Olivia Carter
Are you looking for a quick and easy way to make delicious strawberry freezer jam? Look no further! With just a few simple ingredients and some liquid pectin, you can have homemade jam that tastes like summer all year round.
Strawberry freezer jam is a great way to preserve the fresh flavor of strawberries when they are in season. Unlike traditional jam recipes, this freezer jam doesn’t require any cooking. The pectin reacts with the fruit and sugar to set the jam, creating a thick and spreadable consistency.
To make strawberry freezer jam with liquid pectin, you will need fresh strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and liquid pectin. Start by washing and hulling the strawberries, then crush them using a potato masher or food processor. Next, mix the crushed strawberries with sugar and lemon juice, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
Once the sugar is dissolved, add the liquid pectin to the strawberry mixture and stir for a couple of minutes. The pectin will activate and thicken the jam. Pour the jam into clean jars or containers, leaving some headspace for expansion during freezing. Screw on the lids tightly and let the jam sit at room temperature for about 24 hours to set.
Choosing the Right Strawberries
In order to make delicious strawberry freezer jam, it is important to choose the right strawberries. Here are a few tips to help you select the best strawberries:
1. Look for Bright Red Strawberries
The colour of strawberries can vary, but the best ones for making jam are bright red. Avoid strawberries that are pale or have a white core, as they may not be fully ripe and could lack flavour.
2. Choose Fragrant Strawberries
The aroma of strawberries is a good indicator of their ripeness and taste. When selecting strawberries, give them a sniff to ensure they have a sweet and fragrant smell. This will guarantee that your jam will have a delicious strawberry scent.
Once you have chosen the perfect strawberries, you are ready to make strawberry freezer jam with liquid pectin. Follow the recipe instructions and enjoy the sweet taste of homemade jam!
Preparing the Equipment
Before you begin making strawberry freezer jam with liquid pectin, it’s important to gather all the necessary equipment. This will ensure that you have everything you need readily available and can smoothly carry out the jam-making process.
| Equipment: | Quantity: |
| Glass jars or containers | Enough to hold the jam |
| Plastic containers or bags | For storing excess jam in the freezer |
| Mixing bowls | At least one large and one small bowl |
| Masher or blender | To puree the strawberries |
| Measuring cups and spoons | For accurate ingredient measurements |
| Liquid pectin | As per the recipe requirements |
| Wooden spoon or spatula | For stirring the jam |
| Funnel | To easily transfer the jam into the jars |
| Labels | To mark the jars with date and contents |
| Freezer-safe labels | To mark the containers or bags for freezing |
Once you have gathered all the necessary equipment, you are ready to move on to the next steps in making delicious strawberry freezer jam with liquid pectin.
Preparing the Berries
Before making strawberry freezer jam, it is important to properly prepare the berries. Follow these steps to ensure the best results:
- Start with fresh strawberries that are ripe and juicy.
- Rinse the strawberries under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a small paring knife, remove the stems and any leaves from the strawberries.
- Once the stems are removed, cut the strawberries into small pieces.
- Mash the strawberries using a potato masher or fork until they reach your desired consistency. Some people prefer chunkier jam, while others prefer a smoother texture.
- Measure out the desired amount of mashed strawberries. The recipe may call for a specific quantity, so be sure to measure accurately.
- You are now ready to move on to the next step in the strawberry freezer jam-making process.
Combining the Ingredients
Before you start making your strawberry freezer jam, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed strawberries
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 pouch liquid pectin (usually 3 ounces)
Once you have everything you need, it’s time to combine the ingredients and start the jam-making process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed strawberries and granulated sugar. Stir well to ensure all the strawberries are coated with sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve and the strawberries to release their juices.
- In a separate saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat.
- Add the liquid pectin to the hot water and stir vigorously for 1 minute, ensuring that the pectin is dissolved completely.
- Pour the pectin mixture into the bowl with the strawberries and sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Let the mixture sit for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the pectin to activate and set the jam.
Once the ingredients are thoroughly combined, you’re ready to move on to the next step of the strawberry freezer jam-making process.
Cooking the Jam
Once you have prepared your strawberries and mixed them with sugar and liquid pectin, it’s time to cook the jam.
Place the mixture in a large saucepan and set it over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously until it comes to a full rolling boil.
A rolling boil is when the mixture is boiling so vigorously that it cannot be stirred down. It should continue to boil even while you stir.
Once you achieve a rolling boil, set a timer for exactly 1 minute and continue to stir the mixture vigorously. The boiling action helps activate the pectin and ensures that the jam sets properly.
After 1 minute, remove the saucepan from the heat and skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface of the jam using a metal spoon.
At this point, you may also add any flavorings or extracts, such as vanilla or almond, if desired. Stir them in well.
Pour the hot jam into clean, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Seal the jars with lids and let them cool completely at room temperature.
Once cooled, the jam can be transferred to the freezer for long-term storage. It will keep well for up to a year in the freezer.
Remember to label your jars with the date and flavor of the jam before storing them in the freezer.
Now you can enjoy your homemade strawberry freezer jam on toast, biscuits, or even as a sweet topping for ice cream!
Filling and Freezing the Jars
Once your strawberry freezer jam has reached the desired consistency, it’s time to fill and freeze the jars. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Sterilize the jars and lids by washing them in hot soapy water, rinsing thoroughly, and then placing them in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. Remove them from the water and let them air dry on a clean towel.
Step 2: Place a small saucepan on the stove and fill it with about an inch of water. Put your liquid pectin containers in the saucepan and heat them according to the package instructions. This will help soften the pectin, making it easier to mix into the jam.
Tip: Make sure to use liquid pectin specifically designed for freezer jam, as it will provide the best result.
Step 3: Take one of your sterilized jars and fill it up to the top with the strawberry freezer jam, leaving about a 1/2-inch space at the top for expansion during freezing. Repeat this step with the rest of the jars.
Tip: If you have excess jam, you can pour it into a separate container and refrigerate it for immediate use.
Step 4: Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth to ensure a good seal. Place the lids on top of the jars and screw them on tightly.
Step 5: Carefully transfer the filled and sealed jars to the freezer. Make sure to leave a little space between the jars for air circulation.
Step 6: Allow the strawberry freezer jam to freeze for at least 24 hours before using it. It can be stored in the freezer for up to a year.
Tip: Remember to label each jar with the date it was made to keep track of its freshness.
By following these steps, you’ll have delicious homemade strawberry freezer jam that is ready to enjoy whenever you want a taste of summer. Happy jam-making!
Enjoying Your Homemade Strawberry Freezer Jam
Now that you have successfully made your own strawberry freezer jam with liquid pectin, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! There are so many delicious ways to savor this sweet and tangy treat.
Spread it on toast: Slather a generous amount of your homemade strawberry freezer jam on a slice of freshly toasted bread for a classic and satisfying breakfast or snack.
Top your favorite desserts: Drizzle a spoonful of strawberry freezer jam over your favorite desserts like ice cream, cheesecake, or pound cake for an extra burst of flavor.
Make PB&J sandwiches: Take your peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to a whole new level by using your homemade jam. The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet strawberry jam is simply irresistible.
Add it to yogurt or oatmeal: Jazz up your morning yogurt or oatmeal by stirring in a spoonful or two of strawberry freezer jam. It will add a sweet and fruity twist to your breakfast bowl.
Use it as a glaze: Brush your homemade strawberry freezer jam onto grilled meats, such as chicken or pork, for a flavorful and colorful glaze that will make your taste buds sing.
Gift it to loved ones: Share the love by packaging your homemade strawberry freezer jam in small jars and giving them as gifts to family and friends. They will appreciate the homemade touch and savor the deliciousness.
Remember to store your strawberry freezer jam in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 6 months. Enjoy it whenever you’re craving a taste of summer!
FAQ
What is freezer jam?
Freezer jam is a type of jam that is made without cooking the fruit. Instead, it is made by mixing fruit, sugar, and pectin, and then allowing it to set in the freezer.
What is liquid pectin?
Liquid pectin is a thickening agent used in making jams and jellies. It is derived from citrus fruits and is sold in liquid form. It helps to create a gel-like consistency in the jam.
