Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game with a burst of fresh flavors? Imagine spreading a delightful blend of sweet strawberries and aromatic basil on your morning toast or stirring it into yogurt for a refreshing treat! This Strawberry Basil Freezer Jam is not just a simple recipe; it's a culinary adventure that captures the essence of summer in every jar. In just 20 minutes, you can create this vibrant jam that will impress your family and friends, making them wonder how you mastered such a gourmet delight. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and unlock the secrets to preserving the taste of summer all year round!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry all fresh produce. Hull and chop strawberries into small, uniform pieces.
- Finely chop fresh basil leaves, ensuring they are clean and dry.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and chopped basil. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow strawberries to release their natural juices.
- Add fresh lemon juice to the strawberry mixture and stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Open the fruit pectin package and sprinkle evenly over the strawberry mixture, stirring continuously to prevent clumping.
- Continue stirring the mixture for 3-5 minutes to ensure pectin is fully dissolved and ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using clean glass jars or freezer-safe containers, carefully ladle the jam mixture, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Seal containers tightly with lids and let jam sit at room temperature for 24 hours to set.
- After 24 hours, transfer containers to the freezer. Freezer jam will keep for up to 1 year.
- When ready to use, thaw in refrigerator and consume within 3 weeks.
Tips
- Choose Ripe Strawberries: For the best flavor, select ripe, fresh strawberries that are deep red and fragrant. This will enhance the sweetness of your jam.
- Basil Freshness: Make sure to use fresh basil leaves for the best aroma and taste. If you can, pick them just before using to retain their vibrant flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the strawberry and basil mixture to sit for about 10 minutes before adding the pectin helps the strawberries release their juices, creating a more flavorful jam.
- Stir Gently: When adding the pectin, stir gently but thoroughly to avoid clumps. This ensures a smooth and consistent texture throughout your jam.
- Headspace Matters: Don’t forget to leave about 1/2 inch of headspace in your jars or containers. This space is crucial for the jam to expand as it freezes.
- Label and Date: If you’re making several batches, label your jars with the date and contents. This way, you can easily keep track of freshness and enjoy your jam at its best.
- Thawing Tips: When you’re ready to use the jam, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor. Consume it within three weeks for optimal taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
