Recipe for Strawberry Jam with Sure Jell: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Strawberry jam is a delightful spread that can be used for a variety of purposes, from spreading on toast to using as a topping for desserts. One popular brand that has gained a reputation for producing high-quality jam is Sure Jell. In this article, we will delve into the recipe for strawberry jam with Sure Jell, exploring the ingredients, preparation process, and tips for achieving the perfect consistency and flavor. We will also discuss the benefits of using Sure Jell and compare it with other brands of pectin.
Ingredients
To make strawberry jam with Sure Jell, you will need the following ingredients:
– Fresh strawberries: 4 cups, chopped
– Sure Jell: 1 box (1.75 oz)
– Sugar: 7 cups
– Lemon juice: 1/4 cup
Preparation Process
1. Prepare the strawberries: Wash and hull the strawberries, then chop them into small pieces. Make sure to remove any stems or leaves, as they can affect the flavor and texture of the jam.
2. Measure the ingredients: In a large pot, combine the chopped strawberries, Sure Jell, and lemon juice. Stir well to ensure that the Sure Jell is evenly distributed.
3. Cook the mixture: Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Once the mixture reaches a full rolling boil, continue to boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add sugar: Remove the pot from the heat and add the sugar, stirring until it dissolves. Return the pot to the heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil again, stirring constantly.
5. Boil for 1 minute: Once the mixture reaches a full rolling boil, boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency and texture.
6. Skim the foam: Use a spoon to skim off any foam that forms on the surface of the jam. This will help to ensure a smooth and even texture.
7. Ladle the jam into jars: Remove the pot from the heat and ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the jar rims with a clean cloth and place the lids and rings on the jars.
8. Process the jars: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure that the jam is properly sealed. Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely before storing.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Consistency and Flavor
1. Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries are essential for achieving the best flavor and texture in your jam. Avoid using strawberries that are overripe or moldy.
2. Stir constantly: Stirring the mixture constantly during the cooking process is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency and texture. This will help to prevent the jam from sticking to the pot and burning.
3. Skim the foam: Skimming the foam off the surface of the jam will help to ensure a smooth and even texture.
4. Process the jars: Processing the jars in a boiling water bath will ensure that the jam is properly sealed and will last longer.
Benefits of Using Sure Jell
Sure Jell is a popular brand of pectin that is known for its high-quality and reliable performance. Here are some of the benefits of using Sure Jell in your strawberry jam recipe:
1. Easy to use: Sure Jell is easy to use and comes with detailed instructions on the box. This makes it a great choice for beginners and experienced jam-makers alike.
2. Consistent results: Sure Jell is known for producing consistent results, regardless of the brand of sugar or the type of fruit used.
3. No added sugar: Sure Jell is available in both regular and no-sugar-added varieties, making it a great choice for those who are watching their sugar intake.
4. Longer shelf life: Jams made with Sure Jell have a longer shelf life than those made with other brands of pectin.
Comparison with Other Brands of Pectin
While Sure Jell is a popular choice for making jam, there are other brands of pectin available on the market. Here is a comparison of Sure Jell with some of the other popular brands:
1. Ball Gold: Ball Gold is another popular brand of pectin that is known for its high-quality and reliable performance. It is similar to Sure Jell in terms of ease of use and consistent results.
2. Certo: Certo is a brand of pectin that is known for its no-sugar-added varieties. It is a good choice for those who are watching their sugar intake.
3. Mrs. Wages: Mrs. Wages is a brand of pectin that is known for its variety of flavors and types, including low-sugar and no-sugar-added options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making strawberry jam with Sure Jell is a simple and enjoyable process that yields delicious results. By following the recipe and tips provided in this article, you can achieve the perfect consistency and flavor in your jam. Sure Jell is a reliable and high-quality brand of pectin that is easy to use and produces consistent results. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced jam-maker, Sure Jell is a great choice for your next batch of strawberry jam.
