Vegan, Gluten Free
Make your own organic strawberry jam
Strawberries are a delicate and relatively expensive fruit but so delicious and rosily pretty they’re hard to resist at this time of year! If you ever find yourself with a glut try making your own jam- it’s really very easy if you make a small quantity, and even this recipe is easily halved. Bear in mind that your fruit must be perfect- you need to get those strawberries into the pot before they disintegrate or the jam will be very difficult to set, as over-ripe fruit (particularly strawberries) is low in pectin.
In order to preserve fruit jams necessarily contain a lot of sugar. This recipe uses the minimum amount, so don’t be tempted to reduce it, but remember jam is best eaten in moderation… these Spelt & Buckwheat Scones are a good vehicle. The tart addition of lemon in this strawberry jam balances its sweetness and helps it to set, providing a natural form of pectin.
Ingredients (makes about 2 cups)
800 g hulled strawberries, washed & gently patted dry
juice & finely grated zest 1 lemon
500 g raw sugar
Method
1. Combine strawberries, lemon juice and zest in a wide stainless steel saucepan (about 15 cm deep). Crush with a potato masher until about half of the berries are crushed. Bring to the boil over high heat and simmer 2 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, gently warm the sugar in a saucepan on a separate burner. Add sugar to strawberries and stir constantly until it is dissolved.
3. Allow the jam to come back to the boil and cook rapidly, stirring occasionally . You must stay with the jam to ensure it doesn’t boil over or stick. The jam should take about 20 minutes to reach setting point. To test, place a tablespoon of water on a plate and drop in teaspoon of jam: when it gels the jam is set.
4. Skim scum from the surface of the jam. Carefully decant into sterilised* jars and screw on their lids. Label and store in a cool place. After opening store in the fridge.
* To sterilise jars (they must have a metal lid), wash everything thoroughly in warm soapy water then place on a tray in a 160°C oven for 15 minutes.
