Olivia Carter
If you love the taste of fresh strawberries and want to preserve that delicious flavor all year round, making freezer strawberry jam with Certo is the perfect solution. This homemade jam is quick and easy to make, and it doesn’t require any special canning equipment. Whether you have an abundance of strawberries from your garden or you picked up a crate at the farmers market, this recipe will help you make the most of your fruity harvest.
Making freezer strawberry jam with Certo is a simple process that involves combining fresh strawberries with sugar and Certo, a brand of pectin that helps thicken the jam. Pectin is a natural substance found in fruits that acts as a setting agent. When combined with sugar and heated, it creates the thick, spreadable consistency that we love in jam.
One of the advantages of using Certo in this recipe is that it allows you to make jam without cooking it on the stove. Instead, the strawberries and pectin are combined, and then the mixture is poured into clean, sterilized jars and frozen. This saves time and ensures that the jam retains its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Once your freezer strawberry jam is made, you can enjoy it on toast, in yogurt, or as a topping for ice cream. The possibilities are endless! So why not make a batch of this delicious jam and have a taste of summer all year round?
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start making your freezer strawberry jam with Certo, it’s important to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Fresh strawberries | 2 pounds |
| Sugar | 4 cups |
| Certo fruit pectin | 1 package |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
To prepare the strawberries, wash them thoroughly under cold water. Remove the stems and any bruised or damaged parts. Pat the strawberries dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
Next, using a potato masher or a fork, mash the strawberries until you achieve your desired consistency. Some people prefer a chunkier jam, while others prefer a smoother texture.
In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and Certo fruit pectin. Mix them together until well combined.
Lastly, squeeze fresh lemon juice into a small bowl. This helps enhance the flavor of the strawberries and also acts as a natural preservative.
With all the ingredients prepared, you are now ready to start making your freezer strawberry jam with Certo.
Gathering Fresh Strawberries
When it comes to making freezer strawberry jam with Certo, one crucial step is gathering fresh strawberries. Here are some tips to help you select the best strawberries for your jam:
1. Look for ripe strawberries: Choose strawberries that are deep red in color and fully ripe. Ripe strawberries will have a sweet aroma and will be plump and firm to the touch.
2. Pick your own strawberries: If possible, find a local farm or orchard that allows you to pick your own strawberries. This way, you can ensure that you are getting the freshest berries available.
3. Choose organic strawberries: If you have the option, consider selecting organic strawberries. They are grown without the use of pesticides and other chemicals, making them a healthier choice.
4. Avoid strawberries with soft spots or mold: Inspect each strawberry carefully and avoid any that have soft spots, mold, or are bruised. These strawberries may not be suitable for making jam.
5. Consider the quantity: Depending on your recipe, you may need a specific quantity of strawberries. Make sure to gather enough strawberries to meet your jam-making needs.
Gathering fresh strawberries is an important step in making freezer strawberry jam with Certo. By selecting ripe, organic strawberries and ensuring their quality, you can create a delicious and healthy strawberry jam to enjoy all year long.
Mash the Strawberries
Once you have gathered all your ingredients and prepared your work area, it’s time to mash the strawberries. Start by washing the strawberries thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Then, remove the stems and any bad spots from the strawberries.
Next, place the strawberries in a large bowl and use a potato masher or a fork to begin mashing them. Mash the strawberries until they reach your desired consistency. Some people prefer a chunkier texture, while others prefer a smoother jam. It’s completely up to you.
If you don’t have a potato masher or fork, you can also use a blender or food processor to mash the strawberries. Just be careful not to overprocess them, as you still want some small pieces of strawberry in the jam for texture.
Pro tip:
If you want to speed up the process or have a large quantity of strawberries to mash, you can also use a food processor. Simply pulse the strawberries a few times until they reach the desired consistency. Just be careful not to puree them completely.
Additional ingredients:
Once the strawberries are mashed, you can proceed to the next step of the recipe, which typically involves adding the remaining ingredients, such as sugar and Certo. Follow the instructions on the Certo package for the specific measurements and process to ensure that your freezer strawberry jam sets properly.
Mixing Certo with Sugar
To make freezer strawberry jam with Certo, you will need to mix Certo with sugar. This step is crucial for the jam to set properly and achieve the desired consistency and sweetness.
Before you start mixing, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. You will need 4 cups of crushed strawberries, 7 cups of sugar, and 1 pouch of Certo liquid fruit pectin.
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed strawberries with the sugar. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved and incorporated into the strawberries.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the sugar to further dissolve and blend with the strawberries.
- In a separate bowl, empty the pouch of Certo liquid fruit pectin. Slowly pour the pectin into the strawberry mixture while stirring continuously. Make sure the pectin is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Continue stirring the jam mixture for an additional 3 minutes. This step ensures that the pectin is well mixed with the strawberries and sugar, helping the jam to set properly.
Once you have completed the mixing process, your freezer strawberry jam is ready to be transferred into jars or containers. Remember to label the containers with the date and contents for easy reference.
Note: It is essential to follow the instructions provided by Certo for the best results. Incorrect measurements or substitutions may affect the setting of the jam.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Crushed Strawberries | 4 cups |
| Sugar | 7 cups |
| Certo liquid fruit pectin | 1 pouch |
Combining the Ingredients
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients for making freezer strawberry jam, it’s time to start combining them. Follow these steps to ensure that your jam turns out perfectly:
- Wash and hull the strawberries, removing any stems or leaves.
- Mash the strawberries in a large bowl until you reach your desired consistency. You can use a potato masher or a fork for this step.
- Add the sugar to the mashed strawberries and stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the Certo liquid fruit pectin and lemon juice. Stir the mixture until the pectin is dissolved.
- Slowly pour the pectin mixture into the strawberry mixture while stirring constantly. Continue to stir for 3 minutes to ensure that the pectin is evenly distributed.
At this point, your strawberry jam mixture is ready to be made into freezer jam. Follow the instructions for filling the containers, sealing them, and freezing them for the best results. Enjoy your delicious homemade strawberry jam for months to come!
Freezing and Enjoying
Once your homemade strawberry jam has cooled and set, you can store it in the freezer to enjoy at a later time. Follow these simple steps to freeze your jam:
1. Prepare the containers: Transfer the jam into clean, airtight containers or freezer-safe jars. Make sure to leave some headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
2. Label and date the containers: Use a permanent marker to label each container with the type of jam and the date it was made. This will help you keep track of the contents and ensure you use the oldest jam first.
3. Freeze the jam: Place the containers in the freezer and make sure they are stored upright to prevent any leakage. Allow the jam to freeze completely, which usually takes at least 24 hours.
4. Thawing and using: To thaw the frozen jam, simply transfer a container to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. Once thawed, the jam can be enjoyed within a week. You can use the thawed jam for spreading on toast, mixing into yogurt or smoothies, or as a topping for ice cream.
Remember to discard any remaining jam that has been thawed and not used within a week to ensure freshness and food safety.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your homemade strawberry jam throughout the year, even when fresh strawberries are out of season.
FAQ
What is freezer strawberry jam?
Freezer strawberry jam is a type of jam that is made using strawberries and a freezer jam pectin, such as Certo. It is different from traditional cooked jam as it does not require heat to set, and is typically stored in the freezer rather than being canned.
How do I make freezer strawberry jam with Certo?
To make freezer strawberry jam with Certo, you will need fresh strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and Certo pectin. Mash the strawberries until you have 2 ¼ cups, then add sugar and lemon juice. Stir the mixture well, and let it sit for 10 minutes. In the meantime, mix the Certo pectin with water and bring it to a boil. Add the pectin mixture to the strawberry mixture, and stir for 3 minutes. Pour the jam into containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours, then store it in the freezer.
