Homemade Strawberry Jam
Methods and Instructions
Prepare the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries thoroughly. Remove the green tops. Chop them into small pieces. If you prefer a smoother jam, mash the strawberries lightly with a fork or potato masher. Leave some chunks if you prefer a more rustic texture.
Start the Cooking
Place the strawberries in a large heavy-bottom pot. Add the lemon juice. Lemon juice provides acidity, which helps the jam set and enhances the natural color of the berries.
Add the Sugar
Gradually add the sugar to the pot. Stir well until the sugar begins to dissolve. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes. This helps draw out the natural juices of the strawberries, making the cooking process smoother.
Cooking the Jam
Turn the heat to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once it reaches a full rolling boil, continue to cook for 10 to 15 minutes. The mixture will thicken as it cooks. If using pectin, follow the instructions on the package, usually adding it before the sugar or right at the beginning.
