Strawberry jam recipe

Strawberry jam is essential in any breakfast or brunch spread, especially when there's a delicious warm scone to go with it. But even better than shop-bought strawberry jam is the mouthwatering flavour of a homemade berry spread. If you're wondering how to make the spread, our quick and easy recipe will tell you all you need to know in four easy steps. This jam recipe will take you only 20 mins, which is probably less than the time it would take you to go and buy one jar from the shops! You will need another 30 mins to leave it to cool, so bear that in mind if you're making for a special occasion, like having friends over for a spot of afternoon tea. All you need for this simple recipe is fresh strawberries, lemons, butter, and jam jars. You will also need jam sugar, preferably with added pectin to preserve the jam for longer. This strawberry jam recipes makes four to five small jars, which you can keep or gift to friends and family as a little present or use to spread on your toast and accompany pastries or to fill Victoria sponge cakes, strawberry jam shortcakes, cupcakes or jam tarts!

Ingredients

• 1kg (2¼lb) fresh strawberries (under rather than overripe), hulled and left whole
• 1kg bag jam sugar (with added pectin)
• Juice of 1 large lemon plus pips
• Knob of butter
• Jam jars, waxed discs and pot covers

Method

1. To make the jam, put the strawberries, jam sugar, lemon juice and lemon pips in a muslin bag and then into a large, wide pan. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Stir in the butter and bring to the boil. Boil rapidly for about 5-6 mins until setting point is reached.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and skim off any scum from the surface using a slotted metal spoon. Cool for at least 30 mins.
4. Stir the jam, then ladle it into the jars. Cover closely with waxed discs and pot covers. Cool, then wipe the jam jars with a warm cloth. Label and date.