I’m not quite ready to accept that summer is ending. Normally, around this time of year, I’m simmering my homemade cinnamon spice potpourri, sipping coffee with pumpkin cream, and happily unpacking all the chairs and skewers for upcoming family bonfires.
I’ve been outside A LOT this summer and loved every minute, so maybe that’s why I’m milking summer for all it’s worth.
Today, I froze pounds of local strawberries to enjoy until next summer. This batch of strawberries was SUPER sweet, so I’ve got all kinds of ideas for them.
Yep, I plan on enjoying strawberry brownies and Ma’s fresh strawberry cake in the dead of winter while dreaming about summer again. Who have I turned into?!
For now, though, I’m enjoying all the recipes where fresh strawberries shine, starting with an easy homemade strawberry jam recipe!
Lemon juice: Lemon juice is essential for getting the pectin to gel properly, setting the jam. It also helps prevent the growth of bacteria.
Tips For Making From-Scratch Strawberry Jam
Use ripe strawberries- Local, fresh-picked strawberries were practically made for this homemade jam recipe. Choose strawberries that are firm, sweet, and free of any bruises. A mixture of ripe and slightly underripe is perfect.
Let the strawberries and sugar sit before heating- This causes them to release their juices. Having a bit of juice in the pan before turning on the heat helps to prevent burning the strawberries.
Thoroughly clean and dry the jar– Make sure your jars are squeaky clean. This prevents mold from growing in the jam and helps it last longer.
Be patient- Be patient when making strawberry jam and enjoy the process. Stir frequently and constantly monitor the heat to prevent burning.
Seal tightly- Be sure to keep your jam seal tightly in the fridge to prevent mold from growing.
Just 3 Simple Ingredients
You’ll love that this easy strawberry jam recipe only requires three simple ingredients: strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice!
You’ll also love that you can add these ingredients directly to your Target cart right here from this recipe post!
I’ve teamed up with Target, and now every recipe on my site features a Target shop button in the recipe card.
Pretty darn cool, huh?!
Strawberry Jam Recipe Using Lemon Juice
FAQ
Is lemon juice necessary for jam?
What happens if you forget to add lemon juice to jam?
What is a substitute for lemon juice in strawberry jam?
Does lemon juice replace pectin?
Why is lemon juice important in homemade strawberry jam?
And that’s why lemon zest and juice are so important in making homemade strawberry jam. Not only does the lemon juice add just the right amount of acidity to balance out the sweetness of your strawberries, but the zest also provides plenty of pectin to set your jam.
How can one get all the lemon juice out of a lemon?
To get all the lemon juice out of the lemon, you need to squeeze it using a good juicer. Then you can remove a little of the pulp with a spoon and add it to the previously squeezed juice.
Should I add lemon to Strawberry Jam?
Not adding lemon. Lemon is important for a couple of reasons in strawberry jam. First, it’s acidic, and acid helps balance the sugar in the jam so that it’s not too sweet. Second, it’s naturally high in pectin.
Does lemon juice make a good jam?
Not only does the lemon juice add just the right amount of acidity to balance out the sweetness of your strawberries, but the zest also provides plenty of pectin to set your jam. One tip from The Kitchn recommends adding lemon wedges while you simmer the jam to ensure it sets. Just remember to pull the wedges out before you put the jam in a jar!