Quick & Easy Strawberry Jam

September 9, 2009 ·

I always thought that if I wanted to make my own homemade jam I’d have to learn the process of canning. It seemed like more time and effort than I wanted to put in – I just wanted the jam. So when it came to my attention that there was a “quick and easy” method to jam-making that didn’t involve canning I wasted no time purchasing my fruit.

One distinct difference between the quick method and the traditional cooked approach is the flavor. With the quick method the fruit goes in fresh, rather than being cooked, so the end result tastes much more like really sweet fresh strawberries. I actually found this to be rather appealing – and it tasted absolutely wonderful on rich, buttery brioche toast. Of course, another key difference is how you store it – the quick jam needs to be kept in the fridge or freezer while cooked jams are shelf-stable up to a year.

If I ever decide to give jars of jam as gifts I’ll probably plunk down and learn how to can. But as long as the treat is just for my household, this quick method works great for me.

Strawberry jam on brioche toast

Quick & Easy Strawberry Jam
Adapted from the SURE-JELL Premium Fruit Pectin box

Makes 5 cups

INGREDIENTS:

2 pints fresh strawberries
4 cups sugar
1 box SURE-JELL premium fruit pectin*
3/4 cup water

DIRECTIONS:

Wash and rinse plastic containers with tight fitting lids. Use 1 to 2 cup size containers (I used some BPA-free Ziploc Twist ‘n Loc containers from the grocery store – I poured the final product into glass jars just for the photos).

Discard stems and crush strawberries (recommend using a potato masher). Measure exactly 2 cups crushed strawberries into a large bowl. Add sugar and mix well (do not reduce the amount of sugar or use sugar substitutes or jam may not set properly). Let stand 10 minutes; stir occasionally.

Stir pectin and water in a small saucepan (pectin may start out lumpy). Bring to boil on high heat, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

Stir pectin into strawberry mixture. Stir constantly until sugar is completely dissolved and no longer grainy, about 3 minutes. (A few sugar crystals may remain.)

Pour into prepared containers, leaving ½ inch at top for expansion during freezing; cover. Let stand at room temperature 24 hours until set. Refrigerate up to 3 weeks. Otherwise, store in freezer up to a year. Thaw in refrigerator.

*NOTE: While I don’t normally specify brands, since there could be variation among different brands of fruit pectin it might be a good idea to use SURE-JELL if you decide to follow this recipe

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:

See the Recipe Index for all the recipes on Cooking On the Side.

More recipes added every week – subscribe for free updates!

Tags: jam, strawberries

Breakfast/Brunch

9 Comments

By Jen @ MaplenCornbread, September 10, 2009 @ 4:16 AM

Im glad this recipe met your own personal standards in canning! It looks so good!
Jen @ MaplenCornbread´s last blog ..Chocolate Soufflé

[Reply]
By Lone Acorn, September 10, 2009 @ 5:35 AM

I love strawberry jam on warm bread. But never thought of making it at home.

[Reply]
By Lone Acorn, September 10, 2009 @ 5:35 AM

Nice of you to share it. Thanks
Lone Acorn´s last blog ..Food Ingredients Dictionary – Bulgur

[Reply]
By ABowlOfMush, September 10, 2009 @ 6:56 AM

Lovely looking jam!
ABowlOfMush´s last blog ..Butter Pecan Bundts

[Reply]
By Esi, September 10, 2009 @ 11:25 AM

I took a canning class last year. It’s so easy and yet so rewarding. Gorgeous jam!
Esi´s last blog ..Chaya Brasserie

[Reply]
Kathy Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Hmmm…a canning class. I should find one of those – maybe it would help me conquer my fear

[Reply]
By Savory Tv, September 20, 2009 @ 1:00 AM

Excellent,thank you for sharing. I love the fact that the fruit is fresh in this method.

Cheers!
Savory Tv´s last blog ..Eggs 3 Ways With Julia Child, a Vintage Chef Video

[Reply]