Strawberry Jam

Method

1. Remove stems and chop the strawberries.
2. Place the strawberries in a preserving pan or pot with about 1/2 cup of water. (If the berries have been frozen, you don’t need to add any water).
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes until the fruit is soft.
4. Mash with a masher to the desired texture. Some people prefer jam with chunks of strawberries, whereas others prefer a smoother consistency.
5. Add sugar, lemon juice and pectin, if using. Increase the heat and boil jam. Test the jam after 10 minutes (see tips for how to test) and continue to test until desired set is reached.
6. Bottle into hot, sterile jars.
7. The jam should keep for up to a year in the pantry.