Total Cooking Time | 50 minutes |
Level | Intermediate |
This is the season of strawberry and I also got too many strawberries from my garden. So, I thought of making strawberry preserve and share the recipe with you all. The only thing you have to do is to chop the strawberries and mix them with sugar and stir them continuously.
Preserves or Jams that are made fresh from fruits have their own unique flavor than the store bought jams. This is a simple and easy 2 ingredient recipe of strawberry preserve.
Strawberry preserves can be used to toast, can be added as a layer in between the cakes, can be used as toppings for ice creams and cheesecakes.
Strawberry preserve is a delightful and versatile spread made from fresh strawberries, sugar, and often pectin or lemon juice to aid in thickening. It captures the essence of ripe strawberries in a jar, allowing you to enjoy their sweet and tangy flavor throughout the year. Here’s an in-depth look at strawberry preserve:
Ingredients and Preparation
Ingredients:
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are the main ingredient. Their natural sweetness and vibrant color make the preserve appealing.
Sugar: Essential for sweetness and preservation. Sugar helps to gel the preserve and extends its shelf life.
Preparation:
Preparation of Strawberries: The strawberries are washed, hulled (removing the green tops), and chopped. They can be left in halves or quarters for chunkier preserves or mashed for a smoother texture.
Mixing with Sugar: The strawberries are mixed with sugar and left to macerate for a few hours or overnight. This process draws out the juice from the berries, creating a syrup.
Cooking: The mixture is then brought to a boil in a heavy-bottomed pot.
Canning: Once the preserve reaches the right consistency, it is ladled into sterilized jars and sealed. The jars are processed in a boiling water bath to ensure they are properly sealed and safe for long-term storage.
Flavor Profile
Strawberry preserve has a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor. The cooking process intensifies the natural taste of the strawberries, creating a concentrated burst of fruitiness. The added sugar enhances the sweetness, while the lemon juice adds a subtle tartness that balances the overall flavor.
Uses and Serving Suggestions
Strawberry preserve is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways:
Spread: It’s a classic spread for toast, bagels, scones, and biscuits.
Desserts: Can be used as a filling for cakes, tarts, and pastries or as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, and pancakes.
Sauce: When slightly thinned, it makes a delightful sauce for cheesecakes and other desserts.
Glaze: Used as a glaze for meats, particularly poultry, adding a sweet and tangy layer of flavor.
Nutritional Value
Strawberry preserve provides some of the vitamins and minerals found in fresh strawberries, such as vitamin C and antioxidants. However, the high sugar content means it should be consumed in moderation. Using less sugar or alternative sweeteners can make a healthier version.
Variations
There are several ways to modify strawberry preserve:
Flavor Additions: Adding ingredients like vanilla, balsamic vinegar, or fresh herbs (like basil or mint) can create unique flavor profiles.
Mixed Fruit Preserves: Combining strawberries with other fruits like rhubarb, blueberries, or raspberries adds complexity to the preserve.
Low-Sugar or No-Sugar Options: Using pectin designed for low or no sugar allows for healthier variations while still achieving a good set.
Strawberry preserve is a beloved spread that captures the delightful flavor of fresh strawberries. Its preparation involves simple ingredients and techniques, making it accessible for home cooks. Whether spread on toast, used in desserts, or as a glaze for savory dishes, strawberry preserve brings a touch of summer sweetness to any meal. With numerous variations and the ability to tailor the sweetness, it remains a versatile and cherished item in many kitchens.
When you start preparing the jams or preserves in your home, then you won’t go to the store to buy them. The taste is so much different for both. You will get a softer and looser texture if you make this preserve at your home. Do try this 2 ingredient recipe and enjoy !
Ingredients
Strawberry – 500 g
Sugar – 750 g
Method of preparation
Wash and clean the organic strawberries
Discard the caps and leaves of all the strawberries
Chop them to half or quarter lengthwise depending on the size of the strawberry
Combine the berries with sugar in a large stainless steel container
Allow the berries to rest overnight
On next day, take a saucepan and add the berries in sugar
Let it slowly boil till the sugar dissolves, by stirring occasionally
Increase the heat and bring the mix to a full rolling boil
Using a spoon, skim off the foam from the surface
Once cooled, transfer it to a glass container.
How to test whether the strawberry preserve is done :
To know whether strawberry preserves are ready, you may dip a spoon into the sauce pan. Take out the spoon and run your finger along the back. If there is a clear path and the jam doesn’t cover that spot, it’s done!