Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and coarsely chopped
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 box powdered fruit pectin (1.75 oz)
- 3 large jalapeños, stemmed, seeded, and finely minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter (optional, to reduce foaming)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the prepared strawberries, minced jalapeños, and lemon juice in a large, heavy-bottomed stainless steel pot. Stir in the powdered pectin until it is thoroughly incorporated into the fruit mixture.
- Step 2: Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a full, non-stoppable boil while stirring constantly. Add the butter (if using) and the pinch of salt at this stage.
- Step 3: Quickly stir in the measured granulated sugar until it is completely dissolved. Return the mixture to a rigorous rolling boil (a boil that cannot be stirred down) and continue to cook for exactly 1 minute, stirring continuously.
- Step 4: Remove the pot from the heat immediately. Skim off any foam that has formed on the surface using a metal spoon or ladle to ensure a clear finished jam.
- Step 5: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Seal with lids and rings, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes for long-term storage, or allow to cool before refrigerating for immediate use.
Notes
- Properly sealed, processed jars are shelf-stable for up to one year in a cool, dark pantry; refrigerated jars should be enjoyed within three weeks of opening.
- The quick, intense one-minute boil after adding the sugar is critical for activating the pectin and achieving a good set, so stir vigilantly and time this step exactly.
- For an immediate appetizer, gently warm the jam and serve it dolloped over a block of cream cheese alongside sturdy crackers for a delightful sweet-spicy contrast.
- If you prefer a milder jam, soak the minced jalapeños in cold water for 15 minutes before adding them to the strawberries, which helps leach out some of the capsaicin oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American