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The Only Strawberry Jam Recipe I Trust – Full of Flavor and No Thickeners

When it comes to homemade strawberry jam, I’ve tried countless recipes over the years — many loaded with commercial pectin or thickening agents that leave the jam tasting artificial or overly gelatinous. But after some experimentation, I found a natural, simple recipe that lets the strawberries shine on their own without any added thickeners.

This jam is packed with the true essence of fresh strawberries, balanced by just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of citrus brightness. It’s perfectly spreadable, naturally thickened by the fruit’s own pectin and careful cooking, and bursting with authentic flavor. This is the only strawberry jam recipe I trust — one that honors the fruit and the craft of jam-making.

Why No Thickeners?

Many commercial jams rely heavily on pectin powders or gels to achieve thickness. While convenient, these can mask the fresh fruit flavor and add a rubbery texture. This recipe uses only fresh ingredients and the natural pectin in ripe strawberries, gently coaxed out by slow cooking and the addition of lemon juice, which enhances pectin’s natural setting power.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 pounds (about 900 g) fresh ripe strawberries
1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a subtle depth (not traditional, but delicious)

Step-by-Step Method to Make the Jam

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Wash the strawberries gently under cold water. Remove the green stems and hull the berries. Cut the larger strawberries into halves or quarters to ensure even cooking. Place all the berries in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Macerate the Strawberries with Sugar

Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the strawberries. Using a wooden spoon, gently stir to combine. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 1 to 2 hours. This process, called maceration, draws out the natural juices and begins to soften the fruit, creating a rich strawberry syrup.

Step 3: Add Lemon Juice

After the strawberries have macerated and released their juices, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Lemon juice not only balances the sweetness but also activates the natural pectin in the fruit, which helps the jam set without any added thickeners.