Strawberry Jam Recipe
This vibrant Jalapeño Strawberry Jam combines the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh strawberries with a spicy kick from jalapeños, creating a perfect balance of sweet and heat. Ideal for adding a flavorful twist to toast, cheese boards, or grilled meats, this homemade jam is easy to prepare and can be preserved for long-lasting enjoyment.
- Author: Nethan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 cups of jam 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Fruits and Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed for less heat, finely chopped
Other Ingredients
- 3 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell)
- 1/2 cup water
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash, hull, and chop the fresh strawberries. Remove seeds from the jalapeños to reduce heat and finely chop them carefully.
- Cook the Jam Mixture: In a large saucepan, combine the strawberries, chopped jalapeños, and 1/2 cup water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the strawberries have broken down and the mixture is slightly thickened.
- Add Sugar and Lemon Juice: Stir in 3 cups of sugar and 1/4 cup lemon juice to the simmering fruit mixture, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Incorporate Pectin: Gradually add the fruit pectin packet while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Boil to Thicken: Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the jam thickens and reaches gel consistency.
- Can the Jam: Carefully pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
- Seal and Process: Seal the jars with lids and process them in a hot water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure proper preservation. Alternatively, omit this step and refrigerate the jam for use within a few weeks.
- Cool and Store: Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store sealed jars in a cool, dark place or refrigerate if not water bath processed.
- Serve: Enjoy the jalapeño strawberry jam spread on toast, paired with cheeses, or as a condiment for grilled dishes.
Notes
- Removing seeds from jalapeños reduces heat; leave some seeds in for spicier jam.
- Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage.
- Adjust sugar quantity based on sweetness preference and strawberry ripeness.
- Use fresh fruit pectin for best gelling results.
- If you prefer not to can, jam can be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 weeks.
Keywords: jalapeño strawberry jam, spicy strawberry jam, homemade jam recipe, fruit preserves, spicy sweet jam, strawberry and jalapeño preserves