Homemade Strawberry Preserve
Cafe-Quality Strawberry Preserve at Home! Super Simple Recipe
Make sweet strawberry preserves with fresh, in-season strawberries! Homemade strawberry preserves can be enjoyed in various ways: mixed with milk for a creamy strawberry latte, or paired with plain yogurt for a refreshing strawberry yogurt. Enjoy sophisticated strawberry drinks at home just like at a cafe!
Ingredients- 850g fresh strawberries
- 850g white sugar or unrefined sugar (equal weight to strawberries)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the fresh strawberries thoroughly. Rinse them lightly under running water, then soak them in a light vinegar solution for about 5 minutes. Rinse again under running water to remove any residual pesticides.
Step 2
Drain the washed strawberries completely in a colander. Any remaining moisture can shorten the shelf life of the preserve, so ensure they are well-dried in a well-ventilated area.
Step 3
Carefully remove the green tops from the strawberries. Be mindful to remove any dirt or debris that might be clinging to the stems.
Step 4
Gently pat dry the strawberries with the remaining moisture removed from the stems using paper towels. This step helps to maintain the freshness of the strawberry preserve for a longer period.
Step 5
Cut the strawberries into bite-sized pieces. You can cut them into 2-3 pieces according to your preference, or for a smoother texture, you can pulse them lightly in a blender. If using a blender, avoid over-processing; leaving some small chunks will enhance the texture.
Step 6
Mix the prepared strawberries with sugar in a 1:1 ratio. This ratio balances the natural strawberry flavor with the right amount of sweetness. Ensure the sugar is evenly distributed without clumping.
Step 7
Prepare the glass jar for the strawberry preserve by sterilizing it with boiling water. Submerge the jar in boiling water for about 5 minutes, and lightly sterilize the lid as well. (Caution: Metal lids may rust if boiled for too long.) Ensure the jar is completely dry before use.
Step 8
Once the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture becomes syrupy, transfer the strawberry mixture into the sterilized glass jar. Fill the jar only 80-90% full to prevent overflow as it ferments and settles.
Step 9
Your delicious strawberry preserve is ready! If you’ve bottled it immediately after the sugar dissolved, it’s best to let it mature in the refrigerator for 3-4 days before consuming. This allows the sweetness to distribute evenly and develop a deeper flavor. Enjoy a variety of drinks and desserts with your fresh, sweet homemade strawberry preserve!
