Making jam is my favorite way to preserve strawberries. There is something special about homemade jam made from strawberries you picked yourself. Like most of us, I am making an effort to cut back on sugar this year and decided to try a no sugar strawberry jam recipe. This jam uses pectin from green apples to thicken the jam and grape juice as a sweetener. Treat yourself to something good with this healthy, natural jam.
Suggestions for Making No Sugar Strawberry Jam
- Use only ripe fresh strawberries that are firm and not over ripe.
- Using a candy thermometer is helpful because it can be hard to tell when the jam is ready.
- Wear a thicker long sleeve shirt because sometimes the jam can splatter a little and burn you.
- Pick a time to make this jam when you have minimal distractions. You are going to have to stir often for at least 45 minutes.
No Sugar Strawberry Jam Recipe From Ball’s Home Preserving Book
- 12 cups hulled and halved fresh strawberries
- 5 Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
- 2- 12 oz grape juice concentrate thawed
- Using a heavy bottomed pot add the above ingredients and bring to boil on a medium high heat. Stir constantly.
- Reduce heat to medium, boiling gently for about 45 minutes (possibly longer).
- Boil until a candy thermometer reads 220 degrees F.
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How to Know if Your Jam is Ready
Place a couple small plates in the freezer to chill. On a chilled plate, spread a teaspoon of the jam and put in the freezer for a minute. After the minute, push the edge of the jam with your finger. The jam should holds its shape and feel like a gel.
Canning No Sugar Strawberry Jam
- Fill your water bath canner with enough water to cover your jars by an inch and heat.
- Ladle the hot jam into warm eight ounce canning jars. You will need eight or nine jars. Leave a 1/4 inch headspace for each jar.
- Wipe the rims and seal with lid and canning bands.
- Carefully place jars in canner and add more water if the water level is not over the jars by an inch.
- Bring to a boil and then set the timer to boil for ten minutes.
- Remove from the canner and let cool.
