Easy Homemade Strawberry Preserves Recipe

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Loved by many, strawberry preserves is a delicious fruit spread known for its vibrant red color, chunky texture, and intense sweetness. Strawberry preserves are a delightful way to savor the natural flavors of ripe strawberries and add a touch of sweetness to your favorite dishes.

Whether enjoyed on freshly toasted bread, drizzled over a stack of fluffy pancakes, or incorporated into baked goods, the strawberry preserve is a must-have in your kitchen. And if it is strawberry season or available on your homestead, it’s the perfect time to indulge in this easy recipe. 

 Here is an easy homemade strawberry preserves recipe you can try today. 

Why You’ll Love this Strawberry Preserves Recipe. 

Here are reasons why you’re going to love making this old-fashioned recipe. 

• Strawberry preserves are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your health and well-being.
• Making your own strawberry preserves lets you add the right amount of sweetness, texture, and flavors to match your preferences.
• Creating your strawberry preserves can save you money, especially if strawberries are in season and you have fresh and reasonably priced strawberries at your disposal.
• Yes, it’s so much better than store-bought ones that you find at the grocery stores. 
• By making your strawberry preserves, you can enjoy the taste of fresh strawberries even when they’re not in season, making the most of their delicious flavors all year round.

How to Make Strawberry Preserves

Equipment

• Potato masher

Complete List of Ingredients for Strawberry Preserves

• 34 packed cups of fresh strawberries hulled & cut in half
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ lemon juiced or ¼ cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

1. Place strawberries in a medium pot and add sugar and lemon juice.

1. Mash the berries (if they are too hard, wait to mash them).

1. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, and every so often, mash the berries with the masher.
2. Once it’s boiling and you’ve mashed the berries, turn them down to medium-high and add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch plus water).
3. It will begin to thicken quickly, so do not take your eye off it. If you do, you could risk burning it.
4. Let it cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring the hot preserves every minute.

1. Pour into a large bowl and let it cool for 30-45 min at room temperature.
2. Once cooled, transfer the fruit preserves to a Mason jar or other airtight container.

The entire cooking process should take about 25 minutes to complete. 

How to Use Strawberry Preserves

There are a number of ways that you can use your homemade strawberry preserves. You can spread them on toast, muffins, or scones, use them as a filling for cakes, pastries, or thumbprint cookies, or stir them into yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream for added flavor.

You can also use them as a topping for pancakes or waffles or a sweet glaze for meats like grilled chicken or pork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to use pectin in your strawberry preserves?

No, you don’t have to use pectin. Strawberries naturally contain pectin, which helps the preserves thicken when cooked with sugar. Using pectin is optional and depends on your preference for texture. 

If you want a thicker consistency, using pectin or its substitutes can help you achieve that. But, if you prefer a looser or more syrupy texture, you can make strawberry preserves without pectin by cooking the strawberries with sugar and allowing them to thicken naturally.

Cornstarch is a great substitute for pectin. Cornstarch is a common thickening agent and can substitute for pectin when making strawberry preserves.  

What’s the difference between strawberry jam and preserves?

The main difference between homemade strawberry jam and preserves lies in the texture and the fruit size. A strawberry jam recipe uses crushed strawberries, and preserves are made with whole strawberries.

Jam recipes have a smoother consistency, while preserves have a chunkier texture.

What are strawberry preserves made of?

Strawberry preserves are made primarily of strawberries and sugar. The strawberries are often combined with lemon juice or pectin, a natural thickening agent, to help achieve the desired consistency and enhance the flavor.

How long does it take for strawberry preserves to set?

The time it takes for strawberry preserves to set can vary depending on the recipe and cooking method. Generally, it can take 30 minutes to an hour of simmering and stirring over medium heat to achieve the desired thickness. Some recipes may require additional time for the preserves to cool and set completely.

How to store homemade preserves?

To store strawberry preserves, use a clean jar with airtight lids. Once the preserves have cooled completely, spoon them into the jars, leaving a small headspace at the top. Seal the jars tightly and store them in the refrigerator. 

How long do preserves last?

When stored properly, strawberry preserves can last for 5-8 weeks. However, before consuming, you should check the jar for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off odor.