Small Batch Strawberry Jam Recipe
This small batch strawberry jam recipe is perfect for homemade preserves using fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. It yields a thick, sweet, and slightly tart jam that can be made easily on the stovetop in under an hour, ideal for spreading on toast or adding to desserts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup of jam 1x
- Category: Condiments
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Jam Ingredients
- 16 ounces fresh strawberries (stems removed and cut in half)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
- Dash of coarse kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced strawberries, sugar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and a dash of salt to a 2-quart sauce pot, mixing them evenly.
- Initial Cooking: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat and cook for about 5-6 minutes until the strawberries release enough juice to partially submerge themselves, the sugar dissolves, and the liquid boils.
- Simmer and Mash: Reduce the heat to medium and let the berries simmer for 10 minutes to soften, stirring occasionally. Then use a potato masher or fork to mash the berries until there are no large chunks remaining.
- Cook to Thicken: Continue cooking the jam for an additional 30-35 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and to ensure thickening.
- Check Consistency: The jam is ready when the bubbles slow down and become thick and syrupy, and when the mixture appears to be ‘breathing’ during simmering.
- Finish and Cool: Remove the pot from the heat, stir in the lemon zest and additional lemon juice to taste, then allow the jam to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a jar. Store the jam in the refrigerator; it will thicken further as it cools.
Notes
- Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Adjust sugar amount based on berry sweetness or personal taste.
- Adding lemon juice helps preserve the jam and enhances the flavor.
- Be patient when cooking the jam; slow simmering helps develop thick consistency.
- The jam will set further as it cools and chills in the fridge.
- Store the jam properly sealed in the fridge and consume within a few weeks for optimal freshness.
Keywords: strawberry jam, homemade jam, fresh strawberry preserves, small batch jam, stovetop jam recipe, easy jam
Find it online: https://lucabites.com/small-batch-strawberry-jam-recipe/
