Enjoy your strawberries all year long with this super easy strawberry freezer jam!

Strawberries have so many health benefits. They are loaded with Vitamin C, anti-oxidants, and are very low on the glycemic index. The fiber and potassium are also great for overall heart health. All of this, with only 49 calories, 8.7 net carbs in one cup!

Grabbing some strawberries on sale, or at a local farmer’s market is a great way to enjoy the juicy jems. Unfortunately, this season doesn’t really last long.

Strawberries are available all year long in most grocery stores, but during the “off peak” season, they are not as juicy or sweet. They can taste almost mealy and bland.

The peak season for strawberrries is typically late February through early June, depending on your location. For us in the Mid-West, it starts in mid May and ends less than 3 weeks later, when outside temperatures start to soar.

[mv_create key="69" type="list" title="Other Strawberry Recipes To Try" thumbnail="" layout="circles"]

There are a few ways for preserving strawberries to enjoy them for later:

Water bath canning
Dehydrating
Freezing whole`
Cooked strawberry jam

My favorite by far is this easy strawberry freezer jam.

Absolutely delicious on homemade bread, it’s also great stirred into yogurt or oatmeal. As a special treat, try it on top of some homemade ice cream, too.

Strawberry freezer jam can last in the freezer for up to 6 months with no loss of flavor. This is a great recipe to get started in food preservation as well.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

I use fresh strawberries for this recipe, but you can also used frozen ones. Simply thaw out completely in a large bowl, and proceed. You'll want to keep all the liquid from thawing the berries as well.

Can I make freezer jam without sugar?

The pectin you will need to make freezer jam sugar free is different. However, you CAN make this without added sugar, or with your favorite sugar substitute. If you choose that method, you will want to be sure your strawberries are the freshest they can be, and without any bruises or browning. This will help get the best flavor.

Grab some strawberries, sugar and jars! Let’s get our strawberry freezer jam going!

Ingredients:

1 cup white vinegar
2 pints fresh strawberries (makes about 4 cups crushed)
⅔ cup granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons pectin
5 pint size freezer jars, with lids

Instructions:

Rinse the strawberries in a vinegar-water solution. Use 1 cup of white vinegar for 1 gallon of water. This will help reduce mold.
Remove the stems from the strawberries and cut into small pieces.
Gently mash with a fork or potato masher. You can also use a blender or food processor to make this go quicker.
Using a separate bowl, combine the sugar and pectin. Stir to blend well.
Add the crushed strawberries to the sugar and stir constantly for 3 minutes to blend well.
Pour into clean jars, leaving 1 inch headspace.
Label the jars, cap tightly and store in the freezer.
Use any that go into the fridge within 2 weeks.

What is your favorite way to save strawberries? Let me know if you try and like this recipe!

[mv_create key="70" type="recipe" title="Strawberry Freezer Jam" thumbnail=""]

Posted from my blog with SteemPress : https://recipesfromthehomestead.com/strawberry-freezer-jam/