u-pick strawberries & my homemade strawberry jam recipe

over memorial day weekend, we took a trip to our friends' farm for an afternoon of berry picking!

throughout the spring & summer months, we always try to set aside time to pick our two favorites -strawberries & blueberries. we love supporting our fellow farmers' u-pick farms because we know they can grow berries much better than we could given our available space.

to find a u-pick farm, ask around or visit your local farmers' market & ask the vendors. (i find that the websites listing u-pick farms are often outdated & unhelpful).

i use our strawberries in a variety of ways. i typically freeze large freezer bags full of berries for smoothies, pies & more. i also like making berry simple syrups & canning jam for gifts!

when we arrived home from our berry picking afternoon, i got right to work canning 20 pounds of strawberries!

today i thought i'd share my strawberry jam recipe for you!

homemade strawberry jam recipe

(one batch makes about 6 quart size jars)

ingredients:

8 cups strawberries, tops cut off

1 box sure-jell fruit pectin

7 cups sugar

1. prepare your jars as usual. here's a great resource for basic canning/preparing jars.

2. measure strawberries & add to large stockpot. crush strawberries thoroughly. 

3. add pectin to fruit in stockpot & mix until well combined. bring to a full rolling boil (a boil that continues even when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly.

4. add sugar to fruit mixture & stir until sugar is fully dissolved. return to a full rolling boil & boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

5. remove pot from heat & skim off foam with a large spoon.

6. ladle prepared jam into prepared jars immediately, filling to 1/4 inch from top of jar. wipe rim & screw lid on tightly. place in canner & cover in water.

7. process as usual. (i process my jam for 15 minutes).

8. enjoy for up to one year!

what are some of your favorite recipes for farm fresh strawberries?

love,

natalie