Ingredients
2 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
3 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Optional: 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a large, heavy-bottomed pot.
Step 2: Let the mixture sit for at least 2 hours at room temperature to allow the fruit to macerate and release its juices.
Step 3: Place a small plate in the freezer to use later for testing the set point of your strawberry preserves recipe.
Step 4: Bring the strawberry mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has fully dissolved.
Step 5: Increase the heat slightly and maintain a rolling boil for about 20-30 minutes, skimming off any pink foam that rises to the surface.
Step 6: Test for doneness by dropping a small spoonful of preserves onto the chilled plate; if it wrinkles when nudged, it is ready.
Step 7: Ladle the hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace, and seal tightly.
Notes
Always use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent the sugar from scorching. Small batches are easier to manage and set more reliably.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT40M
- Category: Sweet Breakfasts
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: strawberry preserves recipe, homemade jam, no pectin jam, canning strawberries, strawberry spread

