Healthy Breakfast

Healthy Homemade Strawberry Jam

Sometimes, the best way to start a day is to start it on a sweet note! What is better than some delicious Homemade Strawberry Jam spread on top of some crispy toasts!

Welcome to our recipe for healthy homemade strawberry jam! If you love the taste of fresh, sweet strawberries, then this recipe is for you. In this post, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating your own delicious strawberry jam right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Not only is this jam easy to make, but it is also free from any preservatives or artificial ingredients, making it a healthier choice for you and your family. Let's get started!

What Is Healthy Homemade Strawberry Jam?

Strawberry jam is a classic, delicious spread that is perfect for toast, pancakes, and a variety of other dishes. This healthy homemade version combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the tang of lemon juice to create a flavorful and nourishing jam. The use of simple, natural ingredients makes this strawberry jam a healthy alternative to store-bought options.
The combination of fresh strawberries, white sugar, and lemon juice creates a succulent and sweet jam that is perfect for any time of day. With the added benefit of knowing exactly what goes into your jam, you can enjoy this homemade treat without any added preservatives or artificial ingredients.

Why You'll Love Healthy Homemade Strawberry Jam?

Deliciously Thick Texture: This homemade strawberry jam has a wonderfully thick texture that spreads smoothly on toast or scones, making it a delightful addition to your breakfast or snack.
Healthier Choice: Unlike store-bought jams that are loaded with preservatives and artificial ingredients, this homemade version allows you to control the sugar content and use fresh, natural strawberries for a healthier option.
High in Antioxidants: Fresh strawberries are rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and flavonoids, which help to boost your immune system and promote overall health.
Low in Added Sugar: By using only 1 cup of white sugar in this recipe, it's a lower-sugar alternative to traditional jam varieties, making it a better choice for those watching their sugar intake.
Naturally Sweetened: The natural sweetness of the strawberries, combined with a moderate amount of added sugar, gives this jam a beautifully balanced flavor without being overly sweet.
Versatile and Long-Lasting: This homemade strawberry jam can be used in various recipes, from classic PB&J sandwiches to dessert toppings, and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients for Healthy Homemade Strawberry Jam

Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star ingredient in this homemade jam recipe. They provide natural sweetness and a vibrant flavor to the jam.
Sugar: Sugar acts as a preservative and sweetens the strawberry jam. It also helps in thickening the jam to the desired consistency.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a tangy and bright flavor to the jam. It also helps in balancing the sweetness of the strawberries.

How To Make Healthy Homemade Strawberry Jam?

In order to make a healthy homemade strawberry jam, you will need 500 grams of fresh strawberries, hulled and halved, or 2 cups of fresh strawberry puree. Along with that, you will require 1 cup of white sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.

First, place the hulled and halved strawberries in a food processor or blender and process them until they are pureed.
Next, pour 2 cups of the strawberry puree into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
Once it starts boiling, turn the heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it may start to foam up.
After 5 minutes, add 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, stirring constantly for an additional 5 minutes.
Then, add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and cook for another 5 minutes or until the mixture has thickened.
Remove the jam from the heat and pour it into a wide bowl. Let it set aside until it is cooled, as it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Once cooled, store the jam in a sterilized jar. It will stay good for a week in the refrigerator.

It is important to follow these steps carefully to ensure that the strawberry jam turns out flavorful and has the perfect consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Freshly Baked Bread: Enjoy your healthy homemade strawberry jam with a slice of freshly baked bread for a simple and delicious breakfast or snack.
Top it on Yogurt: Add a dollop of the homemade strawberry jam on top of your favorite yogurt for a sweet and fruity twist to your snack or dessert.
Spread on Pancakes or Waffles: Upgrade your breakfast by spreading the strawberry jam on top of your fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles for a burst of flavor.
Mix with Oatmeal: Stir the homemade jam into your morning oatmeal for a delightful fruity addition to your breakfast bowl.
Serve with Cheese Platter: Pair the strawberry jam with a selection of cheeses for a sweet and savory combination that will impress your guests at your next gathering.
Use in Baked Goods: Incorporate the homemade jam into your baking recipes such as thumbprint cookies, cake fillings, or as a topping for tarts to add a burst of strawberry flavor.

Tips for Making Healthy Homemade Strawberry Jam

Furthermore, I would like to share some of my suggestions for making the perfect homemade strawberry jam.

Firstly, try to use fresh strawberries for this recipe, make sure to get berries that are bright red, firm, fragrant and plump. Stay away from those with soft spots or mildew. The leaf should still be attached and green, and not be brown or wilted. Also, check the bottom of the container to make sure there are no over-ripe or rotten berries.
Since strawberries are a delicate fruit, try to use them immediately. If not, store them in a single layer on a tray or container lined with a paper towel and keep in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Furthermore, don’t wash/soak in water before storing, because strawberries absorb the water. Also, don’t remove the green part (the hull) of the strawberry.
Secondly, I have not used any preservatives in this recipe. Because I made a small quantity of jam only. Timing is very very important in this recipe. If you want to make it on a huge level, cook it over medium to high heat at the same interval.
Finally, if you want to know the right consistency of the jam, just drop one tsp of jam on a chilled plate. If it looks set and not runny or watery then your jam is ready. A chilled plate is very important. If the plate is not chilled then the jam will take some time to come to room temperature and meantime jam might get overcooked.

Variations for Healthy Homemade Strawberry Jam

Mixed Berry Jam: Try adding in some other fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to create a mixed berry jam with a variety of flavors.
Chia Seed Jam: For a healthier twist, mix in some chia seeds after removing the jam from the heat. Chia seeds will add a natural thickening agent and provide additional nutritional benefits.
Vanilla Infused Jam: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a vanilla bean to the strawberry puree while cooking for a subtle hint of vanilla flavor.
Spiced Jam: Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of ginger to add warmth and depth to your strawberry jam.
Honey Sweetened Jam: Swap out the white sugar for honey for a natural sweetener alternative. Keep in mind that honey may alter the texture slightly.
Balsamic Strawberry Jam: For a more complex flavor profile, incorporate a splash of balsamic vinegar during the cooking process to add richness and depth to the jam.

How to Store Healthy Homemade Strawberry Jam

Proper Jar Selection: Choosing the right jar is essential for storing homemade strawberry jam. Use a clean, sterilized jar with an airtight lid to maintain the freshness of the jam for a longer period.
Cool and Dry Storage: After filling the jar with the strawberry jam, make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing it tightly. Store the jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the flavor and texture of the jam.
Refrigeration: If you want to extend the shelf life of the strawberry jam, always refrigerate it after opening the jar. This will help in maintaining the quality and taste of the jam for a longer time.
Avoid Contamination: To prevent the jam from getting contaminated, always use a clean, dry spoon to scoop out the jam. Moisture and foreign particles can lead to spoilage, so it's important to handle the jam with care.
Use within a Week: Homemade strawberry jam is best when consumed within a week of making. The freshness and flavor are at their peak during this time, so it's recommended to enjoy the jam within the first week.
Labeling: Always remember to label the jar with the date of making to keep track of its freshness. This will help you ensure that you consume the jam within the recommended timeframe.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them before pureeing and following the rest of the recipe as usual.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the sugar according to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead.

How long can the homemade strawberry jam be stored?

The homemade strawberry jam can be stored in a sterilized jar for up to a week in the refrigerator. Make sure to seal the jar properly for maximum freshness.

Can I add other fruits to the jam?

Absolutely! You can customize your homemade strawberry jam by adding other fruits like blueberries or peaches to create a unique flavor combination. Just make sure to adjust the sugar and lemon juice accordingly.

Can I use a different type of citrus juice instead of lemon juice?

Yes, you can use different types of citrus juice such as lime or orange juice instead of lemon juice. It will give a different flavor profile to the jam, so feel free to experiment.

How can I tell if the jam has thickened enough?

You can test the thickness of the jam by placing a small amount on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles and holds its shape when you push your finger through it, then it's ready. If not, continue to cook and check for the desired consistency.

Recipe Card

Homemade Strawberry Jam 2019-06-17 04:02:06