Making the Perfect No-Sugar-Added Strawberry Jam with Sure-Jell
Homemade jam is a delightful treat, and making it with no added sugar allows you to enjoy the natural sweetness of the fruit without compromising your health. This recipe uses Sure-Jell, a pectin-based setting agent, to ensure a perfect, firm set for your strawberry jam. While you can use other pectin brands, Sure-Jell is specifically designed for low-sugar or no-sugar-added jams, resulting in a consistent texture and enjoyable eating experience.
Understanding the Ingredients
Before diving into the recipe, let's discuss the essential ingredients and their roles in creating a delicious no-sugar-added strawberry jam:
- Strawberries: The star of the show! Choose ripe, firm strawberries for the best flavor and color.
- Sure-Jell: This pectin-based setting agent is crucial for achieving a firm set. It helps the jam thicken and solidify properly.
- Lemon Juice: This adds a touch of acidity, enhancing the flavor and helping the jam maintain its bright color.
- Sweetener: While we're aiming for a no-sugar-added jam, you can choose to add a natural sweetener like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit to adjust the sweetness to your liking. However, these sweeteners are not essential for the recipe.
Preparing Your Ingredients for No-Sugar-Added Strawberry Jam
- Wash and Hull the Strawberries: Rinse the strawberries thoroughly under cold running water and remove the green tops (hulls).
- Chop the Strawberries: Cut the strawberries into smaller pieces, ensuring even cooking and a smooth texture in the final jam.
- Measure the Strawberries: Accurate measurements are essential for a successful jam. Use a measuring cup to determine the exact amount of strawberries you'll use.
- Prepare the Lemon Juice: Measure out the required amount of lemon juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is ideal, but bottled lemon juice works well too.
- Prepare the Sure-Jell: Measure the Sure-Jell according to the instructions on the package. Be precise!
- Sterilize Jars: Wash the jars and lids thoroughly in hot soapy water, then sterilize them in boiling water for 10 minutes. This ensures that your jam will stay fresh for a long time.
The No-Sugar-Added Strawberry Jam Recipe
Yields: Approximately 6 half-pint jars Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (1 kg) hulled and chopped strawberries
- 1 package (1.75 ounces) Sure-Jell
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice
- Optional: Natural sweetener to taste (stevia, erythritol, monk fruit)
Instructions:
- Combine Strawberries, Lemon Juice, and Sweetener (optional): In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, lemon juice, and any desired sweetener.
- Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat. This is crucial for extracting the pectin from the strawberries and creating a firm set for your jam.
- Stir in Sure-Jell: While the mixture is boiling, remove it from the heat for a moment. In a separate bowl, combine the Sure-Jell with 1/4 cup (60 ml) of cold water and stir until dissolved. Pour the dissolved Sure-Jell mixture into the boiling strawberry mixture.
- Return to a Boil: Bring the mixture back to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly for one minute.
- Cook for 1 Minute: After reaching a rolling boil, continue cooking for exactly one minute, stirring constantly. This ensures proper pectin activation and a firm set.
- Remove from Heat: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Skim off any foam from the surface of the jam.
- Fill Jars: Immediately pour the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe Rims: Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to remove any sticky residue.
- Secure Lids: Place the lids on the jars and screw the bands on tightly.
- Process Jars: To ensure proper sealing, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Tips and Tricks for No-Sugar-Added Strawberry Jam
- Use Ripe Strawberries: Choose ripe but firm strawberries for the best flavor and color.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked jam can become thick and syrupy. Follow the instructions carefully and don't cook for longer than necessary.
- Store Properly: After processing, allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place. Your no-sugar-added strawberry jam should last for several months.
Enjoying Your No-Sugar-Added Strawberry Jam
Now that you've mastered the art of making no-sugar-added strawberry jam, it's time to enjoy the fruits (pun intended!) of your labor! Here are some ways to enjoy your delicious creation:
- Spread it on toast: Enjoy it as a simple and flavorful topping for breakfast or brunch.
- Use it in yogurt or oatmeal: Add a dollop of jam to your yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Make a jam sandwich: A classic combination that never disappoints.
- Use it in baking: Add a spoonful to your muffins, cookies, or cakes for a fruity twist.
- Pair it with cheese: Enjoy a simple and sophisticated snack or appetizer by pairing your jam with a soft cheese, like brie or goat cheese.
Conclusion
Making your own no-sugar-added strawberry jam is a rewarding experience. You can enjoy the deliciousness of homemade jam without the added sugar. By following this recipe and using Sure-Jell, you'll consistently create a perfect, firm set for your jam. Remember to use fresh, ripe strawberries, and to sterilize your jars for optimal storage.
