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Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Yields: 5-6 8oz Jelly Jars

Estimated cost per strawberry jam jar: $2.95

Making easy strawberry jam without pectin, and only 4 ingredients, is easy and cost friendly. Many people find working with pectin to be challenging and frustrating, which is why this recipe serves as a great alternative, offering delicious results without the hassle. Furthermore, this 4-ingredient strawberry jam is versatile and can be made with various fruits, not just strawberries, making it perfect for beginners. In addition, with just a few basic tools and ingredients, anyone can have a successful canning experience, even with limited resources.

Strawberry jam without pectin Ingredients:

• 3 lbs. frozen unsweetened strawberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Tools/Accessories to make Strawberry Jam:

• Muddler
• Jar lifter
• Funnels
• Jelly Jars
• Cheesecloth (optional for straining)
• Candy thermometer (optional)
• Ball Canning Book (I highly recommend this if you are new to canning)

Strawberry jam without pectin Instructions:

1. Sanitize the jars:

To begin, sanitize the jars and lids by placing them into boiling water, making sure they are completely submerged for 15 minutes. Afterward, remove them and set them aside on a towel. You can complete this step while preparing the jam, ensuring the jars stay warm when filled, which helps prevent potential breakage.

2. Prepare the strawberry jam mixture:

In a large pot, combine the frozen strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and honey (if using). Next, turn the heat to high, and once steam begins to rise, start mashing the strawberries with a muddler. Continue mashing until you reach your desired consistency, whether chunky or smooth.

3. Cook the strawberry jam:

Allow the mixture to cook on high heat for 20 minutes, stirring constantly. Then, reduce the heat to medium-high and continue stirring for another 25 minutes, bringing the total cooking time to approximately 45 minutes. At this point, two methods can be used to test if the jam is ready for canning:

Frozen Plate Method: Place a couple of small glass plates in the refrigerator at the start of the cooking process. Once the jam begins to thicken, around the 40-minute mark, take a plate out of the freezer, spoon a small amount of jam onto it, and return the plate to the freezer for 3 minutes. Afterward, drag your finger through the jam. If the surface wrinkles and the jam separates, it is ready to can.

Temperature Method: Attach a candy thermometer to the edge of the pot, ensuring it doesn’t touch the sides or bottom. The jam will be ready when the thermometer reads 220°F (or 8°F above the boiling point for your altitude).

4. Prepare the jars for :

First, remove the sanitized jars and lids from the pot and place them on a towel. Next, use a funnel to fill each jar with the jam mixture, leaving ½ inch of headspace. If you prefer a smooth texture and don’t want whole strawberries, strain the mixture through cheesecloth.

5. Seal and process the jars:

First, wipe the rim of each jar with vinegar. Then, place the lids on top and finger-tighten the rings. Next, carefully set the jars into the pot of boiling water. Once the water begins to boil, set a timer for 10 minutes. After the timer goes off, remove the pot lid and let the jars sit for an additional 5 minutes. Then, use a jar lifter to carefully remove each jar and place it on a towel in a stable, undisturbed area of the kitchen. Finally, allow the jars to cool for 24-48 hours.

6. Check the seals:

Once the jars have cooled, check the lids to ensure they are properly sealed. The lids should not flex up or down, and you will often hear a “pop” sound when they seal. To further test the seal, remove the rings and gently lift the jars by the lids. If the lid stays in place and the center is indented, the seal is secure.

Water Bath Canning Elevation Adjustments:

When canning at high altitudes, processing times need to be adjusted as follows:

• 3,001-6,000 feet: Increase processing time by 10 minutes
• 1,001-3,000 feet: Increase processing time by 5 minutes
• 6,001-8,000 feet: Increase processing time by 15 minutes
• 8,001-10,000 feet: Increase processing time by 20 minutes

Enjoy the process of creating homemade strawberry jam without the complexity of pectin and share the sweet results with friends and family!

Ashley

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