How to Make Delicious Strawberry Freezer Jam in Minutes

Making strawberry freezer jam is a delightful way to enjoy the sweetness of strawberries all year round. This type of jam is quick and easy to make, and you don’t need to be a pro to get it right. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a delicious strawberry treat for yourself and your family.

The first step in making strawberry freezer jam is to gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need fresh strawberries, a package of pectin, sugar, and lemon juice. You’ll also need jars or containers to store your jam in, and a large pot to cook your jam in. Make sure your berries are fresh and ripe. This will ensure that your jam will have a rich and full flavor. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you are ready to start making your strawberry freezer jam.

How to Make Strawberry Freezer Jam: A Step-by-Step Guide

With summer in full swing, what could be more refreshing than a homemade, fresh, and fruity strawberry freezer jam? One of the easiest and most delicious ways to preserve the flavor of this juicy fruit is by making your own freezer jam. In this article, we’ll show you how easy it is to make this delightful jam that you and your family can enjoy throughout the year.

1. Prepare the jars

Before beginning the jam-making process, you’ll need to make sure your jars are clean and ready to go. Wash them in hot, soapy water, rinse them with hot water, and let them dry completely. You can also sterilize them by boiling for ten minutes.

2. Gather the ingredients

Strawberry freezer jam requires only a few ingredients: fresh strawberries, sugar, pectin, and lemon juice. You can use either powdered or liquid pectin; just make sure to follow the instructions on the package.

3. Choose ripe strawberries

The quality of your strawberry freezer jam will depend on the quality of your ingredients. Choose strawberries that are firm, ripe, and free of mold or blemishes. Ideally, you should use them within 24 hours of picking or purchasing.

4. Wash and slice the strawberries

Wash the strawberries and remove the stem. Then, slice them or mash them with a potato masher or fork, depending on your preference. You can also pulse them in a food processor for a smoother consistency.

5. Mix the ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mix the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin. Stir it well until all the ingredients are combined.

6. Let the mixture sit

After mixing, let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve and the pectin to activate.

7. Ladle the jam into the jars

Ladle the jam into the prepared jars, leaving 1/2 inch of space at the top of each jar. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off any excess jam from the rim of the jar.

8. Let the jam set

Let the jam sit at room temperature for 24 hours to set. Some jams may take up to 48 hours to set, so be patient.

9. Freeze or refrigerate

After the jam sets, you can store it in the freezer for up to a year or in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Once opened, consume the jam within a week.

10. Enjoy your Strawberry Freezer Jam!

Strawberry freezer jam is perfect for spreading on toast, muffins, or scones, or as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. This tasty treat is also a great way to savor the flavors of summer all year round. So, go ahead, grab some fresh strawberries, and make this delicious homemade strawberry freezer jam today!

Ingredients

When it comes to making strawberry freezer jam, the ingredients you use will determine the flavor and texture of the finished product. Generally, you will need fresh, ripe strawberries, granulated sugar, pectin, and lemon juice. Here’s a closer look at why each of these ingredients is important and how much of each you will need.

Fresh Ripe Strawberries

The key to making strawberry freezer jam is using fresh, ripe strawberries. When selecting berries, look for those that are red all the way through and are fragrant. Avoid berries that are mushy, bruised, or underripe. You will need about 2 pounds or 4 cups of prepared strawberries for each batch of jam.

Granulated Sugar

Sugar helps to sweeten the jam and acts as a preservative. Granulated sugar is the most commonly used type of sugar in strawberry freezer jam. You will need about 4 cups of granulated sugar for every 4 cups of prepared strawberries.

Pectin

Pectin is a natural thickener that helps the jam to set. There are two types of pectin available: powdered pectin and liquid pectin. Whichever type you choose to use, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. You will need 1 box of powdered pectin or 1 pouch of liquid pectin for every 4 cups of prepared strawberries.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness of the sugar and add a fresh, tart flavor to the jam. You will need about 1/4 cup of lemon juice for every 4 cups of prepared strawberries.

Equipment

Now that you’ve gathered all of the necessary ingredients, it’s time to make sure you have the right equipment. Here are the basic pieces of equipment you’ll need to make strawberry freezer jam:

Mixing Bowl

You’ll need a mixing bowl to prepare the strawberries before adding the other ingredients. Choose a bowl that’s large enough to hold all of the prepared fruit.

Jar Funnel

A jar funnel is a handy tool that makes filling jars with jam much easier. It helps to prevent spills and waste by directing the jam into the jar.

Ladle

A ladle is used to transfer the jam from the mixing bowl to the jars. Choose a ladle with a deep bowl to prevent spills and splatters.

Jars and Lids

You’ll need jars with tight-fitting lids to store the jam in the freezer. Half-pint jars are the perfect size for strawberry freezer jam.

Freezer Labels

Finally, you’ll need freezer labels to mark each jar with the date you made the jam and the contents. This will help you keep track of how long the jam has been in the freezer and ensure that you use it before it gets too old.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Freezer Jam

Gather the ingredients

First things first, gather all the ingredients required to make strawberry freezer jam. Here’s what you’ll need:

Prepare the strawberries

Wash the strawberries in cool water and remove the stems. Then, crush the strawberries using a potato masher, a fork, or a food processor. The pieces should be small, but not pureed. Measure 2 cups of mashed strawberries and place them in a large bowl.

Mix the ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar and fruit pectin. Add this mixture to the mashed strawberries and stir to combine. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the boiling water to the strawberry mixture and stir for 3-4 minutes or until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Pour into jars

Carefully ladle the hot jam into clean jars, leaving ½ inch of space at the top. Wipe off any excess jam from the rim of the jar with a clean, damp cloth. Seal the jar with a lid and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.

Freeze the jam

After 24 hours, the jam will have set. Store it in the freezer for up to 1 year. The jam is ready to be consumed without any additional cooking or processing.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully made your own strawberry freezer jam. Enjoy it on toast, biscuits, or your favorite dessert.

Thanks for jamming with us!

We hope you enjoyed learning how to make strawberry freezer jam. It’s so easy, you can do it with your kids or grandkids. Plus, the taste is out of this world! Make sure to come back for more recipes and tips on creating your own homemade goodness. Until then, happy jamming!