Strawberry Jam (and 5 Variations)

This strawberry jam is one of the most gentle aromas in my spring kitchen. Fresh strawberries are slowly simmered into a rich red jam, filling the air with a sweetness and a hint of tartness. Whenever strawberry season arrives, I always whip up a small pot and spread it on toast, pancakes, or add it to yogurt. Compared to the overly sweet supermarket versions, homemade strawberry jam has a clearer fruit flavor, a lighter texture, and more complex textures.

Whenever strawberry season arrives, I always whip up a small pot and spread it on toast, pancakes, or add it to yogurt. Compared to the overly sweet supermarket versions, homemade strawberry jam has a clearer fruit flavor, a lighter texture, and more complex textures.

Taste and Uses

This strawberry jam has a smooth texture with a few fruity bits, somewhere between jam and puree. You can adjust the cooking time to your liking—for a thicker consistency, cook it a few minutes longer; for a lighter consistency, let some of the fruit retain its juices.

My favorite way to enjoy it is to spread it on warm scones with a little cream, or sandwich it between chiffon cakes for a simple strawberry layer cake. Chilled strawberry jam can also be mixed with soda water for a refreshing strawberry soda.

Tips

Making strawberry jam isn't complicated, but it does require a bit of patience. Simmering slowly is key, allowing the strawberry's aroma to gradually release and the pectin to naturally develop a soft consistency. Don't rush to add too much sugar; taste as you cook to find your preferred balance. Lemon juice balances the sweetness while preserving that vibrant red color.

How to Choose Strawberries

Select naturally ripe, deep red, and fragrant strawberries. Overripe strawberries, while sweet, are too watery and tend to be watery when cooked; underripe ones are too tart. Ideally, strawberries are sweet with a hint of tartness, resulting in a rich, complex jam.

Stems and Seeds?

Before making strawberry jam, wash and remove the stems of the strawberries. If you prefer a smooth texture, blend with a blender and filter out some of the seeds after cooking; however, I personally prefer a slightly grainy texture for a more "handmade" feel.

5 Flavor Variations

• Vanilla Add a vanilla pod to the simmer for a soft, milky note.
• Rose Add rose water or dried petals for a romantic touch.
• Honey Replace part of the sugar with honey for a gentle sweetness.
• Lemon Add lemon zest for a bright, refreshing flavor.
• Mint Stir in fresh mint before cooling for a light herbal lift.

Serving Ideas

• Spread on toast, scones, or crepes.
• Drizzle over yogurt or ice cream.
• Mix with soda or sparkling water.
• Blend with cream cheese for cake filling.
• Combine with balsamic vinegar for a salad dressing.

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Recipe

Ingredients

• 600g fresh strawberries (washed and stemmed)
• 150g sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• A few drops vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a pot. Let sit for 20 minutes to release juices.
2. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes until thickened.
3. For a smoother texture, blend with a blender.
4. Pour into sterilized glass bottles while hot, seal, and let cool.