All-Natural Strawberry Jam (No Pectin)
- felichiccuisine
- Jun 12, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: May 7
Capture the Taste of Summer in a Jar
Strawberry season is here again—and what better way to savor it than with a jar of vibrant, homemade strawberry jam? This all-natural, pectin-free recipe is simple, delicious, and made with just three ingredients: strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. It’s a celebration of pure flavor—free from artificial additives and bursting with the essence of ripe strawberries.
Whether you’re spreading it on warm toast, spooning it into yogurt, or gifting a jar to a friend, this jam is a sweet reminder of summer’s best.
Why Make Jam Without Pectin?
While many modern jam recipes rely on added pectin to help the mixture set, strawberries contain small amounts of natural pectin—especially when they’re slightly under-ripe.
With the right technique, you can achieve a luscious, spoonable consistency without needing store-bought pectin. Plus, you retain the beautiful, fresh flavor of the fruit.
Tips for the Perfect Pectin-Free Strawberry Jam
1. Pick the Right Strawberries
Choose fresh, slightly under-ripe strawberries. These have a higher natural pectin content and a firmer texture, perfect for jam-making. A sweet, aromatic scent is a good indicator of flavorful fruit.
2. Extract the Juice Naturally
Layer the strawberries with sugar in your pot and let them sit overnight. This slow process draws out the natural juices, enhances flavor, and improves gelling—no extra pectin needed.
3. Use Lemon Juice for Balance & Safety
Lemon juice not only brightens the flavor but also helps the jam set by adjusting the acidity. It also makes the jam safer for long-term storage.
4. Consider Sugar Ratios
A classic jam uses a 1:1 fruit-to-sugar ratio, but you can reduce it slightly. I recommend 800 grams of sugar per 1 kilogram of strawberries for a less sweet yet still well-preserved jam.
5. Sterilize Your Jars Properly
Cleanliness is key. Rinse jars in hot water, then heat them in the oven at 110°C (230°F) for 10 minutes. Always spoon jam into hot jars and seal immediately to prevent mold and ensure shelf stability.
By following these tips, you can create delicious, natural strawberry jam without the need for added pectin, capturing the essence of fresh strawberries in every jar.
How I Make My Strawberry Jam
I like to use fresh strawberries that are just slightly under-ripe; they smell sweet and taste amazing, but they also help the jam set better since I don’t use any added pectin. A little lemon juice helps too.
For the sugar, I usually go with about 800 grams per kilo of fruit. If the berries aren’t super sweet, I’ll just do equal parts sugar and fruit (1:1) to make sure it thickens properly.
For another delicious option, you could try: Strawberry & 'Beurre Noisette' Almond Tart
I normally use white sugar because it sets best, but I’ve also tried light brown sugar. It gives the jam a slightly caramel flavor, which my family actually really likes. So it’s totally up to your taste.
One trick I always do: I mix the strawberries and sugar together and let them sit overnight. It draws out all the natural juices and gives the jam a deeper flavor.
When it’s done cooking, I pour the hot jam into sterilized jars and seal them right away. I try to get rid of any air bubbles, just to keep it fresh longer.
Making homemade strawberry jam is a simple and enjoyable process. Follow these steps for a delicious, pectin-free jam that highlights the pure, natural flavor of fresh strawberries, with a caramelized note.
Enjoy!
Making your own strawberry jam is more than just a way to preserve fruit—it's a satisfying ritual that fills your kitchen with the scent of summer. With no artificial pectin or additives, this recipe lets the natural flavor of strawberries shine. It’s simple, honest, and utterly delicious.
Have you tried making this Strawberry Jam? I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts and any creative twists you added to the recipe in the comments below. Or, tag me on Instagram (@FeliChic'Cuisine) when you post your recipe creations. Let's inspire each other. Thank You!
*All Photographs on Feli Chic'Cuisine, signed Feli Chic'Cuisine are copyrighted.
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