Print

Italian stawberry jam

Homemade Italian strawberry jam in a rustic jar with fresh fruit.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A classic Italian-style jam that captures the bright, pure essence of strawberries. The method balances natural pectin, acidity, and sugar for a perfect spreadable texture that is never gummy or runny. It turns simple toast into a moment of genuine pleasure.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 grams) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered
  • 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the strawberries by washing, hulling, and cutting them.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently and let sit for 15-20 minutes to macerate.
  3. Place the pot over medium-high heat. Bring to a lively simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 10-15 minutes until berries soften and liquid increases.
  4. Reduce heat to maintain a steady, rolling boil. Cook for 15-25 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, until mixture thickens and darkens to a deep red.
  5. Test for set: Place a plate in the freezer at the start. Drop a spoonful of jam on the cold plate, wait 30 seconds, then push with a finger. If it wrinkles, it is done. If runny, boil 3-5 more minutes and test again.
  6. Once set, remove pot from heat. Let jam cool in the pot for 10-15 minutes to settle.
  7. Ladle the warm jam into clean, dry jars. Let cool completely at room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.

Notes

Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent scorching. Do not skip the set test, as timing varies. For a lower-sugar version, reduce sugar to 1 3/4 cups, but note the jam will be softer and must be used within 2 weeks. Store refrigerated for 3-4 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.

Nutrition