternatively, you can mash them by hand using a potato masher or fork. For a smoother jelly, use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any seeds or pulp from the puree. This step is optional, and some people prefer the added texture and flavor of the seeds.

H2: Measuring Ingredients

Before beginning the cooking process, it’s essential to measure out all your ingredients. For a standard batch of strawberry jelly, you will need about four cups of strawberry puree, four cups of granulated sugar, and one box of powdered fruit pectin.

H2: Cooking the Jelly Mixture

In a large pot, combine the strawberry puree and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.

Once the sugar has dissolved, add the powdered pectin, stirring until it has dissolved as well. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.

Continue boiling the jelly mixture for one minute, stirring constantly. Remove the pot from the heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface of the jelly.

H2: Filling Jars

Next, it’s time to fill your jars with the strawberry jelly. Take the jars from your hot water bath, and carefully ladle the hot jelly mixture into each jar.

Leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top of each jar before sealing them with their lids. Tighten the lids until they are finger tight, and not too tight that they cannot be opened.

H2: Canning Jelly

To preserve your strawberry jelly for long-term storage, it’s essential to can it properly. Begin by placing the filled jars back into the hot water bath. Cover the jars with at least one inch of water and bring the water to a boil.

Process the jars in the boiling water for ten minutes, then carefully remove them from the hot water bath and place them on a towel to cool. As the jars cool down, you should hear a pop, indicating that they have sealed correctly.

H2: Testing for Set

Once the jars have cooled, it’s time to test them for set. The set is the point at which the jelly begins to solidify and hold its shape. To test for set, remove the lid from one of the jars and press the surface with a spoon or your finger.

If the jelly holds its shape and wrinkles when pressed, it has reached the set point. If it’s still too runny, return the jars to the hot water bath for an additional few minutes of processing time.

H2: Storing Strawberry Jelly

Store your freshly made strawberry jelly in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or basement. If stored properly, your homemade jelly can last up to a year.

H2: Serving Suggestions

Strawberry jelly makes a perfect addition to toast, muffins, bagels, and other breakfast treats. It can also be used as a glaze for meats or as a topping for ice cream. Get creative with your serving ideas and enjoy your delicious homemade strawberry jelly!

H2: Final Thoughts

Making strawberry jelly at home is a fun and straightforward process that is both tasty and rewarding. With fresh strawberries and a bit of patience, you can have a jar of homemade strawberry jelly ready to enjoy in no time. Experiment with different flavors and enjoy the sweet taste of summer all year round.

Ingredients for Making Strawberry Jelly

Before jumping into the process of making strawberry jelly, it’s important to have all the necessary ingredients ready. So, let’s take a look at what you need:

1. Fresh Strawberries – The fresher the strawberries, the better the jelly will taste. Make sure to wash and hull the strawberries first.

2. Granulated Sugar – The amount of sugar used varies depending on your individual taste and the sweetness of the strawberries. A good rule of thumb is to use 1 cup of sugar for every 1 pound of strawberries.

3. Pectin – Pectin is a natural thickening agent that helps the jelly to set and gives it that perfect texture. You can find pectin in the baking section of any grocery store.

4. Lemon Juice – Lemon juice is usually added to enhance the flavor of the strawberries and help keep the jelly from getting too sweet.

5. Water – You’ll need water to dissolve the sugar and pectin, and to cook the strawberries.

6. Canning Jars – You’ll need jars to store the jelly. Make sure the jars are clean and sterilized before use.

7. Canning Equipment – You’ll need a canner, tongs, and a funnel to safely store the jelly in jars.

8. Food Processor or Blender – You’ll need a tool to puree the strawberries into a smooth consistency.

Instructions for Making Strawberry Jelly

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making strawberry jelly. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Begin by washing and hulling the strawberries. Put them into a food processor or blender and pulse them until they are pureed and smooth.

2. Transfer the strawberry puree to a saucepan and add the lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.

3. In a separate bowl, add the pectin to the sugar and mix together.

4. Add the sugar and pectin mixture to the saucepan with the strawberry puree. Bring the mixture to a boil once again and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and skim off any foam that may have formed on top of the jelly.

6. Using a funnel, pour the jelly into sterilized jars leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top.

7. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean damp cloth and place the lids on the jars.

8. Place the jars into a canner and cover with water. Make sure the water level is at least 1 inch above the jars. Boil for 10 minutes.

9. Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a towel for 24 hours.

10. After 24 hours, check to make sure the jars are properly sealed by pressing down on the lid. If it doesn’t pop, then the seal is good, and the jelly is ready for storage. Store in a cool, dry place for up to a year.

Ingredients Needed for Making Strawberry Jelly

Before you start making strawberry jelly, it is essential to gather all the necessary ingredients, including:

Cleaning and Preparing Strawberries

The first step in making strawberry jelly is to clean and prepare strawberries. Rinse the strawberries in cold water and remove the leaves and stems. For optimum jelly texture, it is necessary to puree the strawberries in a blender instead of mashing them.

Making Strawberry Jelly – Step by Step Method

Once you have your prepared strawberries, follow the below steps to make a delicious strawberry jelly:

Step 1: In a large saucepan, stir together sugar, lemon juice, and pureed strawberries.

Step 2: Boil the mixture at high heat, while stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves.

Step 3: Add pectin gradually while whisking until dissolved.

Step 4: When the mixture starts to boil, stir it for 1-2 minutes at high heat. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool down for 5-10 minutes before ladling it into clean jars.

Step 5: You can either refrigerate the strawberry jelly until it sets or process it in a boiling water bath to store it for later use.

Troubleshooting Strawberry Jelly

Sometimes, the jelly might not set even after cooling down. There can be a few reasons for it. One of the reasons can be that the jelly was cooked for too long, resulting in the break down of the pectin. In such cases, re-cook the jelly with added pectin and sugar for about five minutes.

Conclusion

Strawberry jelly is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that can be served with toast, biscuits, or even in pies. With just a few ingredients and an easy-to-follow guide, you can make your delicious strawberry jelly at home. Serve it, store it, gift it, or enjoy it as you wish.

Time for a sweet thank you!

That’s it! You now know how to make scrumptious strawberry jelly! We hope this recipe brought you some joy and sweetness in your day. The beauty of making jelly is that you can experiment with different fruits and flavors. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t hesitate to visit us again later for more exciting culinary adventures. From all of us here, we want to say thank you for reading and happy cooking!