Homemade Strawberry Preserves

Name: Homemade Strawberry Preserves
Prep time: 30 min
Yield: 4.5 pints
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled & lightly mashed); 1/2 cup sugar (I used slightly less...adjust to taste… yes, you’re in control here); 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh is best… it wakes everything up); 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional but chef’s kiss); 2 tbsp chia seeds

30 mins prepEasy

Print Recipe

Fresh homemade strawberry preserves in small glass jars made with ripe strawberries and low sugar

Ingredients

4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled & lightly mashed)

1/2 cup sugar (I used slightly less...adjust to taste… yes, you’re in control here)

2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh is best… it wakes everything up)

1 tbsp lemon zest (optional but chef’s kiss)

2 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions

1
Prep the berries
Chop and lightly mash… leave some chunks if you want that rustic, juicy vibe.
2
Cook it down
Toss strawberries + lemon juice into a saucepan. Medium heat… stir occasionally until it starts bubbling.
3
Add sugar
Stir it in… let it simmer 15–25 minutes. You’ll see it thicken slightly and darken… that’s flavor building, baby.
4
Remove from heat and let cool.
Add chia seeds and stir to mix thoroughly.
5
Finish strong
Stir in lemon zest… taste it… adjust sweetness if needed.
6
Cool & store
It thickens more as it cools.
7
Store in fridge up to 2–3 weeks… or freeze for longer.

Notes: Pro Tips (this is where the magic happens)
Don’t overcook… or you lose that fresh strawberry pop
A pinch of salt = flavor booster (tiny but mighty)
Want it smoother? Hit it with an immersion blender for a few seconds
Like it chunky? Leave it alone and embrace the texture

Equipment used

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