STRAWBERRY PECTIN RECIPES

Steps:

• Wash and hull the strawberries, and place them in a saucepan with a splash of water and lemon juice (if using). Mash with a potato masher and simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until they've released their juices.
• Strain the strawberry pulp through a jelly bag or dampened cheesecloth for at least 2 hours, preferably longer for a better yield.
• It takes roughly 4 pounds of strawberries to make the 4 cups of juice needed for this recipe. If you're a bit short for any reason, add water or fruit juice.
• Bring the juice to a boil on the stovetop and add the powdered pectin. (Don't add the sugar yet.) Return the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to distribute the pectin, and boil hard for about a minute.
• Add the sugar, and return to a boil. (This is important, don't add the sugar until last or the strawberry jelly may not set.)
• Boil hard for about 1 minute, and then pour into prepared canning jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
• Store in the refrigerator, or process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the jars to stand in the canner for an additional 5 minutes before removing them to cool.
• Check seals and store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator for immediate use.

Steps:

• Mash strawberries with potato masher or in food processor until slightly chunky (not pureed) to make 2 cups crushed strawberries. Mix strawberries and sugar in large bowl. Let stand at room temperature 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Mix water and pectin in 1-quart saucepan. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Pour hot pectin mixture over strawberry mixture; stir constantly 3 minutes.
• Immediately spoon mixture into freezer containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe rims of containers; seal. Let stand at room temperature about 24 hours or until set.
• Store in freezer up to 12 months or in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Thaw frozen jam in the refrigerator and stir before serving.