Strawberry Jam – Simple Summer Recipe

The whole kitchen smells like summer and I couldn't resist! 🍓✨ I made homemade strawberry jam just like mom used to make – with whole berries, glossy like gems, and a syrup tied to perfection.

If you want to bring the scent of summer into your pantry, here is my recipe for 4 kg of fruit. It's so simple! 👇

⚖️ Ingredients

• 4 kg strawberries (weighed after cleaning and washing)
• 3.5–4 kg sugar (depending on how sweet the berries are)
• Juice of 2 large lemons (mandatory! Helps the jam keep that beautiful red color and prevents crystallization)

👩‍🍳 Preparation

1. Patience is key: I layered the strawberries with sugar and lemon juice in a large pot. I let them rest for about 5-6 hours (you can also leave them overnight). The sugar dissolves completely, and the fruit releases all its wonderful juice.
2. Cooking (no stirring!): I placed the pot over medium-high heat. The secret to keeping the strawberries whole? DO NOT stir with a spoon! Just shake the pot occasionally and carefully skim the foam that forms.
3. The plate test: After about 30-40 minutes, when the syrup has reduced nicely, do the test: put a few drops of syrup on a cold plate (kept in the freezer). If the drop stays domed and doesn't spread, it's ready!
4. Storage: I put the hot jam into sterilized jars, sealed them, and turned them upside down for 10 minutes to create a vacuum. Then I tucked them in blankets until they cooled completely.

It is perfect on pancakes, with rice pudding, or simply on a slice of bread with butter next to your morning coffee. 🥖☕

Have you started preparing your pantry for winter, or do you prefer eating berries fresh straight from the market? 👇