FRESH STRAWBERRY JAM FOR CANNING

Fresh Strawberry Jam for Canning image

Bright, vibrant strawberry jam made with pectin allows for a super-fresh tasting jam that's nearly like eating pure fruit! Strawberries are naturally low in pectin, a soluble fiber found in most plants. In food, it is most commonly used to thicken jams, jellies and preserves. Powdered pectin differs in strength from producer to producer, and liquid pectin cannot be substituted in the same ratio as powdered. It is best to look at the manufacturer's usage instructions.

Provided by Virginia Willis

Time 1h

Yield Makes 4 pints

Number Of Ingredients 4

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Ingredients

5 pounds strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 5 cups)
1/4 cup bottled lemon juice
7 cups sugar
One 3-ounce pouch liquid pectin

Steps:

Place a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet or line it with a clean towel. (This is to prevent the jars from directly touching the surface.) Set aside.
Sterilize eight 1/2-pint canning jars and lids. To sterilize jars using a boiling water canner or a large pot, place a rack (or often I will use a clean kitchen towel) on the bottom of the canner. Place the jars right-side-up on the rack and fill the jars and canner with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil, then boil for 10 minutes (at altitudes less than 1,000 feet elevation; see Cook's Note). Using canning tongs, remove the jars from the canner one at a time, carefully pouring the water from the jars back into the canner. Let the jars air-dry upside-down on the prepared rack or towel and sit undisturbed until you're ready to fill them. The rings and rubber-lined lids must be sterilized, too. Place the new lids in a small saucepan, cover with water and bring to a gentle simmer. Very gently simmer for 10 minutes (taking care not to boil). Turn off the heat and keep the lids in the water until ready to use.
Combine the strawberries, lemon juice and sugar in a heavy 6- to 8-quart non-reactive pot and stir well. Place over high heat and, stirring constantly, bring to a full boil with bubbles over the entire surface. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and stir in the liquid pectin.
For each jar, insert a canning funnel and carefully ladle in the jam, allowing at least 1/4 inch of headroom. Clean the rims of the jars with a clean, damp towel and tightly secure the lids.
Place the canning rack in the canner and fill the pot with water; bring to a boil over high heat.
Using tongs, place the jars on the rack in the canner. The water should cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Cover the canner. Return the water to a boil and boil gently for 5 minutes (at altitudes less than 1,000 feet elevation; see Cook's Note). Using tongs, transfer the jars to a towel to cool. If the seal works and fits properly, the metal lid will be slightly concave within 24 hours of processing. Store the unopened jars of jam at room temperature for up to 1 year. Once the jam is opened, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.