Mama'S Strawberry Preserves
Sweet, tangy strawberry preserves with a rich flavor, perfect for spreading on toast or biscuits. Ideal for fruit lovers and those who enjoy homemade jams.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over strawberries; let stand for 2 minutes. Drain.
- Combine berries with 4 cups of sugar; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add 2 cups of sugar and stir well.
- Return to heat and boil for 5 minutes.
- Pour into shallow pans and let stand overnight, shaking occasionally.
- Ladle into sterilized jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries for your preserves. If you want to reduce the sugar, consider using a sugar substitute like Stevia, keeping in mind that it may alter the texture. Be sure to sterilize your jars properly to ensure the preserves last longer. Remember to check the consistency while boiling; it should thicken slightly before you pour it into jars.
Serving Suggestions
These strawberry preserves are delicious spread on toast or as a topping for pancakes and waffles. They can also be used in desserts like the Cherry-Lemon Icebox Tarts or as a filling for pastries. Pair them with breakfast items or serve alongside a cheese platter for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store your sealed jars of strawberry preserves in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Once opened, refrigerate the preserves and consume within three weeks. To reheat, gently warm the preserves in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling to preserve flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Strawberry Preserves contains roughly 613 calories, with 16g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (191% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 25g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for this recipe. Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before adding them to the sugar. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still make a tasty preserve.
How can I tell if my preserves are set correctly?
To check if your preserves have set, place a spoonful on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape and doesn't run back together, it’s ready. If not, continue boiling for another minute and test again.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar, but be aware that it may affect the preservation and texture of the preserves. A good rule of thumb is to use no less than half the original sugar amount. You may also consider adding lemon juice for balance.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).