Another reason that I love Fredericksburg, TX - 20 minutes from our home is Marburger Orchard. I was a little late this year, but went and picked about 5 lbs of strawberries this morning. I missed the super duper big ones a few weeks ago, but these small, juicy gems were worth the trip. It is like a treasure hunt to still find good ones, but oh so good! Blackberries will be ready to pick soon.
Today I came right home and used most of them in a great jam recipe. First I washed the berries in a tub of clean water, with a couple of tablespoons of white vinegar added, this helps get all the loose stuff off and just a good cleanser.
Easy Strawberry Jam
4 lbs of fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and crushed with a potato masher
5 cups of organic sugar
4-5 drops of Young Living Lemon Essential Oil (you won't believe the bright fresh undertone this adds to the jam, and with the fresh strawberries it is just awesome)
1 pouch of natural liquid fruit pectin
Placed mashed berries, and sugar in 8 qt stock pot. Cook and stir until at a rolling boil that is hard to stir down. Add in the pectin and the drops of essential oil. Stir for another minute at the rolling boil. Remove from heat, skim foam if desired.
Ladle into clean prepared canning jars (use the size you prefer, makes about 8 pints)
Follow regular canning instructions, placing jars with seals and lids secure into a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Carefully remove and place jars on cooling rack. After all of the lids have 'popped' (assuring a good seal) I like to gently rotate the jars every so often through the cooling process to distribute the fruit evenly in the liquid. I also put one jar into the refrigerator after cooled to room temperature so we have some to eat right away ;-)
This jam has less sugar than most canning recipes, we like the fresh strawberry taste with the hint of lemon rather than a heavy sweet jam. It's fantastic on ice cream. I hope you enjoy!
Need some excellent lemon essential oil, with quality you can trust? Check out Young Living. If you want to order, I suggest joining as a wholesale member, kind of like your favorite warehouse club. You get a discount on your order and get the best deal. Choose the Premium Starter Kit to get a great selection of basic oils, a home diffuser and a special gift from me - an excellent book for getting started with essential oils.
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