Strawberry Preserves
These homemade strawberry preserves capture the sweet, vibrant essence of fresh strawberries, offering a taste of summer any time of year. The simple process of combining berries, sugar, and water creates a rich, flavorful syrup that perfectly coats each piece of fruit. Enjoy this classic preserve on toast, biscuits, or as a topping for desserts.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs Strawberries
- 3 lbs Granulated sugar
- 3 cups Water
Instructions
- 1Pick over the strawberries, discarding any bruised or damaged ones. Wash the berries thoroughly and hull them (remove the green stems).
- 2In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Continue to boil for 15 minutes to create a syrup.
- 3Fill sterilized jars with the prepared strawberries. Pour the hot syrup over the berries, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Let the jars stand for 15 minutes to allow the berries to settle.
- 4If necessary, add more strawberries to fill the jars completely. Wipe the rims of the jars clean. Adjust the lids and screw bands, ensuring they are fingertip tight.
- 5Place the filled jars on a folded cloth in a large kettle or pot. Add enough cold water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil and cook slowly for 1 hour. Carefully remove the jars and let them cool completely on a towel-lined surface. Check the seals after 24 hours.