Description
Spicy-sweet jalapeno strawberry jam brings summer’s wildest flavor dance to your breakfast table. Homemade preserves blend fresh strawberries and fiery peppers, inviting you to savor each deliciously unexpected spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (800 g / 28.2 ounces) fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2–3 jalapenos, finely diced (adjust for spice level)
- 3 cups (600 g / 21.2 ounces) granulated sugar
Flavor Enhancers:
- ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fluid ounces) fresh lemon juice
Thickening Agent:
- 1 packet (1.75 oz / 49 g) powdered pectin
Instructions
- Sanitize glass containers thoroughly by immersing jars, lids, and bands in rapidly boiling water for 10 minutes, then arrange them on a pristine fabric towel to air dry completely.
- Select ripe strawberries and fresh jalapenos, chopping them into uniform, small pieces. Transfer the diced produce into a robust, thick-bottomed cooking vessel.
- Crush the fruit mixture gently using a potato masher to release natural juices and enhance flavor integration. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture to brighten the overall taste profile.
- Evenly distribute powdered pectin across the fruit mixture, stirring carefully to ensure comprehensive incorporation. Gradually elevate the temperature to medium-high, creating a vigorous, continuous boil while stirring frequently.
- Introduce granulated sugar into the bubbling mixture all at once, maintaining an aggressive boil. Continue stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to prevent potential scorching and ensure proper sugar dissolution.
- Validate jam’s readiness through the chilled plate test: deposit a small portion onto a refrigerated surface and observe. If the sample wrinkles subtly when gently prodded, the jam has reached perfect consistency.
- Using a clean ladle, transfer the piping hot jam into sterilized containers, preserving approximately 1/4 inch of headspace. Meticulously clean jar rims with a dampened cloth before securely fastening lids and bands.
- For extended preservation, submerge sealed jars in rapidly boiling water for 10 minutes. Alternatively, allow jams to cool naturally and refrigerate, consuming within three weeks.
- Position filled jars on a cooling rack, allowing them to reach ambient temperature. Confirm proper sealing by pressing jar centers; they should remain stationary. Store in a cool, dark environment for up to one year.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeno quantities, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra spiciness.
- Select ripe, deeply colored strawberries to ensure maximum natural sweetness and robust fruit flavor.
- Consider using low-sugar pectin for a healthier version that reduces overall sugar content without compromising jam’s texture.
- Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for unique flavor profiles and dietary adaptations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Breakfast, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 163
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg