Best Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe with Sure.Jell

Strawberry jam is a classic and delicious way to preserve the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries. Making your own homemade jam can be a rewarding experience, and with the help of Sure.Jell, it becomes even easier. Sure.Jell is a popular brand of pectin that helps to thicken and set jams and jellies. In this article, we will share the best easy strawberry jam recipe using Sure.Jell, ensuring a perfect batch of jam every time.

Ingredients:
– 2 pounds of fresh strawberries
– 4 cups of granulated sugar
– 1 box of Sure.Jell fruit pectin
– 1/4 cup of lemon juice

Instructions:
1. Start by washing the strawberries under cold water, then remove the stems and hulls. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Once the strawberries are dry, use a potato masher or a fork to mash them. You can choose the consistency of your jam by mashing them coarsely or finely.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and Sure.Jell fruit pectin.
4. In a large saucepan, mix the mashed strawberries with the sugar and pectin mixture. Stir well to combine.
5. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.
6. Once the mixture has reached a rolling boil, cook for an additional 1 minute, continuing to stir.
7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface.
8. Stir in the lemon juice, which helps to balance the sweetness and enhances the strawberry flavor.
9. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Make sure to wipe the rims of the jars clean before sealing them with lids and bands.
10. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
11. After processing, remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. The jam will continue to set as it cools.
12. Once the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the center of the lids. If the lids don’t pop back, it means they are properly sealed. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year.

Now, let’s answer some common questions about making strawberry jam with Sure.Jell:

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them completely before mashing and following the recipe.

2. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?
The sugar in this recipe helps to thicken and preserve the jam. Altering the amount of sugar may affect the texture and shelf life of the jam.

3. Can I use a different brand of pectin?
Sure.Jell is recommended for this recipe as it provides reliable results. However, you can experiment with other brands if desired.

4. How do I sterilize the jars?
To sterilize jars, wash them with hot soapy water, rinse well, and then place them in a preheated oven at 225°F for 10 minutes.

5. Why is lemon juice added to the recipe?
Lemon juice adds acidity to the jam, which helps with the preservation process and enhances the flavor of the strawberries.

6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double or halve the recipe as needed. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

7. How long does the jam need to set before consuming?
The jam will continue to set as it cools, but it is typically ready to consume within 24 hours of processing.

Making your own strawberry jam with Sure.Jell is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of summer all year round. With this easy recipe and the helpful answers to common questions, you’ll be on your way to creating delicious homemade jam in no time.