SAEDNEWS: By preparing strawberry jam, you can have not only a delicious jam but also some syrup to enjoy on hot days. Just make sure to follow the important jam-making tips so that, after some time, you do not find mold or sugar crystals when you check on your jam.
According to SAEDNEWS, Making strawberry jam allows you to enjoy both homemade jam and a flavorful syrup that can be served during warm days. However, it is important to follow proper preparation tips to prevent issues such as mold growth or sugar crystallization when storing and using the jam later.
Strawberries: 1.5 kilograms
Sugar: 1.25 kilograms
Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
First, place the strawberries in a large bowl filled with water so that any sand or dirt attached to them settles at the bottom of the bowl. Then, remove the strawberries from the water, place them in a colander, and wash them again with fresh water. Remove the green leaves and stems from the strawberries.
Use small strawberries whole, but cut larger strawberries into two halves. It is better to prepare the jam using strawberries of a similar size because mixing whole and halved strawberries together may make the final appearance less attractive.
Next, place some of the strawberries in an enamel pot and add a layer of sugar over them. Continue adding alternating layers of strawberries and sugar until all the ingredients are used. Cover the pot and leave it in the refrigerator for 24 hours so that the strawberries release their juice.
If the strawberries have not released enough juice, you can add one small cup of water. However, if they have already produced enough liquid, there is no need to add extra water.
Place the jam over low heat and keep an eye on it because it can easily boil over. After it starts boiling a few times, foam will form on the surface. Remove the foam and stir the jam. Near the end of cooking, add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, mix well, and wait until the jam reaches the desired consistency.
The cooking time for the jam is about 30 minutes because boiling it for longer can make the jam darker and cause the strawberries to lose their shape and become mushy.
To check whether the jam has thickened properly, pour a small amount of the syrup onto a plate. If it cools down, becomes firm, and does not move easily when the plate is tilted, the jam has reached the right consistency.
Do not cover the pot with a lid while cooking, as condensation may form and affect the jam. Once the jam has cooled completely, transfer it into a clean and dry glass jar.
Use a suitable-sized enamel pot when preparing strawberry jam.
The most important point in making jam is ensuring that the syrup reaches the proper consistency, so pay close attention to this step.
