Olivia Carter
Do you love the taste of fresh strawberries but want to reduce your sugar intake? Look no further than this easy recipe for low sugar strawberry freezer jam. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy the delicious, sweet flavor of strawberries all year round.
Making your own jam at home allows you to control the amount of sugar added, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought options. Traditional recipes often call for large amounts of sugar to preserve the jam, but this recipe cuts back on the sugar without sacrificing taste.
Using low sugar pectin, you can create a thick and flavorful jam that is perfect for spreading on toast, topping off yogurt, or even drizzling over ice cream. Plus, this recipe requires minimal cooking time, making it a quick and easy option for busy individuals.
So, whether you have a surplus of strawberries from the garden or simply want to enjoy the taste of summer all year round, give this low sugar strawberry freezer jam recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Delicious Low Sugar Strawberry Freezer Jam
Step 1: Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. You will need fresh strawberries, sugar substitute, pectin, lemon juice, containers for freezing, a blender or food processor, a large pot, and a stirring spoon.
Step 2: Wash the strawberries and remove the stems. Cut the strawberries into small pieces and transfer them to the blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 3: In a large pot, combine the blended strawberries, sugar substitute, pectin, and lemon juice. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue boiling and stirring for about 1 minute to activate the pectin.
Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface.
Step 6: Prepare the containers for freezing by washing them thoroughly and drying them well.
Step 7: Ladle the jam into the prepared containers, leaving some headspace for expansion during freezing.
Step 8: Seal the containers tightly and allow them to cool completely at room temperature.
Step 9: Once cooled, transfer the containers to the freezer and freeze until solid, usually for about 24 hours.
Step 10: Enjoy your delicious low sugar strawberry freezer jam straight from the freezer! It can be stored for up to 6 months.
Note: Remember to thaw the jam in the refrigerator before using it.
Choosing the Perfect Strawberries
When making low sugar strawberry freezer jam, choosing the right strawberries is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Here are some tips to help you select the best strawberries for your jam:
1. Look for Bright Red Color
Choose strawberries that are uniformly bright red in color. Avoid strawberries that have white or green patches, as they may not be fully ripe. The brighter the red, the sweeter and juicier the strawberries will be.
2. Check for Firmness
Gently squeeze the strawberries to check for firmness. They should be plump and slightly soft but not mushy. Avoid strawberries that are overly soft or have mushy spots, as they can indicate overripeness or spoilage.
3. Smell the Aroma
Take a moment to smell the strawberries. They should have a sweet and fragrant aroma. If the strawberries lack a strong scent, they may be underripe or lacking in flavor.
Remember, the quality of your strawberries will greatly impact the taste of your low sugar strawberry freezer jam. So, take your time and choose the best strawberries you can find for delicious results!
Gathering the Necessary Ingredients
Before you start making low sugar strawberry freezer jam, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh strawberries: Look for ripe, juicy strawberries that are free of bruises or blemishes. You’ll need about 2 pounds of strawberries for this recipe.
- Low-sugar pectin: Choose a brand of pectin specifically designed for low sugar or no sugar recipes. This will help your jam thicken without using a lot of sugar.
- Lemon juice: The acidity of lemon juice helps set the jam and enhances the natural flavor of the strawberries. You’ll need about 1/4 cup of lemon juice.
- Granulated sugar substitute: Instead of using regular granulated sugar, opt for a sugar substitute that measures like sugar. Make sure it’s suitable for cooking and can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
- Freezer-safe containers: You’ll need containers to store your jam in the freezer. Look for containers that are specifically designed for freezing and can hold the desired amount of jam.
By gathering these ingredients before you start, you’ll have everything you need to make delicious low sugar strawberry freezer jam!
Preparing the Strawberries for Jamming
Before you can begin making low sugar strawberry freezer jam, the strawberries need to be properly prepared. Follow these steps to ensure that your jam turns out delicious:
- Gently wash the strawberries under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Remove the green caps from the strawberries by firmly gripping the stem with your fingers and twisting it off.
- Once the caps are removed, cut the strawberries into small pieces. You can choose to slice them or mash them with a fork, depending on your desired texture for the jam.
- Place the prepared strawberries in a large mixing bowl.
Tip: Don’t discard the strawberry caps! You can use them to make a refreshing infused water or as a garnish for desserts.
By properly preparing the strawberries, you’ll ensure that each jar of low sugar strawberry freezer jam is bursting with fresh and sweet flavors. Now that your strawberries are ready, it’s time to move on to the next step: making the jam!
Mixing the Ingredients
Once you have all your ingredients prepared, it’s time to start mixing them together to create your low sugar strawberry freezer jam. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries thoroughly under cold running water. Remove the stems and any bruised or rotten parts. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Slice the strawberries into small pieces.
Step 2: Combine the Strawberries and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced strawberries and the required amount of sugar (according to the recipe you’re using). Gently mix the strawberries and sugar together using a wooden spoon. Make sure all the strawberries are coated evenly with sugar.
Step 3: Let the Mixture Sit
Allow the strawberry and sugar mixture to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the strawberries release their natural juices and give the sugar time to dissolve.
Step 4: Add Lemon Juice and Pectin
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and pectin until the pectin is fully dissolved. Pour this mixture into the strawberry and sugar mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Step 5: Thoroughly Mix the Ingredients
Continue stirring the mixture vigorously for about 3-4 minutes. This will help the pectin evenly distribute throughout the jam and ensure a good set. Make sure there are no lumps of pectin left in the mixture.
Step 6: Let the Jam Rest
Allow the jam mixture to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This resting time will allow the pectin to activate and help the jam set properly.
Step 7: Transfer to Containers
Carefully ladle the mixed jam into clean, sterilized jars or containers. Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Wipe any spills or drips from the rims of the jars. Seal the jars tightly with lids.
Now that your low sugar strawberry freezer jam is mixed and ready, you can proceed to freeze it or store it in the refrigerator depending on the recipe instructions. Enjoy your homemade low sugar strawberry jam!
Cooking the Jam Mixture
Once you have prepared your strawberries by washing, hulling, and slicing them, it’s time to cook the jam mixture. In a large saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, lemon juice, and low-sugar pectin.
Low-sugar pectin is a key ingredient in making this low-sugar strawberry freezer jam. It helps the jam thicken without the need for a large amount of sugar.
Place the saucepan on medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil it for 1 minute, making sure to keep stirring to prevent burning. This will activate the pectin and help the jam set properly.
Next, add the granulated sugar substitute, such as Stevia or Splenda, to the saucepan. It’s important to note that the amount of sugar substitute you add will depend on the brand you choose and your personal taste preferences.
Stir the sugar substitute into the strawberry mixture until it is fully dissolved. Continue to cook the mixture on medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it returns to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, let it cook for an additional 1 minute.
Remember, the cooking time is crucial for the jam to properly set. Be sure to follow the instructions and cook the mixture for the suggested times.
After the cooking time is complete, remove the saucepan from the heat and skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface of the mixture. Let the jam cool for a few minutes before transferring it to jars or freezer-safe containers.
Note: If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender or food processor to blend the jam mixture until it reaches your desired texture.
Store the jars of low-sugar strawberry freezer jam in the refrigerator for immediate use, or freeze them for future enjoyment. This delicious jam will last up to a year in the freezer.
Jarring and Freezing the Jam
After the strawberry jam has been cooked and thickened, it’s time to transfer it into jars for storage. Here’s how to jar and freeze your low sugar strawberry freezer jam:
- Prepare your jars by washing them with hot soapy water and rinsing them thoroughly. Make sure the jars and lids are completely dry before using them.
- Fill the jars with the strawberry jam, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. This space is necessary to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any jam that might prevent a proper seal.
- Place the lids on the jars and tighten the bands until they are fingertip-tight. Avoid overtightening as this can prevent air from escaping during the freezing process.
- If you plan on eating the jam within a few weeks, you can store it in the refrigerator. However, if you want to preserve it for a longer period, freezing is the best option.
- To freeze the jars, place them on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Leave them undisturbed for at least 24 hours to allow the jam to freeze completely.
- Once the jam is frozen, you can remove the jars from the baking sheet and organize them in your freezer. Make sure to label the jars with the date, as well as the contents.
Jarring and freezing your low sugar strawberry freezer jam will help extend its shelf life and allow you to enjoy the taste of fresh strawberries even during the off-season.
Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
After all the hard work of making your low sugar strawberry freezer jam, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Here are a few suggestions for how to savor your delicious creation:
1. Spread it on toast or bagels for a sweet and tangy breakfast treat.
2. Use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles to add a burst of fruity flavor.
3. Mix it into plain yogurt for a healthy and refreshing snack.
4. Swirl it into oatmeal or overnight oats to elevate your morning routine.
5. Dollop it on ice cream or frozen yogurt for a delightful dessert.
6. Include it in your favorite baked goods recipes, like thumbprint cookies or pastry tarts.
7. Share your homemade jam with friends and family as a thoughtful gift.
Regardless of how you choose to enjoy it, your low sugar strawberry freezer jam is sure to be a hit. The fresh taste of strawberries can be savored all year round, reminding you of the sunny days spent picking ripe berries and preserving them for future enjoyment.
FAQ
What is low sugar strawberry freezer jam?
Low sugar strawberry freezer jam is a type of jam that is made with less sugar than traditional jam recipes. It is a healthier alternative for those who are watching their sugar intake.
What ingredients are needed to make low sugar strawberry freezer jam?
To make low sugar strawberry freezer jam, you will need fresh strawberries, lemon juice, low or no-sugar-needed pectin, and a sugar substitute like stevia or Splenda.
