How to Make Strawberry Jam
First, you need:
- 1 kg of strawberries (hulled)
- The juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 kg caster sugar
Put a small plate in the freezer to use for the jelly test.
Layer the strawberries (cut in half) with the sugar in a stainless steel or ceramic bowl (not aluminium).
Fold through the sugar gently so each piece of fruit is coated.
Leave to stand for 2 or more hours (if you have the time) - stir them gently a few times so the sugar dissolves.
Place the berries in a large stainless steel pan (with a heavy bottom) and add the lemon juice.
Bring the mixture to a boil (stirring occasionally) and boil it for about 15 minutes, testing after 10 minutes or so, using the jelly test. If the mixture slides around on a cold plate then it isn’t ready – and you need to continue boiling and test again at the 15 minute mark. If it crinkles when you gently touch the surface it is ready to bottle.
Take off the heat skim off any foam and stir gently off the heat for about 5 minutes (this stops the fruit from rising). Some people add a ½ teaspoon or so of butter at this stage to clarify the foam (scum on the surface).
Ladle the preserves into clean sterilised jars leaving about 6 mm head space and turn on the lids (using a tea towel to prevent burns) while the jars are still hot.
