fresh strawberry preserves recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
fresh strawberry preserves recipe
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The Best fresh strawberry preserves recipe

I’ve always been a fan of homemade preserves, and this fresh strawberry preserves recipe is one of my favorites. There’s something special about taking fresh, seasonal ingredients and turning them into a delicious spread that’s perfect for toast, biscuits, or even as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.

This recipe is a staple in our household, and I love making it with my kids. They love helping me pick out the fresh strawberries at the farmer’s market and watching them transform into a sweet, tangy preserve.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a perfect project for beginners or busy parents like me who want to get their kids involved in the kitchen.

One of the key techniques to this recipe is using a water bath canner to ensure that the jars are properly sterilized and sealed, which is crucial for preserving the flavor and texture of the strawberries. With this method, you can enjoy your homemade preserves all year round, knowing that they’re made with love and care.

Fresh Strawberry Preserves

Fresh Strawberry Preserves

4.5 from 1984 votes

This fresh strawberry preserves recipe captures the essence of summer with sweet, tangy strawberries cooked down to a luscious spread. Perfect for topping toast, biscuits, or using as a filling in pastries.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Fruit

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup lemon juice

Sugar

3 cups granulated sugar

Thickener

1/4 cup pectin

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine strawberries and lemon juice.
2Cook over medium heat until strawberries break down and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
3Stir frequently to prevent burning.
4Add sugar to the strawberry mixture and stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
5Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat.
6A full rolling boil is indicated when the mixture boils vigorously and cannot be stirred down.
7This should take about 5-7 minutes.
8Stir in pectin and return the mixture to a full rolling boil.
9Boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly.
10Remove from heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface.
11This helps to ensure a clear, smooth preserve.
12Ladle the hot preserves into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
13Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
14Center lids on the jars and screw on the bands until fingertip-tight.
15Do not over-tighten.
16Place the filled jars in a water bath canner and cover with at least 1 inch of water.
17Bring the water to a full rolling boil and process the jars for 10 minutes.
18Start timing when the water reaches a full rolling boil.
19After processing, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the hot water for an additional 5 minutes.
20Using canning tongs, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and place them on a towel-lined counter to cool.
21You should hear the lids pop as they seal.
22Let the jars cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
23After cooling, check the seals by pressing on the center of each lid.
24If the lid does not flex, the jar is sealed.
25Store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator and use within 3 weeks.

🔧Equipment

Heavy-bottomed saucepan
Wooden spoon
Canning jars with lids
Water bath canner

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 5mg🌾Total Carbs: 90g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 88g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

Tips: For a chunkier preserve, you can mash the strawberries instead of slicing them. To ensure a smooth preserve, you can puree the strawberries before cooking.

Watch Video Of How Fresh Strawberry Preserves Works

One of the best things about this fresh strawberry preserves recipe is its versatility – it’s perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick snack for your family, these preserves are always a hit.

And as an added bonus, they’re incredibly healthy – packed with vitamin C from the strawberries and antioxidants from the lemon juice. When it comes time to store your finished preserves, simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 months or freeze them for up to a year.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Fresh Strawberry Preserves

Q: What type of strawberries are best for making preserves?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use sweet, juicy strawberries that are free of any blemishes or bruises. The best varieties for making preserves are usually those with high sugar content, such as Camarosa or Albion.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

A: While you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch, they won’t yield the same level of flavor and texture as fresh berries. If you do choose to use frozen strawberries, be sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with a paper towel before using.

Q: How long does it take to make this recipe?

A: This recipe is surprisingly quick to make, especially if you have some help from the kids! With some prep work ahead of time, you can have your preserves ready in under an hour. Simply chop up the strawberries, mix them with sugar and lemon juice, and let them cook down until they reach your desired consistency.

Q: Can I can these preserves using a traditional boiling water bath method?

A: While you can technically can these preserves using a traditional boiling water bath method, I highly recommend using a water bath canner for optimal results. This ensures that your jars are properly sterilized and sealed, which is crucial for preserving the flavor and texture of the strawberries.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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