Strawberry jam is a popular and beloved condiment that can enhance the taste of toast, pastries, and desserts. The good news is that you don't have to compromise on taste to enjoy a vegan version of this delicious jam. In fact, this recipe for vegan strawberry jam is just as scrumptious as the traditional version.
To create a vegan strawberry jam with a delectable flavour, start with high-quality ingredients like fresh organic strawberries and high-quality lemons. The lemon juice helps to brighten the flavour of the strawberries and adds a touch of tartness. This recipe creates a jam that bursts with the sweet and tangy flavour of strawberries and has a luscious texture.
Sterilize the jam jars
It is important to sterilize the jam jars and the lid before filling them with jam because sterilization kills bacteria or microorganisms that may be present in the jars. This helps to prevent the growth of bacteria in the jam. Sterilizing the jars also ensures that the jam will have a longer shelf life, as it reduces the risk of contamination. Sterilizing the jars also helps to create a vacuum seal when the lids are placed on, which further helps to prevent bacteria from entering the jar and spoiling the jam. Sterilizing the jam jars is an important step in the jam-making process that helps to ensure the safety and quality of the final product and should never be left out.
There are a few ways to sterilize jam jars, but one of the most common and simple methods is to sterilize them in a water bath or in an oven.
Sterilizing jars in a water bath
Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water and rinse them thoroughly.
Place the jars and lids on a rack in a large pot or canner. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the jars by at least one inch.
Bring the water to a boil and boil the jars for 10 minutes.
Use tongs or a jar lifter to remove the jars and lids from the water and place them on a clean towel or rack to dry.
Sterilizing jars in the oven
Preheat the oven to 110°C.
Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water and rinse them thoroughly.
Place the jars and lids on a baking sheet and put them in the oven for at least 20 minutes.
Use oven mitts to remove the jars and lids from the oven and place them on a clean towel or rack to cool.
It's important to handle the jars carefully after sterilizing them to avoid introducing any new bacteria or contaminants.
For the Vegan Strawberry Jam you need:
1.5 litres of fresh or frozen strawberries
250 ml caster sugar
50 ml lemon juice
2 tablespoons of lemon zest
Optional a pinch of pectin
This is how you make the Vegan Strawberry Jam:
To make delicious strawberry jam, start by cleaning and hulling the strawberries. If they are frozen, defrost them first. Then, slice or dice the strawberries and slightly mash them with a wooden spoon or fork.
Next, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir over low heat until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.
Continue to boil the jam mixture, stirring often, until the mixture reaches 105 degrees Celsius. The strawberries should dissolve and the jam mixture should coat the back of a spoon. This takes around 15 minutes. If the jam is too loose, add a pinch of pectin and continue boiling for a while longer.
Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, pour it into glass jars and immediately put the lids on. To ensure a longer shelf life, flip the jars upside down and leave them to cool for several minutes before placing them right side up. This will create a vacuum and seal the jars.
After the jam has cooled down, store it in a cool and dark place. If you open a jar of jam, always store it in the refrigerator.
Great flavouring options
To elevate the taste of your strawberry jam, you can add a touch of vanilla by using a vanilla pod or vanilla extract. Alternatively, you can infuse your jam with warm and spicy notes by using a piece of whole cinnamon stick or star anise. Freshly grated ginger is another great option that can add a zingy and refreshing taste to your jam. And for a more savoury twist, try adding bay leaves or basil leaves to your mixture. You can also mix in other berries like blueberries, raspberries, gooseberries, or currants to create a delightful medley of flavours. Experiment with incorporating different fruits, such as pears, apples, or plums, to give your jam a unique character.
Enjoy homemade strawberry jam any time
This vegan strawberry jam is the perfect addition to any breakfast or dessert. You can spread it on toast, croissants, or bagels, or use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or yoghurt bowls. It also makes a great ingredient for baking, adding a fruity twist to cakes, muffins, and pastries.
