Olivia Carter
As a strawberry lover, I am always on the lookout for new ways to enjoy this delicious fruit. Nothing compares to the taste of freshly picked strawberries, and one of my favorite ways to preserve their flavor is by making strawberry freezer jam. This recipe is truly the best I’ve ever tried, and it’s incredibly easy to make!
What sets this strawberry freezer jam apart from others is its intense strawberry flavor. Unlike traditional jam that requires cooking and canning, this recipe uses a simple combination of strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin.
The secret to achieving the perfect texture and taste lies in using ripe, juicy strawberries. I like to handpick them at a local farm to ensure their freshness. The sugar helps draw out the natural juices from the strawberries, creating a thick, sticky consistency that is perfect for spreading on toast or topping off a bowl of ice cream.
Why strawberry freezer jam is my go-to jam
Whenever I think of jam, the first thing that comes to my mind is strawberry freezer jam. It’s not just any jam, it’s the best jam ever! There are several reasons why I believe strawberry freezer jam is the ultimate choice.
1. Fresh and vibrant flavour
One of the main reasons why strawberry freezer jam is my favourite is its fresh and vibrant flavour. Unlike regular cooked jams, freezer jam is made with fresh strawberries that perfectly capture the essence of summer. The natural sweetness of the berries combined with a hint of tartness creates a burst of flavour that is unmatched.
2. Quick and easy preparation
Another great thing about strawberry freezer jam is how easy it is to make. Unlike traditional jams that require hours of cooking and canning, freezer jam can be whipped up in just a few simple steps. All you need to do is mash the strawberries, mix in some sugar and pectin, and voila! You have a delicious jam ready to be stored in the freezer. It’s the perfect recipe for those busy days when you want to enjoy homemade jam without spending hours in the kitchen.
3. Versatile uses
Strawberry freezer jam has endless possibilities when it comes to its uses. From spreading it on toast or bagels for breakfast to using it as a topping for pancakes or ice cream, the options are truly endless. The jam’s thick consistency and intense strawberry flavour make it a versatile condiment that can elevate any dish. It can even be used as a filling for cakes or pastries, adding a burst of fruity goodness.
In conclusion, strawberry freezer jam is the best jam for me because of its fresh and vibrant flavour, easy preparation, and versatile uses. It’s a jam that brings joy and a taste of summer to every bite. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought jams again!
Choosing the right strawberries
When it comes to making the best ever strawberry freezer jam, one of the most important factors is choosing the right strawberries. As someone who has tried various strawberry varieties over the years, I have learned that not all strawberries are created equal.
First and foremost, it is important to select strawberries that are fully ripe. Ripe strawberries have a vibrant red color and a sweet smell. When you pick them up, they should be plump and firm to the touch. Avoid strawberries that are pale or have a greenish tinge, as they are likely to be underripe and lacking in flavor.
Another factor to consider is the size of the strawberries. While there is no right or wrong size, I have found that medium-sized strawberries work best for freezer jam. They are easier to chop and mash, and their smaller size ensures that the berry flavor is evenly distributed throughout the jam.
In addition, pay attention to the texture of the strawberries. A slightly firm texture is preferable, as overly soft strawberries may become mushy when frozen and lose their integrity in the jam. Look for strawberries that are plump and have a slight elasticity when squeezed.
To sum up, selecting the right strawberries is key to making the best ever strawberry freezer jam. Look for ripe strawberries with a vibrant red color, plump and firm texture, and a sweet aroma. Remember, the quality of the strawberries will significantly impact the overall taste and texture of your jam.
Freshness and ripeness matters
When it comes to making the best ever strawberry freezer jam, freshness and ripeness are two key factors that cannot be overlooked. As someone who has made countless batches of strawberry jam over the years, I can tell you that using fresh and ripe strawberries is absolutely essential for achieving the most delicious and vibrant flavor.
In order to make the best ever strawberry freezer jam, it is important to start with the highest quality strawberries. Look for berries that are deep red in color, firm to the touch, and have a sweet aroma. Avoid strawberries that are pale or have any signs of mold or overripeness. The fresher the strawberries, the better the flavor of the jam will be.
When selecting strawberries for freezer jam, it is also important to consider the ripeness of the berries. While slightly underripe strawberries can still be used, it is best to choose berries that are fully ripe. Ripe strawberries are not only sweeter, but they also have a softer texture, making them easier to mash and incorporate into the jam.
In addition to using fresh and ripe strawberries, it is important to prepare them properly for the jam-making process. Wash the strawberries well and remove the stems before chopping or mashing. This will ensure that any dirt or debris is removed and that the strawberries are ready to be transformed into delicious freezer jam.
By prioritizing freshness and ripeness when making strawberry freezer jam, you can create a jam that is bursting with flavor and has a vibrant, natural color. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, using it as a topping for yogurt or ice cream, or gifting it to friends and family, the best ever strawberry freezer jam will always impress.
Gathering the necessary ingredients
When it comes to making the best ever strawberry freezer jam, gathering the necessary ingredients is the first step towards creating a delicious and fruity spread. To begin, you will need fresh strawberries that are ripe and full of flavor. Look for berries that are bright red and firm to the touch, as these will produce the best results.
In addition to strawberries, you will also need granulated sugar to sweeten the jam and help preserve it. It’s important to use the correct amount of sugar according to the recipe, as this will ensure the right balance of flavors and the proper consistency. Alongside sugar, you will need pectin, a natural substance that helps the jam set and gives it its thick texture. Pectin can be found in most grocery stores and is available in both liquid and powder forms.
- Fresh strawberries
- Granulated sugar
- Pectin
- Lemon juice
- Canning jars
Another key ingredient in making strawberry freezer jam is lemon juice. This adds a tangy flavor to the jam and also helps to enhance the natural color of the strawberries. It’s important to use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled, as the fresh juice provides the best flavor. Finally, you will need canning jars to store the jam. Make sure the jars are clean and sterilized before use to ensure the jam stays fresh.
Gathering these ingredients is an exciting first step in creating the best ever strawberry freezer jam. With fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, pectin, lemon juice, and canning jars, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious and homemade spread that can be enjoyed all year round.
Strawberries, sugar, pectin, lemon juice
When it comes to making the best ever strawberry freezer jam, there are a few key ingredients that you absolutely need: strawberries, sugar, pectin, and lemon juice. These ingredients work together to create a jam that is not only bursting with the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh strawberries but also has the perfect consistency.
First and foremost, strawberries are the star of the show in this recipe. They provide the base for the jam and are responsible for its vibrant red color and juicy texture. The sweetness of the strawberries is complemented by the addition of sugar, which not only enhances their natural flavor but also helps to preserve the jam.
Next, pectin is added to the mixture. Pectin is a natural thickening agent that is found in the cell walls of fruits. By adding pectin to the jam, you can ensure that it will set properly and not be too runny. It helps to create a spreadable consistency that is perfect for spreading on toast or topping off your favorite desserts.
Lastly, lemon juice is a key ingredient in this recipe. The acidity of the lemon juice helps to balance out the sweetness of the strawberries and sugar, giving the jam a bright and refreshing flavor. It also acts as a natural preservative, helping to extend the shelf life of the jam and prevent it from spoiling.
In conclusion, strawberries, sugar, pectin, and lemon juice are the essential ingredients for making the best ever strawberry freezer jam. With their unique flavors and properties, they come together to create a jam that is full of sweetness, tanginess, and just the right amount of thickness. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade strawberry freezer jam!
Preparing the strawberries and making the jam
When it comes to making the best ever strawberry freezer jam, the first step is to gather the freshest and ripest strawberries. I prefer to pick my own strawberries from a local farm for that extra burst of flavor. Once I have a basket full of strawberries, I carefully wash them under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. I then use a sharp knife to hull and slice the strawberries, ensuring that they are all roughly the same size.
After preparing the strawberries, it’s time to start making the jam. I gather all the necessary ingredients, including sugar, pectin, lemon juice, and water. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the sliced strawberries with the sugar, making sure to evenly distribute the sugar to extract the natural sweetness from the berries. In a separate saucepan, I dissolve the pectin in water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the pectin mixture has reached the desired consistency, I pour it over the strawberry and sugar mixture, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
To enhance the flavor of the jam, I add a splash of lemon juice, which adds a hint of tanginess to complement the sweetness of the strawberries. The lemon juice also helps to preserve the vibrant red color of the jam. Once all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, I pour the jam into clean, sterilized jars, leaving a little bit of headspace at the top. I seal the jars tightly and let the jam cool at room temperature for a few hours before transferring them to the freezer.
By following these steps, I ensure that the strawberry freezer jam turns out delicious and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. This homemade jam is not only perfect for spreading on toast or scones, but it also makes a wonderful gift for friends and family. The process of preparing and making the jam can be time-consuming, but the end result is definitely worth it. With the right strawberries and a little bit of effort, you can create the best ever strawberry freezer jam that will impress anyone who tastes it.
Hulling, chopping, mixing, and cooking
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to prepare the strawberries for the jam. Begin by hulling the strawberries, removing the green tops and any soft or bruised spots. You can use a paring knife or a strawberry huller for this task.
Once the strawberries are hulled, chop them into small pieces. You can use a sharp knife for this, or if you prefer a smoother jam, you can puree the strawberries in a blender or food processor.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and pectin. Stir well to ensure that the sugar is fully dissolved and the pectin is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Next, transfer the strawberry mixture to a saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning and to ensure that the jam thickens properly. Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool briefly before transferring it to containers.
Now that your strawberry freezer jam is cooked and ready, you can pour it into sterilized jars or containers. Make sure to leave some headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Seal the containers tightly and let the jam cool to room temperature before transferring it to the freezer.
Now, you can enjoy the delicious taste of homemade strawberry freezer jam all year round. Whether you spread it on toast, use it as a topping for ice cream, or give it as a gift to friends and family, this jam is sure to be a hit!
10 Best ever strawberry freezer jam
Cornaby's Jam in a Jiffy - Instant Fresh or Freezer, No Cook, Low Sugar Jam Mix, Pack of 8, Make Delicious, Low Sugar, Low Calorie Homemade Jam, 18 Oz
Features
| Size | 1.12 Pound (Pack of 8) |
- DELICIOUS JAM: Jam in a Jiffy is a revolutionary, low sugar, instant fresh fruit JAM & TOPPING mix! Now, with a daily dose of VITAMIN-C! It’s the easiest way to make delicious, low-sugar, low-calorie homemade jam and dessert toppings!
- INGREDIENTS: Non-GMO Cane Sugar, Non-GMO corn starch, pectin, citric acid, Non-GMO Xanthan gum, potassium sorbate.
- LOW SUGAR JAM: Traditional jams have more sugar and sweetened syrups added into the making of jams and jellies, but our low sugar jam contains all natural ingredients that deliver excellent taste and guilt-free eating.
- INSTANT JAM MIX: With one pouch of Jam in a Jiffy, two pounds of fresh or frozen fruit and five minutes you can make six cups of amazing freezer jam. Includes sweeteners, citric acid and thickeners - just add fruit. No Cooking required. 18 calories per serving.
- DIRECTIONS: Prepare two pounds of any soft fruit (strawberries, raspberries, peaches, etc.) by peeling, washing and crushing in a medium sized bowl. Add Jam in a Jiffy mix and stir well. It is designed for use by the most experienced chef to the most inexperienced teenager. Can be refrigerated for 3-weeks; Frozen for 18-months
Smucker's Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jam Sandwich, Non GMO - 2 Pack (2 oz, 15 ct Each), Total 30 Sandwiches
Features
| Size | 2 - Pack |
- Nothing can stop you when you've got this sandwich in hand. Enjoy the classic, homemade taste of Smucker's sandwiches
- Childhood favorite, perfect for your kids or for bringing back good memories to you
- Packed with creamy peanut butter and sweet strawberry jam taste in every bite. 6 grams of protein in each Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam Sandwich, Non-GMO and no high fructose corn syrup
- Contains 3 Boxes of 15- 2 Ounce Smucker's Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam Individually Wrapped Sandwiches. Thaw, unwrap, and eat wherever, whenever
- Snack anywhere, anytime with a grab-and-go sandwich
Karen's Naturals Organic Just Strawberries, 1.2-Ounce Package (Pack of 6) (Packaging May Vary)
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 1.2 Ounce (Pack of 6) |
- Absolutely nothing is added to any of our products so you know you are getting real food! The intense flavor holds true.
- Eating dried foods is the next best thing to eating fresh out of your garden.
- An easy way to get your '5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables during a busy 9 to 5' day.
- 100% Natural
- Organic
Lingonberry Powder 15oz/425g (pack of 5), Excellent for Smoothies, High in Antioxidants, 100% Natural & Wild Freeze Dried Lingonberries From the Arctic...
Features
| Release Date | 2024-04-14T07:00:00.000Z |
- Lingonberry Powder Made From 100% Freshly Picked Berries: This lingonberry powder is crafted from 100% whole wild lingonberries that are freshly picked and freeze-dried. It contains 425g (15.0 oz) of freeze dried lingonberry powder, which is equal to 4.25kg (9.375 lb) of fresh or frozen wild lingonberries.
- Lingonberry powder contains an impressive amount of antioxidants (even higher than wild blueberries), making it a powerful superfood. Wild lingonberries are also a great source of fiber and have very low sugar content, which makes them an ideal nutrient-rich source for diabetics.
- It is 100% natural. No added sugar, preservatives or anything else – suitable for vegan/vegetarian, diabetic, gluten-free, keto, paleo, and raw diets.
- Sustainably Harvested From Finland: These lingonberries grow wild under the Arctic midnight sun in Finland, harvested sustainably without pesticides.
- Exotic Fruity & Tangy Flavor: Add a delicious, tangy flavor to smoothies, baked goods, and more with this aromatic lingonberry powder.
Z Natural Foods Strawberry Powder
Features
| Part Number | 1111305 |
| Size | 5 Pounds |
- STRAWBERRY POWDER - The red heart-shape of the strawberry is the first clue that this superfood is incredibly good for you. Packed with vitamins, fiber, and particularly high levels of antioxidants known as polyphenols, strawberries are a low calorie, fat free food you can feel good about eating.
- BURSTING WITH FLAVOR - Z Natural Foods 100% freeze-dried strawberry powder captures all of the amazing taste and nutrition this remarkable berry has to offer. Usually consumed raw and fresh, these berries can also be used in a variety of jams, jellies, and desserts. When fresh strawberries aren’t in season use our powdered strawberry for any of your drink, juice, smoothie, or recipe requirements.
- IMMUNITY BOOSTER - Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C. One tablespoon of our freeze dried strawberry powder gives you over 60% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a well-known immunity booster, as well as a powerful antioxidant.
- ALL NATURAL NUTRITION - Strawberries are low in calories, delicious, and healthy. Like other berries, strawberries are famous in the fruit world as a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Strawberry fruit is known for its antioxidant properties due to vitamin C, anthocyanins and ellagic acid content. Strawberries also contain dietary fiber, iodine, folate, quercetin, and kaempferol.
- NATURE’S CANDY - There's a reason strawberries are often called nature's candy: At their peak, they're as sweet as any sugary treat! But unlike a box of candy, strawberries contain fiber along with essential vitamins and minerals, which helps keep your blood sugar levels stable. This makes strawberries and excellent addition to a healthy diet.
FAQ:
How do I make the best ever strawberry freezer jam?
To make the best ever strawberry freezer jam, you will need fresh strawberries, sugar, pectin, and lemon juice. First, crush the strawberries and mix them with sugar in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve. In a separate bowl, mix the pectin with water and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Add the strawberry mixture to the pectin mixture and stir for 3 minutes. Pour the jam into clean jars and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours. Afterward, store the jam in the freezer for up to 1 year.
Can I use frozen strawberries for strawberry freezer jam?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for strawberry freezer jam. Make sure to thaw the strawberries and drain any excess liquid before using them in the jam recipe. Frozen strawberries can still produce delicious jam, although the texture may be slightly different from using fresh strawberries.
How long can I store strawberry freezer jam in the freezer?
You can store strawberry freezer jam in the freezer for up to 1 year. It is important to properly seal the jars to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the jam. Before using the jam, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, the jam should be consumed within a few weeks and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in strawberry freezer jam?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar in strawberry freezer jam. However, sugar is important in preserving the jam and giving it the right texture and sweetness. If you want to reduce the sugar, you can use a low-sugar pectin or a sugar substitute specifically designed for making jam. Follow the instructions on the packaging for the best results.
Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries for freezer jam?
Yes, you can use different fruits instead of strawberries for freezer jam. Many fruits can be used to make delicious freezer jam, such as raspberries, blackberries, peaches, or blueberries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar and pectin ratios according to the specific fruit you are using. Each fruit may have different levels of acidity and natural pectin content.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best ever strawberry freezer jam is a delightful and versatile treat that captures the natural sweetness and vibrant flavors of strawberries. Whether spread on toast, drizzled over yogurt, or used as a filling for pastries, this homemade jam is sure to bring joy to every meal. Made with simple and wholesome ingredients, it can be easily prepared and stored in the freezer, allowing for a taste of summer to be enjoyed throughout the year. So, gather those fresh strawberries and get ready to create a delicious and unforgettable strawberry freezer jam that will become a family favorite.
