A tested USDA-approved water-bath canning recipe for shelf-stable strawberry jam with proper pectin-to-sugar ratios, jar sizes, and altitude adjustments.
Author:Sophia Collins
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:5 half-pint jars 1x
Category:Preserves
Method:Water Bath Canning
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups crushed strawberries
4 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 package powdered pectin (optional for low-sugar version)
Instructions
Wash and hull strawberries, then crush them.
Combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin in a large pot.
Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Skim off foam and ladle hot jam into sterilized jars.
Process jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude).
Remove jars and let cool for 24 hours before storing.
Notes
For low-sugar jam, use 2 cups sugar and 1 package pectin.
For no-pectin jam, use 6 cups sugar and boil longer until thickened.
Adjust processing time for altitudes above 1,000 feet.
Check seals before storing – lids should not flex when pressed.