Low Sugar Strawberry Jam With Regular Pectin
Are you looking for a healthy and delicious way to enjoy your favorite summer fruit? Look no further than low sugar strawberry jam with regular pectin. With its sweet, tangy flavor and smooth, spreadable texture, strawberry jam is a classic addition to any breakfast or snack. But traditional recipes can be loaded with sugar and preservatives, making them less than ideal for health-conscious eaters. Fortunately, this low sugar version is a perfect compromise, delivering all the taste and nutrition of fresh strawberries without the extra calories.
What is Pectin?
Pectin is a naturally occurring substance found in many fruits, including strawberries. It acts as a thickener, helping to give jams and jellies their characteristic texture. Regular pectin, as opposed to low sugar or no sugar pectin, is designed to work with traditional recipes that call for a high ratio of sugar to fruit. It allows the jam to gel properly and gives it a shelf life of several months.
Ingredients
The ingredients for low sugar strawberry jam with regular pectin are simple and easy to find:
- 4 cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and mashed
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 package of regular pectin
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Water
It's important to use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your own taste, but keep in mind that the pectin requires a certain amount of sugar to work properly. Lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness and adds a bright, fresh flavor.
Instructions
Making low sugar strawberry jam with regular pectin is a simple process that can be done in about 30 minutes:
- Wash and sterilize four half-pint canning jars and their lids.
- In a large pot, combine the mashed strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of water. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the pectin and continue to boil for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove the pot from the heat and skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
- Ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal them with the lids.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Remove the jars from the water and let them cool to room temperature.
- Check the seals and store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
That's it! You now have a batch of delicious, low sugar strawberry jam that you can enjoy on toast, biscuits, or even as a topping for ice cream. The jam will thicken as it cools, so don't worry if it seems a bit runny at first.
Benefits of Low Sugar Strawberry Jam
Low sugar strawberry jam with regular pectin offers several benefits over traditional recipes:
- Reduced sugar content: By using less sugar, you can enjoy the natural sweetness of the strawberries without the added calories and health risks associated with excess sugar consumption.
- More nutrition: Strawberries are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
- Less preservatives: Homemade jam is free from the artificial preservatives and additives found in store-bought versions, making it a safer and more natural choice.
- Customizable flavor: You can adjust the amount of sugar and other ingredients to suit your own taste preferences, creating a truly personalized jam experience.
Conclusion
Low sugar strawberry jam with regular pectin is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy one of summer's most beloved fruits. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it's a perfect recipe for beginners or experienced home cooks alike. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how sweet life can be?