Description
This simple and quick strawberry jam recipe uses fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar, cooked in the microwave to create a delicious homemade jam without the need for commercial pectin. Perfect for preserving the natural sweetness and flavor of strawberries, this method is convenient and ideal for small batches.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 cups hulled and quartered strawberries (approximately 1 pound or 500 grams)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (60 ml)
- 2 cups granulated white sugar (400 grams)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Place the hulled and quartered strawberries in a large microwave-safe bowl (with at least 16 cups or 4 liters capacity) and add the lemon juice. Microwave on high for 5 minutes until the strawberries start to release their aroma.
- Add Sugar and Stir: Add the granulated white sugar to the cooked strawberries and stir thoroughly to dissolve the sugar. This step is crucial for the jam’s texture.
- Cook the Jam: Return the mixture to the microwave and cook on high for 15 minutes total. Stop every 5 minutes to stir and check the jam, ensuring it reaches a full rolling boil. Be attentive to prevent the jam from boiling over.
- Optional Additional Cooking for Smoothness: If you prefer a smoother jam, extend the cooking time slightly to allow the fruit to break down further before adding sugar, but after adding sugar, the fruit will not break down much more.
- Jar the Jam: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars and seal immediately with sterilized lids to preserve freshness and prevent contamination.
Notes
- Use a large microwave-safe bowl to prevent boiling over during cooking.
- Stirring every 5 minutes ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- For smoother jam, cook strawberries slightly longer before adding sugar.
- Sterilizing jars and lids is essential for safe preservation.
- Store jam in a cool, dark place and refrigerate after opening.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Microwave Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: strawberry jam, homemade jam, no pectin jam, microwave jam, easy strawberry preserves
