QUICK ONE PUNNET STRAWBERRY JAM

This soft set, homemade strawberry jam recipe is super quick and very delicious. A small batch recipe from just one punnet of strawberries that requires no jam sugar, added pectin or special equipment. This method also works for blueberries, blackberries, raspberries.

INGREDIENTS
8oz Hulled strawberries (1 punnet)
8oz Granulated sugar, equal to prepared strawberry weight
Juice of half a lemon
A knob of unsalted butter

METHOD

Put 2 or 3 sauces in the fridge or freezer to chill. Sterilise a jar, see below.

If the strawberries are large, cut them in half. Include underripe ones, they contain more natural pectin. If you want a smoother jam, chop them smaller (or break up with a potato masher whilst cooking).

Weigh the strawberries and weigh out an equal amount of sugar.

Put the strawberries and lemon juice into a large pan.  Heat for a few minutes to soften, add the sugar and stir with a wooden spoon over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved.

Once the sugar has dissolved and the liquid is clear, boil steadily for about 6 minutes, or until at setting point. 

To test if the jam is at setting point, spoon a little onto a cold plate, leave for a minute and then push the jam with your finger.  If the jam wrinkles and separates without flooding back, setting point has been reached.  If not, boil for another minute and test again.  Once it's at setting point remove from heat.

Set aside to cool for a few minutes, skim any scum from the surface with a metal spoon and add a small knob of butter to disperse any remaining scum. 

Carefully pour into a sterilised jar and immediately seal with a lid.

Invert the jar and allow to sit upside down for about 30 minutes. This helps to evenly distribute the fruit. It also seals the jar.  When the lid does not pop, the jar is sealed.

Sterilising Jam Jars: To sterilise jars, wash thoroughly, fill with boiling water, including the lid, then sterilise in the air fryer.  Set the temperature to 140c and place the jars and lids upside down on top of some kitchen roll. Leave for 10 - 15 minutes.