How to Make and Can Strawberry Jam

Making and Canning homemade Strawberry jam is easier than you think. It saves you money & you know exactly what is in your spread. With some love & patience, you will have a delicious homemade jam.

I have wanted to try my hand at canning for a while now. I was chatting with my friend Abigail after she shared on Instagram her beautiful family picking strawberries & she then made a batch of canned strawberry jam; She made it look so easy I wanted to if it was easy to do & she took the time to give me instructions on how to can. I will tell you, and it is easier than you think!

How long did it take?

The process from start to finish took me two hours. First, of course, you want to have all your supplies readily available to make the canning process go smoothly.

What you need

What you need
2 quarts Strawberries
Ball Mason jars with Seals & bands
4 tea/hand towels
Jar tongs
Canner or Pressure Canner
Ladle
Wide mouth funnel
Masher

Note* Ensure your stock canner has a rack so your jars are not bumping into each other. Having a rack will help prevent glass breakage & a massive mess in your canner.

Choosing your strawberries

When choosing your berries for your homemade strawberry jam, be sure to select the freshest, ripest, and most flavorful berries that are so juicy that you can find. I find you get the best berries at the farmer’s market.

Instructions

1. Wash and cut into small pieces two quarts of strawberries. Once cut, smash thin layer by thin layer in a large bowl with potato masher or hands.
2. Heat on high while constantly stirring and add one packet of liquid pectin
3. Once a rolling boil has been achieved, add seven cups of sugar
4. Continue stirring
5. After the sugar has been added, wait for a second roiling boil to occur, and once that is successful, set a timer for one minute
6. At the end of one minute, remove from heat.
7. Ladle liquid into 8oz canning jars using a funnel to ensure accuracy and less mess
8. Wipe the tops of jars, removing any excess liquid
9. Apply caps and lids to jars finger-tight
10. Once complete, set aside.
11. Place jars in a canner for 10 minutes and set them aside to dry and cool on a towel.
12. Wait for the sweet “pop” sound from the jar top to be heard and ta-da! 🙂

How long does Mason jar jam last?

For best quality, it is recommended that all home-canned foods be used within 12-18 months.

How do you store homemade jam?

Homemade jam should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct light and used within 12–18 months of making. Once opened, the jar should be stored in the refrigerator and used within one month.

How do you know if the homemade jam is bad?

Look for signs of spoilage such as mold or yeast growths or an off smell. If either is there, discard the jam. When it comes to smell, it might remind you of alcohol, fermentation, or be repulsive.

10 Ways to Use Up a Jar of Strawberry Jam

• Make your own fruit-flavored yogurt. Add a spoonful of jam to your yogurt.
• Add it as a topping to your pancakes or French toast instead of syrup.
• Make a batch of biscuits & add some of your jam.
• Add it into oatmeal
• Make the ultimate grilled cheese.
• Dollop on some cheesecake.
• Add it as a topping to your ice cream.
• Use it as a glaze for your meat.
• Spread some jam on crackers.
• Bake it into a cake.

Until next time,

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