Description
Learn the art of canning strawberries to preserve summer’s sweetness! Enjoy homemade jam or fresh berries year-round with this simple guide that walks you through every step of the canning process.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Strawberries
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered
Sugar
- 2 cups granulated sugar
Lemon Juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Water
- 1 cup water
Canning Jars
- 4 sterilized canning jars with lids
Instructions
- Prepare Your Strawberries: Start by washing your fresh strawberries thoroughly under cold water. Remove the green tops and cut them in half or quarters depending on your preference. This preparation ensures an even distribution of flavor and makes for a beautiful presentation.
- Make the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a light syrup that will coat your strawberries. For a twist, you can add lemon juice during this step.
- Pack the Jars: Carefully spoon the prepared strawberries into your sterilized canning jars, leaving about half an inch of headspace at the top. Pour the warm syrup over the strawberries, ensuring they are fully submerged. This step prevents oxidation and preserves the vibrant color of the berries.
- Seal the Jars: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue, then place the sterilized lids on top. Secure them with metal bands, but avoid over-tightening as the jars need to vent during processing.
- Process the Jars: Place the jars in a boiling water canner or a large pot filled with boiling water. Ensure the jars are submerged under at least an inch of water. Process for about 15-20 minutes, depending on your altitude. This step is crucial for ensuring that your strawberries are safely preserved.
- Cool and Store: Once processed, carefully remove the jars from the water and let them cool on a clean towel. After a few hours, check the seals by pressing down in the center of the lid; if it pops back, the jar did not seal properly. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place, and enjoy your canned strawberries all year round!
Notes
- Choose Quality Fruit: Always select fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Use a Water Bath: Properly process your jars in a water bath to ensure safety and longevity.
- Inspect Jars: Check for any cracks or chips in jars before use to avoid leaks.
- Label Your Jars: Don’t forget to label your jars with the date and contents to keep track of freshness.
- Experiment: Feel free to try different flavorings and combinations for unique preserves.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: canning strawberries, strawberry preserves, homemade jam, summer canning