Classic Strawberry Jam

Seeds like tiny fireworks, red like a sinking sun, strawberry jam is a classic. Staple of PBJ, or a sweet foil for spicy peppers, strawberry jam is a classic precisely because it’s so dang good. You can get fancy with additions of balsamic vinegar, or black pepper, and that’s all well and good. We like those jams, too. But we always try to set aside some time to make this unadulterated one; pure and simple, red and uncomplicated, it’s perhaps The Quintessential Jam. The Gateway Jam, The Jam of Childhood. The Ultimate Jam? Well, it’s hard to pick a favorite. But this one’s in the running.

If you are not familiar with the water bath canning method watch our water bath canning video workshop. Always make sure you are following all safety guidelines outlined by the USDA when canning anything.

Makes 5 half pint jars.

Directions:

1) Mash your berries

Put the strawberries in a preserving pan and mash them with a potato masher.

 

2) Prepare you canner

Prepare a water bath canner and 5 half-pint jars. Set the canner to boil while the jam cooks.

3) Add lemon and cook to soften

Add the lemon juice.

Tie the lemon seeds and peels up in a twist of cheesecloth, and add it to the pan. This is a great natural way to add pectin and brighten the flavor, all at once.

Simmer the berries and peel bag until the berries are soft.

4) Add sugar and cook your jam

Remove the pan from the heat and add the sugar. Stir the contents over medium heat, until the sugar is dissolved. 

 

Raise the heat to medium-high and boil the jam, skimming off any foam. Boil until the jam has set.

5) Pack your jars and process

Press the lemon peel bag against the side of the pan to get the last of the liquid out.

Remove the bag and discard.

Ladle the jam into prepared half-pint jars; we are in love with these “new” Jam jars from Ball. And check out the fun colored lids and rings!

Process in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes.

6) Cool and store

Remove the jars and place them on a kitchen towel or other buffer so as not to shock the hot jars by placing them on a cold surface. Once they've cooled and you confirm they have sealed, you’re ready to store them in a cool, dry place until you're ready to start popping them open.

Store for up to 6 months...if it lasts.

If you are not familiar with the water bath canning method watch our water bath canning video workshop. Always make sure you are following all safety guidelines outlined by the USDA when canning anything

Over to You

It’s part of our mission here at Mountain Feed to help you make delicious, sustainable, homemade food more often. Stop by and say hello on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest. Or, as always, you can do it the old fashioned way and come by the store to speak with one of our in-house experts.