Description
This vibrant Jalapeño Strawberry Jam combines the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with a spicy kick from jalapeños, creating a unique and flavorful spread. Perfect for adding a punch to toast, cheese boards, or grilled meats, this jam is cooked on the stovetop and preserved in jars for lasting enjoyment.
Ingredients
Scale
Jam Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed for less heat, finely chopped
- 3 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell)
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash, hull, and chop the fresh strawberries carefully to ensure even cooking and texture in the jam.
- Prepare Jalapeños: Remove the seeds from the jalapeños if you prefer a milder heat, then finely chop them to disperse their flavor evenly through the jam.
- Cook the Jam Base: In a large saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, jalapeños, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes until the strawberries have broken down and the flavors meld.
- Add Sugar and Lemon Juice: Stir in the sugar and lemon juice, which helps with flavor balance and aids the preserving process.
- Add Pectin: Gradually add the fruit pectin while stirring continuously to prevent lumps and ensure the jam sets properly.
- Boil to Thicken: Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil and cook for 5-7 minutes until the jam thickens to the desired consistency.
- Can the Jam: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Seal the jars tightly.
- Process the Jars: Process the sealed jars in a hot water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure preservation. Alternatively, refrigerate and use within a few weeks if not water-bathing.
- Cool and Store: Let the jars cool completely at room temperature. Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a reasonable time.
- Enjoy: Use the jam on toasts, sandwiches, cheese plates, or as a glaze for meats to enjoy the sweet and spicy flavor combination.
Notes
- Removing jalapeño seeds reduces heat; keep them in for a spicier jam.
- Sterilize jars thoroughly to avoid spoilage during storage.
- Fruit pectin helps the jam set; do not skip this step.
- This jam can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks if not canned.
- Adjust sugar quantity if you prefer less sweetness, but this may affect jam setting.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- For a smoother texture, mash the fruit slightly before cooking.
