Strawberry Preserves: A Sweet and Fruity Treat for Your Pantry
Strawberry preserves are a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed on toast, biscuits, or even as a topping for ice cream. Making your own strawberry preserves is a rewarding experience, allowing you to capture the fresh taste of summer in a jar. This recipe is simple and produces a beautiful, vibrant preserve that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Jar lifter
- Canning jars (pint or half-pint size)
- Lids and rings
- Water bath canner (or large pot with a rack)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the strawberries:
- Wash and hull the strawberries. Slice them into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
- Place the sliced strawberries in a large pot.
2. Add the sugar and lemon juice:
- Sprinkle the sugar over the strawberries.
- Add the lemon juice.
- Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve and draw out some of the juice from the strawberries.
3. Cook the preserves:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the preserves thicken and the strawberries are soft.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning.
- To test for doneness, place a small amount of preserve on a chilled plate. If it sets up quickly and doesn’t run, it's ready.
4. Prepare the jars and lids:
- Wash the jars, lids, and rings in hot, soapy water and sterilize them by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
5. Fill the jars:
- Carefully ladle the hot preserves into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills or residue.
6. Seal the jars:
- Place a lid on each jar and screw on the ring until fingertip tight.
- Do not over-tighten the ring.
7. Process the jars:
- Fill the water bath canner with enough water to cover the jars by 1-2 inches.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Carefully lower the jars into the boiling water bath, making sure they are completely submerged.
- Process the jars for 10 minutes, starting the timer when the water returns to a rolling boil.
8. Cool and store:
- After processing, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and place them on a clean towel to cool completely.
- As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal.
9. Enjoy!
- Once the jars have cooled, check that the lids are sealed properly by pressing down on the center of the lid. If it doesn't flex or move, the jar is sealed.
- Store your preserves in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Tips for Success:
- Use ripe and fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sugar to your preference. You can use less sugar, but the preserves may not have the same shelf life.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or other spices for a more complex flavor.
- Use a jar lifter to safely transfer hot jars to and from the water bath.
- Check the lids regularly during processing to ensure they stay submerged in water.
- Do not overfill the jars or the preserves may not seal properly.
Making strawberry preserves is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. With a little patience and care, you'll have a delicious and homemade treat that's perfect for spreading on toast or gifting to loved ones.
