🍓Strawberries, Part 3 - The End of The Season🍓

Published: Tue, 06/25/24

Updated: Tue, 06/25/24

No pectin strawberry jam recipe, save 20% on a Cestari Fruit and Vegetable Peeler, and more!
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Quote Of The Day

"Strawberry ponies, strawberry lambs, dancing in meadows of Strawberry jam" -  Bruce Degen

🍓Strawberries, Part 3 - The End of The Season🍓 

~A Few Words From Susan~

Local strawberry season ended here in Massachusetts this week.  While there will be some everbearing strawberry plants producing throughout the summer, "peak strawberry" has come and gone.  I had my granddaughters with me this week, and we went through about 3 quarts a day between breakfast and snack.  While Whole Foods has organic strawberries on sale this week, they just can't compare to the local berries from Theo's farm stand up the street. 


I still have several quarts in the refrigerator, and they need to be frozen (instructions in a previous newsletter) or used quickly.  The strawberry smoothie recipe in the this week's video is a delicious way to use them, and the no pectin, no canning required strawberry jam recipe I am featuring this week will enable to enjoy your frsh berries for a few more weeks.


The quote above from "Jamberry" is from one of my favorite children's books.  I enjoyed reading it to my children ages ago, and my 16 month-old granddaughter demanded it every night of her visit.  She also has an endless appetite for berries of all types - so it was a great fit.


Best,

Susan

Trivia Question❓

What is the primary ingredient in traditional strawberry jam?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

 Strawberry Smoothie Recipe

Tip of the Week

To give your homemade strawberry jam a gourmet touch, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar during the cooking process.


This unexpected ingredient will enhance the flavor of the strawberries and add a subtle tangy twist to your jam.

Serve it on scones, toast, or even use it as a glaze for roasted meats.

Small Batch Strawberry Jam Recipe

Homemade strawberry jam is a delightful way to preserve the fresh, vibrant flavors of summer. Making a small batch without pectin is straightforward and rewarding. This method relies on the natural pectin found in the fruit and sugar, ensuring a pure and simple preserve.


Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice


Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Strawberries:

  2. Combine Ingredients:

    • Add the sugar and lemon juice to the saucepan with the strawberries.
    • Gently stir to coat the strawberries with the sugar and lemon juice.

  3. Macarate the Strawberries:

    • Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes. This allows the strawberries to release their juices and the sugar to dissolve partially.

  4. Cook the Jam:

    • Place the saucepan over medium heat.
    • Stir the mixture occasionally as it heats up, then more frequently as it begins to bubble.
    • Use a potato masher to break down the strawberries to your desired consistency. For a smoother jam, mash more thoroughly; for a chunkier texture, mash less.

  5. Monitor the Jam:

    • Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
    • To test for doneness, place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate and run your finger through it. If it holds its shape and doesn't immediately fill in the gap, it's ready.

  6. Jar the Jam:

    • Remove the saucepan from heat.
    • Carefully ladle the hot jam into a clean, sterilized jar.
    • Allow the jam to cool to room temperature before sealing with a lid.

  7. Store the Jam:

    • Once cooled, store the jam in the refrigerator. It should keep for up to three weeks.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the sugar to taste, keeping in mind that reducing sugar can affect the jam's shelf life and consistency.
  • Make sure the jar is properly sterilized to prevent any contamination.

Special Offer for Newsletter Subscribers

Save 20% on Cestari's Vegetable Peeler.  It has an angled tip that is perfect for hulling strawberries. (Make sure to save the tops for strawberry water.) Save 20% with code STRAWBERRYJM through July 2 at the Cestari store on Amazon

Readers' Strawberry Jam Tips

 

Sarah from Carmel-by-the-Sea suggests , "Try swirling strawberry jam into your morning yogurt for a sweet and fruity start to your day."


Larry from Fredericksburg comments, "Use strawberry jam as a glaze for baked goods like muffins and scones. It adds a beautiful shine and extra flavor."


Olivia from Bar Harbor shares, "Mix a spoonful of strawberry jam into your vinaigrette for a delicious, sweet-tangy salad dressing."


Erick from Mystic recommends, "Spread strawberry jam on a warm slice of brie or camembert cheese for an easy and elegant appetizer."


Alana from Galena notes, "Stir strawberry jam into your oatmeal while it's cooking for a naturally sweet and fruity breakfast."


💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Strawberries

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