Oh, let me tell you about the magic of making strawberry freezer jam! This is the kind of recipe that makes your heart sing with the bright, sweet taste of fresh strawberries. It’s so easy and quick to whip up, you won’t believe it! With just a few simple ingredients and no cooking required, you’ll be savoring the taste of summer all year round. Imagine spreading this luscious, homemade jam on warm toast or dolloping it onto your favorite desserts—pure bliss! Plus, it captures that vibrant strawberry flavor perfectly, so you can enjoy the essence of those juicy berries whenever you like. Trust me, once you try making your own strawberry freezer jam, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and mashed
- 5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
Make sure your strawberries are ripe and juicy for the best flavor. Hull them carefully, removing the green tops, and then mash them up until they’re nice and smooth. You’ll want that sweet strawberry goodness to shine through! The sugar is key for sweetness and helping the jam set, so don’t skimp on that. And don’t forget the fruit pectin—it’s what gives your jam that perfect spreadable consistency. Trust me, having everything prepped and ready to go makes the process a breeze!
How to Prepare Strawberry Freezer Jam
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Your Containers
First things first, you’ll want to get your containers ready for freezing. I like to use clean, dry jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Make sure they’re suitable for freezer use, so you don’t end up with a jam explosion! Give them a quick rinse and let them air dry while you prep the jam.
Mashing the Strawberries
Now, let’s get those strawberries mashed! In a large bowl, take your hulled strawberries and mash them with a fork or a potato masher. Aim for a nice, chunky consistency—this way, you’ll still get those delightful bits of strawberry in your jam. It’s all about capturing that fresh flavor!
Mixing Sugar and Strawberries
Once your strawberries are mashed to perfection, add in the sugar. Stir them together really well, making sure all the sugar is dissolved. This step is crucial because it helps draw out the juices from the strawberries and gives your jam that sweet, luscious taste we all adore. Trust me, don’t rush this part!
Making the Pectin Mixture
In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, stir in the fruit pectin. Keep it on the heat for about a minute, stirring constantly until it’s completely dissolved. This mixture is what helps your jam set beautifully, so don’t skip it!
Combining Mixtures
Now, it’s time to combine! Pour that hot pectin mixture into your strawberry and sugar blend. Stir everything together for about 2 minutes, or until you notice it thickening slightly. This is where the magic happens, and you’ll start to see that lovely jam-like consistency forming!
Pouring and Sealing the Jam
Carefully pour your jam into the prepared containers, leaving a little space at the top to allow for expansion in the freezer. Seal them tightly—this will keep your jam fresh and safe during its frosty hibernation.
Resting the Jam
Lastly, let your jam sit at room temperature for about 24 hours. This step is super important because it allows the jam to set properly. After that, you can pop it in the freezer, and voilà! You’ll have delicious strawberry freezer jam ready to enjoy whenever you like.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Captures the fresh, sweet flavor of ripe strawberries.
- No cooking required, making it super simple!
- Easy storage in your freezer for year-round enjoyment.
- Versatile—perfect on toast, desserts, or even in smoothies!
- Customizable with other fruits or flavorings if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Great way to preserve summer’s bounty and enjoy it all year long!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s get down to some tips that’ll help you nail this strawberry freezer jam! First off, always use the freshest strawberries you can find. Ripe, sweet berries will make all the difference in flavor, so don’t hesitate to pick up a pint from your local farmer’s market if you can. You’ll be amazed at how vibrant the taste is!
When it comes to mashing the strawberries, don’t worry about achieving a perfectly smooth texture. I love leaving some chunks for that delightful bite in the jam. It’s all about the experience of biting into a sweet strawberry piece! Just make sure to mash them well enough to release those lovely juices.
Now, mixing the sugar with the strawberries is essential. Make sure to stir until every granule is dissolved. I usually let it rest for about 10 minutes after mixing—this helps the strawberries release even more of their juices, which is key for that jammy goodness!
As for storage, ensure your containers are completely dry before filling them. A little moisture can lead to freezer burn or spoilage, and we certainly don’t want that! If you’re using glass jars, make sure to leave enough space at the top for expansion during freezing. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
And one last thing: label your containers with the date! This way, you’ll know exactly when you made your jam and can enjoy it at its best. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating the most delicious strawberry freezer jam that’ll impress everyone!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your strawberry freezer jam is super easy! Once you’ve let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours, pop those containers into the freezer. Make sure they’re sealed tightly, so no air can sneak in and ruin that delicious flavor. This jam can be stored in the freezer for up to one year, but trust me, it won’t last that long once you get a taste of it!
When you’re ready to enjoy some of that luscious jam, just take out the amount you need and let it thaw in the refrigerator. This usually takes about 6 to 8 hours, so plan ahead! You can also leave it out at room temperature for a quicker thaw, but don’t let it sit out too long—about an hour should do the trick. Just remember, once it’s thawed, it’s best to consume the jam within a few weeks to ensure it stays fresh and tasty.
And don’t forget to label your containers with the date; it’s a handy reminder of when you made your jam and helps keep track of your stash. Enjoy the fresh taste of summer anytime you like with your homemade strawberry freezer jam!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for our delicious strawberry freezer jam. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on the ingredients we’re using, so actual values may vary a bit depending on the strawberries and brands of sugar and pectin you choose. But here’s what you can expect for a serving size of 1 tablespoon:
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This jam is all about that sweet strawberry goodness, and while it’s definitely a treat, it’s also a wonderful way to enjoy the fruity flavors without a ton of added fat or cholesterol. So go ahead, slather it on your toast or desserts guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen strawberries for this jam?
While fresh strawberries deliver the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing them up. This will help you achieve that delightful jam consistency!
How long does strawberry freezer jam last in the freezer?
Your strawberry freezer jam can last for up to one year in the freezer. But, trust me, you’ll probably want to dig in long before then! Just remember to label your containers with the date so you can keep track of your stash.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can double the recipe to make even more strawberry freezer jam. Just ensure you have enough containers ready for all that deliciousness, and follow the same instructions to maintain that fabulous flavor.
What can I use strawberry freezer jam for?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, use it in desserts like cakes or cheesecakes, or even mix it into smoothies for a burst of flavor. It’s also fantastic as a filling for pastries or as a topping for ice cream—yum!
Do I need to refrigerate the jam after thawing?
Yes, once you’ve thawed your jam, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator and enjoy it within a few weeks. This way, you can savor that fresh strawberry taste without worrying about spoilage. Just make sure to keep it sealed tightly!
Strawberry Freezer Jam: 7 Quick Steps to Sweet Bliss
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 6 cups 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
This strawberry freezer jam is a quick and easy recipe that captures the fresh taste of strawberries.
Ingrédients
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and mashed
- 5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
Instructions
- Prepare your containers for freezing.
- In a large bowl, mash the strawberries.
- Add sugar to the strawberries and stir well.
- In a saucepan, bring water to a boil and add fruit pectin.
- Stir the pectin mixture into the strawberry mixture.
- Pour the jam into containers and seal.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours before freezing.
Notes
- Use ripe strawberries for best flavor.
- Store in the freezer for up to one year.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sucre: 12g
- De Sodium: 0mg
- La graisse: 0g
- Graisses Saturées: 0g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 0g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 13g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 0g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: strawberry freezer jam
