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Homemade Mom’s Old-Fashioned Strawberry Preserves

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A nostalgic and easy-to-make strawberry preserves recipe using simple ingredients and old-fashioned techniques to create a luscious, chunky jam perfect for gifts, gatherings, and everyday enjoyment.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 2 to 2 ½ cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon powdered pectin (e.g., Sure-Jell)
  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla bean or extract (optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash, hull, and halve about 4 cups (about 600 grams) of fresh strawberries. Quarter larger berries for even cooking.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine strawberries with 2 cups granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Stir gently to coat all berries. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to macerate.
  3. In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon powdered pectin in ¼ cup water until smooth. Pour into the strawberry mixture and stir well.
  4. Place saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil while stirring frequently. Reduce to medium-low and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring often until mixture thickens and coats the spoon.
  5. Test the set by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles and holds shape after cooling, it is ready. If not, simmer a few more minutes and test again.
  6. Optional: Stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or scraped vanilla bean at the end of cooking.
  7. Ladle hot preserves into sterilized glass jars, leaving about ¼ inch headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal tightly. Let cool completely at room temperature.
  8. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes for longer shelf storage.

Notes

Use ripe but firm strawberries to maintain texture. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Lemon juice is essential for proper setting. Test the set on a chilled plate before jarring. For smoother preserves, strain or blend briefly. Optional flavor additions include vanilla, mint, or herbs like thyme or rosemary. Frozen strawberries can be used but drain excess liquid before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry preserves, homemade jam, old-fashioned strawberry jam, easy strawberry preserves, fruit preserves, jam recipe, homemade preserves

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/homemade-moms-old-fashioned-strawberry-preserves-recipe-easy-step-by-step-guide/