Today I’ve got a ridiculously easy recipe for strawberry jam. Basically juicy, ripe strawberries, a hint of sweetness from sugar, and a zingy punch from lemon juice – that’s all you need to whip up a jar of pure joy without any fancy gelling agents.

Strawberry selection

First things first – You want to get the freshest, juiciest ones you can find. Whether you pick them straight from your backyard or get a bunch from the local market, the goal is to get berries that look practically ripe! That bold red color and that irresistible fragrance that makes your kitchen instantly feel like a fruity haven. I got my ones from Costco and honestly I have to say those strawberries never fail when it comes to taste and flavor. An absolute winner in my house!

The dynamic trio of ingredients for easy strawberry jam

Now, here’s where the magic happens – three ingredients! It’s like a culinary hat-trick that scores major flavor points.

*Strawberries*: Wash them and take the green tops off. Usually when I buy a large punnet of strawberries I like to soak them in a mixture of water and vinegar for a thorough cleaning. My kids love strawberries so I have them ready to eat in my refrigerator. For the jam keep the strawberries whole, you can use a potato masher to mash them up when cooking. I like to keep the smaller strawberries whole as they give a nice texture to the jam. Especially when you bite into one!

*Sugar*: Sweet, sweet sugar – not just for sweetness; it’s a co-star that helps our jam stay jammy for longer.

*Lemon Juice*: The secret weapon in our recipe, lemon juice adds a zesty kick that elevates the strawberry’s natural sweetness. Its acidity not only enhances flavor but also acts as a natural preservative.

Step by step pictures on how to make strawberry jam

You can serve this homemade jam on warm toast, scones, mix it into your morning yogurt. Or even use it on cakes and ice cream.

How to store your jam

It’s best to store your jam in glass jars that have been sterilized. There are a couple of ways to sterilize the jars.

1. Preheat oven to 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash the jars and lids in hot soapy water, don’t dry them. Place the jars on a baking tray and leave them in the oven for 10 minutes. Soak the lids in boiling water for a few minutes.
2. Using a microwave, leave the jars slightly wet and microwave for 30-45 seconds.
3. In both methods let jars and lids dry completely before pouring the jam in.

How long will strawberry jam keep good for?

Like most jams, strawberry jam will keep good for a long time, usually a year if unopened. Once opened it’s best it refrigerate and use within 6 months. Also remember to use a clean dry spoon to serve as this will also help to keep the jam good for longer.

Check out my easy recipe for blueberry jam!