Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry Lemonade Jam is a vibrant, tangy-sweet preserve that combines the juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries with the bright zest of fresh lemons. It’s the perfect summer spread—delicious on toast, scones, or even swirled into yogurt. With its balanced flavor and jewel-like color, this jam brings a refreshing twist to traditional strawberry jam.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
fresh strawberriesfresh lemon juicelemon zestgranulated sugarsure-jell fruit pectinwater
directions
Wash and hull the strawberries, then mash them with a potato masher until you achieve a chunky texture.
In a large saucepan, combine the mashed strawberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Stir in the fruit pectin and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
Add the sugar all at once and stir vigorously to dissolve.
Return to a full rolling boil and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and skim off any foam from the surface.
Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
Wipe jar rims clean, seal with lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Let the jars cool completely at room temperature and check the seals.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 half-pint jars.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 10-15 minutesProcessing and cooling time: 30-40 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
Add chopped fresh mint for a herbal twist.
Mix in raspberries for a berry blend jam.
Use Meyer lemons for a sweeter citrus note.
Include a dash of vanilla extract for a richer depth of flavor.
storage/reheating
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 weeks. Do not reheat; serve straight from the fridge or at room temperature for best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw and drain them first before using.
Do I have to use pectin?
Pectin helps set the jam quickly and with less sugar. Without it, you’d need longer cooking and possibly more sugar.
Is this jam very tart?
It has a bright tang from the lemon, balanced by the sweetness of the strawberries and sugar.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Only if using low-sugar pectin or an alternative recipe; otherwise, the jam may not set properly.
Do I need to water bath can the jam?
Yes, for shelf-stable storage. Otherwise, store in the refrigerator and consume quickly.
Can I double the recipe?
It’s best to make jam in smaller batches for proper setting and flavor.
Why is my jam too runny?
It may not have boiled long enough or the pectin ratio may be off. Let it set for 24 hours before checking consistency.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
Is this jam kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s sweet with a hint of citrus—most kids enjoy the flavor!
What’s the best way to serve it?
On toast, pancakes, muffins, or stirred into oatmeal and yogurt.
Conclusion
Strawberry Lemonade Jam is a cheerful and flavorful way to preserve summer’s best berries with a citrusy kick. Whether you’re gifting it, spreading it on breakfast pastries, or just sneaking a spoonful straight from the jar, it’s a fresh, fruity delight that’s sure to brighten any day.
PrintStrawberry Lemonade Jam
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 half-pint jars 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and tangy jam made with fresh strawberries and zesty lemon, perfect for spreading on toast, stirring into yogurt, or gifting in jars.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine strawberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mash the strawberries slightly using a potato masher.
- Stir in the fruit pectin and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Add the sugar all at once and return the mixture to a rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and skim off any foam from the top.
- Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.
- Seal jars with lids and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Let jars cool completely and check for proper seals before storing.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the strawberries before cooking.
- This jam can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks or canned for long-term storage.
- Adjust sugar based on personal preference or berry sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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