Strawberry Preserves

Strawberry preserves A Simple and Delicious Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make strawberry preserves, this recipe is perfect for you. It’s a simple recipe that takes only 25 minutes to make and requires just a few ingredients. This delicious strawberry preserves recipe yields 16 servings, so you’ll have plenty to enjoy or share with family and friends.

Equipment Needed

To make this recipe, you’ll need a few pieces of kitchen equipment:

Potato masher
Medium pot
Mixing spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Large bowl
Airtight containers (such as mason jars)

Ingredients

4 packed cups fresh strawberries, hulled and cut in half
1 cup sugar
½ lemon, juiced or ¼ cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

Place strawberries in a medium pot, add sugar and lemon juice, and mash the berries with a potato masher (if they are too hard, wait to mash them).
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat and continue to mash the berries every so often with the masher.
Once it’s boiling and you’ve mashed the berries, turn the heat down to medium-high and add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch plus water).
It will begin to thicken quickly, so do not take your eye off it. Let it cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring every minute or so.
Pour the preserves into a large bowl and let it cool for 30-45 minutes at room temperature.
Once cooled, transfer the preserves to mason jars or other airtight containers.

Don’t I need pectin to make strawberry preserves?

Actually no you don’t! If you don’t have pectin on hand, there are other substitutes you can use. Some great substitutes for pectin include:

Citrus peels: Citrus peels, especially the white part, or pith, are naturally packed with pectin.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a natural thickener that works as a seamless substitute for pectin.
Gelatin: Gelatin is a viable option for non-vegans or non-vegetarians.

How to Store Leftover Preserves

To store leftover preserves, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Food and Drink Pairings

Strawberry preserves are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. They’re great on toast or bagels for breakfast or as a snack, but they can also be used as a topping for ice cream or cake. You can also pair them with cheese or use them as a glaze for meat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones. However, keep in mind that the texture of the preserves may be slightly different.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe? Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the preserves may not thicken as much.
How long can I keep the preserves in the refrigerator? The preserves will keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.
Can I use a different thickener instead of cornstarch? Yes, you can use a different thickener instead of cornstarch. Some options include tapioca starch or arrowroot powder.
Can I add other fruits to the preserves? Yes, you can add other fruits to the preserves if you like. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the fruit.
Can I use this recipe to make other types of fruit preserves? Yes, you can use this recipe to make other types of fruit preserves. Just swap out the strawberries for your desired fruit and adjust the sugar and lemon juice as needed.
Can I freeze the preserves? Yes, you can freeze the preserves for up to 6 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers and leave some room for expansion.

Final Thoughts

This strawberry preserves recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the taste of fresh strawberries. It’s easy to make and requires just a few ingredients and kitchen equipment. You can customize the recipe to your liking, and the preserves will keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Try this recipe today and enjoy the taste of fresh strawberries all year round! Don’t forget to share the recipe and subscribe to the blog for more delicious recipes.