Description
This Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Strawberry Jam combines fresh strawberries with a hint of heat from jalapeno peppers to create a unique and flavorful preserve. Perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheeses, or adding a kick to your favorite dishes, this jam balances sweetness with a mild spicy punch.
Ingredients
Scale
Jam Ingredients
- 1 pound Fresh Strawberries, hulled and diced (ripe for sweetness)
- 2-3 Jalapeno Peppers, seeded and finely chopped (adjust based on spice level)
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Powdered Fruit Pectin (or liquid pectin)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Hull and dice the fresh strawberries, and finely chop the jalapeno peppers after removing seeds to control the spice level.
- Combine Ingredients: In a pot, mix the diced strawberries, chopped jalapenos, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and powdered fruit pectin thoroughly to evenly combine all flavors.
- Cook Strawberry Mixture: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Boil and Thicken Jam: Maintain a rolling boil for about 10 minutes, continuing to stir, until the jam reaches your desired thickness and consistency.
- Test Consistency: Place a small amount of jam on a cold plate and allow it to cool for a moment to check if it has thickened appropriately; if not, continue boiling briefly.
- Jar Jam: Carefully spoon the hot jam into sterilized jars, seal them tightly while still hot to create a vacuum seal, and allow them to cool to room temperature.
- Store: Refrigerate the jam for up to 3 weeks or process the jars through proper canning methods for extended shelf life.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapenos to modulate the spiciness of the jam.
- Using powdered fruit pectin ensures proper thickening; liquid pectin can be substituted but follow package instructions.
- Sterilize jars properly to avoid contamination and extend shelf life.
- Test jam consistency on a cold plate as this is an easy way to check thickness before bottling.
- Refrigerate jam if not canned to preserve freshness.
