Classic Homemade Old-Fashioned Strawberry Preserves
A timeless, easy 3-step recipe for homemade strawberry preserves that balances sweetness and fresh berry flavor, perfect for spreading on toast or gifting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups (approximately 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Preserves
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh strawberries (about 600 grams)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (about 400 grams)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons pectin
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries (10 minutes): Rinse strawberries under cold water, remove stems, and slice into halves or quarters. For chunkier preserves, keep pieces larger; for smoother texture, lightly crush with a potato masher.
- Combine Ingredients and Heat (5 minutes): In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out juices.
- Simmer the Mixture (30-40 minutes): Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring every few minutes and skimming foam. Cook until syrup thickens and wrinkles on a cold plate (about 220°F or 104°C).
- Jar and Cool (15 minutes): Ladle hot preserves into sterilized glass jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims, seal tightly, and cool at room temperature. Store in refrigerator up to three weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning. Do not rush simmering to develop flavor and texture. Skim foam to keep preserves clear. Test set with wrinkle test on a cold plate. Sterilize jars before filling to prevent spoilage. If preserves are too runny, simmer longer or add pectin next time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 22.5
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 0.2
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