Mom'S Strawberry Preserves
Sweet and tangy strawberry preserves with vibrant flavor, perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts. Ideal for fruit lovers and homemade jam enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and drain strawberries.
- Combine 1 1/2 cups sugar with strawberries in a large saucepan.
- Bring to a full rolling boil.
- Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar and lemon juice.
- Bring to a boil again.
- Boil for 4 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Spoon into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
- Seal with 2-piece lids and store in refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For perfectly textured preserves, choose ripe, but not overly soft strawberries. If you're low on sugar, you can substitute half with honey or agave syrup, but note that this may alter the flavor slightly. When boiling, watch closely to prevent burning, and use a candy thermometer for accuracy. If you prefer a thicker consistency, cook for an additional minute or two after adding the lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
These strawberry preserves are delicious on toast or scones, and they pair beautifully with holiday favorites like Holiday Cranberry-Jello Salad(Teacher Favorite). Try them as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or yogurt. They can also be used as a filling in cakes or pastries, adding a fruity touch to your desserts.
Storage & Reheating
Store your strawberry preserves in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, consider canning them using a water bath method. Always use sterilized jars to prevent spoilage. If you want to reheat, simply place the jar in warm water or microwave for a few seconds, stirring to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Strawberry Preserves contains roughly 1453 calories, with 5g protein, 369g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (98% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 11g 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking. The preserves may be a little runnier due to the extra moisture, so consider cooking them a bit longer to achieve the desired consistency.
How do I know when my preserves are ready?
Your strawberry preserves are ready when they have a thick, gel-like consistency. You can test this by placing a small amount on a cold plate and checking if it holds its shape. If it runs, continue boiling for another minute and retest.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
While you can reduce sugar, it may affect both the sweetness and preservation quality of the preserves. If you prefer a lower-sugar option, consider using a sugar substitute designed for canning, or look for recipes specifically tailored for low-sugar preserves.
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).