Description

This Fresh Strawberry Preserves recipe offers a simple and delicious way to capture the vibrant flavors of ripe strawberries in a sweet, homemade jam. Made with just strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice, this preserve is perfect for spreading on toast, swirling into yogurt, or adding a fruity touch to desserts. The stovetop cooking method gently cooks the fruit and sugar to achieve a perfect consistency while maintaining the berry’s fresh taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Strawberry Preserves Ingredients

1 pound (453 grams) fresh or fresh-frozen strawberries
3/4 cup sugar (plus more to taste)
1/2 lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons water

Instructions

Prepare Strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly and remove the green tops, taking care to preserve as much of the fruit as possible. Roughly chop the strawberries into smaller pieces to help them cook evenly.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium pot, place the chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and about two tablespoons of water. Stir to combine. Ensure the pot is not filled to the brim to prevent overflow as the mixture foams during cooking.
Cook the Preserves: Heat the pot over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for approximately 20 minutes, or until the temperature reaches 220° Fahrenheit. Stir occasionally and taste for sweetness, adding up to an additional 1/4 cup sugar if desired. Test the preserves’ thickness by placing a spoonful on a plate and running a spoon through it—it should hold a line and continue to thicken as it cools.
Store the Preserves: Once cooked and cooled slightly, transfer the strawberry preserves to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and consume within three weeks for optimal freshness and flavor.

Notes

Use fresh or fresh-frozen strawberries depending on the season; frozen berries should be thawed before cooking.
The lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and aids in preserving the color and freshness of the preserves.
If the preserves seem too runny after cooling, cook a bit longer next time or use a small amount of pectin if preferred.
Always use a clean, airtight container to maximize shelf life in the refrigerator.
For a chunkier preserve, chop strawberries less finely; for smoother preserves, chop more finely or gently mash.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Preserves
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: strawberry preserves, homemade jam, fresh strawberry jam, easy preserves, fruit preserves, stovetop jam