Strawberry Jam Canning Recipe Recipe 445

FRESH STRAWBERRY JAM FOR CANNING

Steps:

• Place a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet or line it with a clean towel. (This is to prevent the jars from directly touching the surface.) Set aside.
• Sterilize eight 1/2-pint canning jars and lids. To sterilize jars using a boiling water canner or a large pot, place a rack (or often I will use a clean kitchen towel) on the bottom of the canner. Place the jars right-side-up on the rack and fill the jars and canner with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil, then boil for 10 minutes (at altitudes less than 1,000 feet elevation; see Cook's Note). Using canning tongs, remove the jars from the canner one at a time, carefully pouring the water from the jars back into the canner. Let the jars air-dry upside-down on the prepared rack or towel and sit undisturbed until you're ready to fill them. The rings and rubber-lined lids must be sterilized, too. Place the new lids in a small saucepan, cover with water and bring to a gentle simmer. Very gently simmer for 10 minutes (taking care not to boil). Turn off the heat and keep the lids in the water until ready to use.
• Combine the strawberries, lemon juice and sugar in a heavy 6- to 8-quart non-reactive pot and stir well. Place over high heat and, stirring constantly, bring to a full boil with bubbles over the entire surface. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and stir in the liquid pectin.
• For each jar, insert a canning funnel and carefully ladle in the jam, allowing at least 1/4 inch of headroom. Clean the rims of the jars with a clean, damp towel and tightly secure the lids.
• Place the canning rack in the canner and fill the pot with water; bring to a boil over high heat.
• Using tongs, place the jars on the rack in the canner. The water should cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Cover the canner. Return the water to a boil and boil gently for 5 minutes (at altitudes less than 1,000 feet elevation; see Cook's Note). Using tongs, transfer the jars to a towel to cool. If the seal works and fits properly, the metal lid will be slightly concave within 24 hours of processing. Store the unopened jars of jam at room temperature for up to 1 year. Once the jam is opened, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

STRAWBERRY JAM RECIPE FOR CANNING

Steps:

• Wash jars, lids, and bands in hot soapy water, dry completely, and set bands aside.
• Simmer lids in warm water in saucepan until ready to place them on jars.
• Keep jars warm by simmering in hot water until ready to use. Do not boil.
• Fill 20 quart stock pot or water bath canner with hot water, and place on stove over medium-high heat. {you'll need enough water to later cover your jars with at least 1 inch of water}
• Crush strawberries in large mixing bowl or shallow glass baking dish using hand masher until nice, smooth consistency. {small chunks are okay}
• Transfer crushed strawberries to 8 quart stock pot. Add pectin, lemon juice and butter to pot, and stir constantly with wooden spoon over high heat, while bringing to a rolling boil.
• Once boiling, add sugar, return to rolling boil, then boil for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
• After 1 minute, remove foam from top of jam by skimming it off with a metal spoon.
• Then... one by one, remove a jar from hot water, transfer to a cookie sheet {this will catch any spills}, place regular mouth canning funnel on jar, and ladle in strawberry jam mixture leaving 1/4 inch empty head space at top of the jar. Then wipe off rim of lid and threads of jar with damp cloth.
• Continue until all jars have been filled.
• Remove warm lids from saucepan {a magnetic lid lifter works like a charm}, and place one lid on each jar.
• Then screw one band on each jar just until snug {not overly tight}.
• Place filled jars on rack in 20 quart stock pot or water bath canner, then lower down into hot water. Make sure there is enough water in pot that there is at least 1 inch of water above the jars. If necessary, add more HOT water.
• Place lid on your pot, and bring to a gentle boil.
• Once water is boiling, set your timer for processing. Boiling time will vary depending on where you live... for altitude 0 - 1,000 feet boil 10 minutes, for 1,001 - 3,000 boil 15 minutes, for 3,001 - 6,000 boil 20 minutes, for 6,001 - 8,000 boil 25 minutes, and for 8,001+ boil 30 minutes.
• Once jars have finished boiling, turn off heat, remove the lid from the pot and let jars sit for 5 minutes before removing. After 5 minutes, lift up rack to elevated resting position, then carefully remove jars one by one using a jar lifter, and transfer to a folded towel to cool.
• The lids on the jars will begin to 'pop' into the sealed position, signifying the jam has been preserved. If any lids do not pop within the first 12 - 24 hours, transfer those to the refrigerator and use those up first.
• It may take jam up to 24 - 48 hours to finish setting.
• Homemade Strawberry Jam Shelf Life: Jars can be stored in your pantry, or a cool, dry cupboard for up to 1 year. Label the top of each lid with the type of jam and the date it was made. Remove bands when storing, and be sure to never stack jars on top of each other. Always inspect lids to ensure the seals are good before using. When ready to use, transfer a jar to your refrigerator, and use within 1 month. ENJOY!