Strawberry Preserves

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Photo: GENTL & HYERS
Yield:
Makes 2 1/2 cups

You only need three ingredients to make these delightful homemade strawberry preserves, two pounds of strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. This allows the flavor of the berries to really shine. Another bonus: making jam or preserves is a great way to use up less than perfect fruit. This recipe can be doubled or tripled to make a larger batch of jam. If you want the preserves to last longer than three weeks in the refrigerator, you'll need to process the jars in in a hot water canning bath.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds strawberries, hulled

  • 1 tablespoon plus ½ teaspoon, freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 1 cup sugar

Directions

  1. Put strawberries and lemon juice in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, over low heat until juices are released, about 40 minutes. Stir in sugar.

  2. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture registers 210 degrees on a candy thermometer, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely; skim foam from surface with a spoon.

Cook's Notes

These preserves can be canned and stored for up to one year.

Originally appeared: Martha Stewart Living, June 2005

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