Why Make This Recipe
Making Easy Strawberry Preserves is a delightful way to enjoy the sweet taste of strawberries all year round. This simple recipe allows you to capture the freshness of strawberries and turn them into a delicious spread. Whether you want to top your breakfast toast or add a sweet touch to desserts, homemade strawberry preserves are a great choice. Plus, it’s a fun project that doesn’t take much time!
How to Make Easy Strawberry Preserves
Ingredients:
- 4 cups strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
Directions:
- In a large saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally until the mixture thickens.
- When thick, pour the hot preserves into sterilized jars and seal them.
- Allow the jars to cool before storing them in the refrigerator.
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Preserves
You can serve these scrumptious strawberry preserves in various ways. Spread them on your morning toast, use them as a topping for pancakes or waffles, or swirl them into yogurt. They also make a tasty filling for cakes, pastries, or even as a compliment to cheese on a charcuterie board.
How to Store Easy Strawberry Preserves
To store the strawberry preserves, ensure they are sealed in sterilized jars. Keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to a month. If you want to keep them longer, consider canning them properly to store at room temperature.
Tips to Make Easy Strawberry Preserves
- Make sure to use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Stir the mixture often while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- If you like a smoother texture, you can blend the strawberries before cooking them.
Variation
You can add a twist to your strawberry preserves by mixing in other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or vanilla for added flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw them and drain off excess liquid before cooking.
2. How do I know when the preserves are thick enough?
A good test is to place a spoonful of the mixture on a cold plate. If it holds its shape and doesn’t run, it’s thick enough.
3. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar, but it may affect the preservation and sweetness of the preserves. You might need to adjust the cooking time too.
Easy Strawberry Preserves
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 cups strawberries, hulled and chopped Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- 1 cup sugar You can reduce the sugar, but it may affect the preservation.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens.
- When thick, pour the hot preserves into sterilized jars and seal them.
- Allow the jars to cool before storing them in the refrigerator.