Delicious Strawberry-Gooseberry Jam Recipe
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 96 (yields 6 jars of 250ml each)
Category: Strawberry
Description: If you’ve ever struggled with getting strawberry jam to set, you’re not alone. Many home cooks shy away from using copious amounts of sugar, but this delightful Strawberry-Gooseberry Jam balances flavor and texture effortlessly. The addition of gooseberries, with their natural tartness, guarantees a perfect set while imparting a tangy zing that elevates the sweetness of strawberries to new heights. This jam is perfect for summer canning and makes a delightful treat for gatherings, ensuring you can spread the love with every spoonful.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving (1 tsp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 37.6 |
| Total Fat | 0.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 0.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 9.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g |
| Sugars | 8.9 g |
| Protein | 0.1 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gooseberries | 2 cups |
| Water | ¼ cup |
| Strawberries | 8 cups |
| Sugar | 4 cups |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | ¼ cup |
Keywords
Berries, Fruit, Canadian, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Summer, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups, Canning, Easy
Instructions
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Prepare the Gooseberries: Begin by thoroughly washing the gooseberries under cool running water to remove any impurities. Place the cleaned gooseberries in a medium-sized saucepan along with the water, ensuring the berries are just submerged.
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Cook the Gooseberries: Cover the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir gently, allowing the gooseberries to cook until they burst open, which should take about 10 minutes. The popping sound of the berries is a good indicator that they are ready.
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Strain the Puree: Once the gooseberries have fully burst, remove the saucepan from the heat. Using a fine-mesh sieve or a food mill, press the mixture through to separate the skins, stems, and seeds from the puree. Collect the gooseberry puree in a bowl and set it aside for later use.
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Prepare the Strawberries: Rinse the strawberries under cold water and drain them well. With a potato masher or a fork, gently mash the strawberries to break them down slightly, leaving some small chunks for texture.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the reserved gooseberry puree, mashed strawberries, sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the sugar is evenly distributed among the fruits.
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Dissolve Sugar: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to help dissolve the sugar. You’ll want to continue stirring until all the sugar is fully dissolved.
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Boil the Jam: Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat and allow the mixture to boil hard. Keep an eye on the pot and stir continuously, as the mixture can easily bubble over. You’ll want to boil the jam until it reaches the gel stage, which typically takes about 20 minutes. To test if it has reached this stage, you can use a spoon to drop a small amount onto a cold plate and see if it gels when cooled.
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Skim and Prepare for Canning: After the jam reaches the gel stage, remove the pot from the heat. Use a spoon to skim off any foam that has formed on the surface, ensuring your jam is as clear as possible.
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Jar the Jam: Immediately pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Make sure the rims of the jars are clean before sealing.
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Seal the Jars: Place the sterilized lids onto the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight.
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Process in Boiling Water: To ensure the longevity of your jam, process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes. This step helps to seal the jars properly and prevents spoilage.
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Cool and Store: Remove the jars from the water bath and place them on a clean kitchen towel or cooling rack. Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. You should hear a satisfying “pop” as the jars seal while they cool. Once cooled, store the jam in a cool, dark place.
This luscious Strawberry-Gooseberry Jam can be enjoyed on toast, scones, or as a topping for desserts, or even as a delightful gift for friends and family. Enjoy the bright and fresh flavors of summer all year round!
