Toti's Homemade Strawberry Jam

Name: Toti's Homemade Strawberry Jam
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 2 kg fresh strawberries (about 4.4 lb); 1.5 kg granulated sugar (about 3.3 lb); Juice of 2 fresh lemons; Water, if needed

Fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon — simple, delicious, far better than store-bought.

Serves

several jars

Time

1 hr

A simple homemade strawberry jam made with fresh strawberries, sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Easily adjustable for a chunky jam with whole berries or a smoother spread.

Instructions

Make the Jam

1
Wash strawberries thoroughly and remove all stems, leaves, and green tops.
2
If using large strawberries, cut into smaller pieces.
3
Place strawberries in a large pot. Add sugar and fresh lemon juice.
4
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5
Skim the foam off the surface with a slotted spoon for a clearer, better-quality jam.
6
Continue cooking until the strawberries soften and release their juices.
7
For a smoother jam, blend with an immersion blender to your desired consistency.
8
Continue cooking until the jam reaches the thickness you like.

Can the Jam

1
While the jam is still very hot, carefully fill clean jars.
2
Wipe the rims clean and immediately screw on the lids tightly.
3
Turn the jars upside down and leave undisturbed until completely cooled.
4
Once cooled, turn the jars right-side up — sealed and ready for storage.

Toti’s Tips

✓Farm-picked strawberries usually contain much more natural water than store-bought.
✓Fresh farm strawberries spoil quickly — make jam the same or next day.
✓To keep berries whole, cook the syrup first, then add the strawberries.
✓More sugar = more syrup and a sweeter jam. Less sugar = thicker, fruit-forward jam.
✓Use fresh lemons rather than bottled juice for the best flavor.
✓The strawberries turn from bright to deep red when the jam is nearly ready — but rely on consistency too.