This recipe for Sure Jell Strawberry Jam with sweet berries and tart lime makes the most amazing preserves! It's easier to make than you think and once you make it you'll never buy jam again!
Springtime means a combination of my favorite jam flavors - strawberry rhubarb jam! I hope you give recipe a try next!
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Homemade Strawberry Jam
When it's strawberry season, it's time to make homemade jam. This is a great recipe and a fun twist on traditional jam!
Mandarin Orange Jelly, Christmas in July Pepper Jam and Blueberry Pizzaz Jam are all requested!
✔️ Everyone really loves homemade jams and jellies!
✔️ This one already has BIG approval stamps from the friends I've shared it with!
✔️ Homemade jam is easy to make when you follow these step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- fresh fruit, you'll need 5 cups of crushed strawberries
- salt
- lime
- sugar
- tequila (optional)
- low sugar sure-jell pectin (that's the pink box)
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Clean and hull the strawberries (do not chop).
- Add the strawberries to a large heavy bottom pan. Using a potato masher, mash the berries well.
- Add the juice and zest of the lime and salt as called for in the recipe.
- Measure ¼ cup of sugar and mix it with the contents of the Sure-Jell. Sprinkle it into the berry mixture and set it onto the burner on high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- When it comes to a hard boil that you cannot stir down, add the remaining sugar.
- Stirring constantly, return it to a hard boil and boil exactly one minute.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the tequila - please note the tequila is optional.
- Immediately ladle into clean, sterilized hot jars, add rings and lid. Submerge in the boiling water and process in the hot water bath for 10 minutes to seal the jars.
See it's not hard to make!
Equipment
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- heavy bottom pan
- potato masher
- wooden spoon
- ladle
- canning jars, lids and rings
- hot pan holders
- timer
- funnel
- lifting tongs
- Sure-Jell Pectin - be sure to get the PINK box
- National Center for Home Food Preservation
FAQ's
How long has it been since you've done any canning? Has it been awhile? If so, now's the time to jump back into jamming and let's start by answering a few questions.
Pretty much, the names are used interchangeably. In both jam and preserves you'll find pieces of fruit.
Nope, jelly is different than jam. As I'd mentioned above jam contains pieces of fruit. Jelly is made from fruit juice.
Lemon or lime juice is added when canning to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Pectin doesn't preserve jelly or jam, but helps it jell so it isn't too runny.
Things to know
- Clean the fruit by soaking it. Place ripe strawberries in a large bowl. Using 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water, swish around really well, drain and rinse with fresh water.
- Use the exact amount of sugar the recipe calls for. The sugar not only sweetens the fruit but also preserves it. If you use less sugar, you may end up with mold on top of the jam even though you’ve sealed it properly.
- Don’t change the amount of fruit – if you put in too little, it can get too thick, like paste! Too much fruit and it may not set and will be syrupy.
- Although the jars and rings are reusable, the lids are not.
For more information on making homemade preserves visit A Guide to making Homemade Jam or the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
Jam-making isn't hard, but you do have to be precise. When the recipe calls for boiling, just one minute, set a timer. Over-processing can make the jam set incorrectly. And the longer it's boiled, the more flavor is removed from the fruit.
Trust me, this is the closest I've ever gotten to chemistry as I (ahem...) graduated from the school of hard knocks! 🤣🤣🤣
Storage
Refrigerate - Cool to room temperature. Refrigerate any opened or unsealed jars of jam. They will last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Pantry - Store sealed jars in a dark cool spot, like your pantry for up to six months.
Related recipes
If you like this jam, you'll definitely want to try other jam recipes on my site like;
- Ja Makin' Me Crazy Mango Jam - is seriously delicious!
- Bam Bam Pomegranate Jam - with a great POP of spice, this is so good.
- Easy to make Low Sugar Blueberry Jam.
- This recipe for Strawberry Freezer Jam - no water bath canner required. Just ladle into plastic containers and freeze.
Looking for more delicious homemade jam recipes? Be sure to check out Gourmet Jam Recipes - all of our favorites in one spot!
Serve with
- Grilling chicken, pork or shrimp? Jams and jellies are a flavorful quick, and easy glaze.
- A PB&J, of course! Everyone loves a great peanut butter and jam sandwich.
- I use a spoonful in salad dressings to add great flavor!
- It's perfect inside these yummy Strawberry Sandwich Cookies!
- What if the jam doesn't set? Label it as syrup, and no one will be the wiser.
- Sure jell strawberry jam makes a great hostess gift!
Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️
If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Sure Jell Strawberry Jam Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 cups crushed fresh strawberries You'll need about 10 cups whole strawberries to make 5 cups crushed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 lime zested and juiced
- ¼ cup tequila use good tequila! / OPTIONAL
- 4 cups sugar
- 1 1.75 sure-jell pectin PINK BOX
Instructions
- Clean the strawberries and remove the stems (do not chop).
- Mash the berries with a potato masher. Measure out exactly 5 cups of crushed berries. Add to a large heavy bottom pot.
- Add the juice and zest of the lime and one teaspoon salt
- Measure ¼ cup of sugar and mix it with the contents of the Sure-Jell. Sprinkle it into the berry mixture and set it on the burner. Turn on high and bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.
- When the fruit mixture comes to a hard boil (one that you cannot stir down) add the remaining sugar.
- Return it to a hard boil and boil exactly one minute.
- Remove from the heat. With hot pan holders on immediately stir in ¼ cup tequila. It will bubble and spit a bit! Continue to stir until it is completely incorporated, about a minute.
- Ladle hot jam into clean, sterilized jars.
- Using a paper towel clean the top of the jar off completely.
- Add the lid and screw top. Screw the lid on tightly. Process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes to seal.
- Remove from the hot water bath and place on a heat-proof surface. You'll hear the jars pop and you'll know they are sealed.
Kenny says
How can this make 6 pints, when you are only using 5 cups of berries (2-1/2 pints)? But it does sound good.
Bowl Me Over says
Because of the sugar.
Elizabeth says
Can I make it without the alcohol love the apricot jam it’s a hit at my home ?
Bowl Me Over says
YOu bet Elizabeth - you can certainly omit the alchol in this recipe! I'm so glad you're enjoying the jam recipes!
Brenda Kelly says
Does the alcohol in the tequila cook out. I would love to try this but am concerned about my children. Do you have a recipe for strawberry jam with the alcohol?
Bowl Me Over says
Hey Brenda, good morning! The alcohol does cook off but if it makes you more comfortable you can totally leave the alcohol out on this recipe. I have another delicious recipe for strawberry jam on the blog here that does not contain alcohol - https://bowl-me-over.com/low-sugar-strawberry-jam/ Enjoy the jam!
Jennifer Stewart says
Fresh Strawberries and Tequila? This is probably the best Jam recipe I've seen. I want this now!
Kathy McDaniel says
This recipe is so creative! Way to turn a simple jam into a fabulous and delicious treat! This is the way I will be making jam for sure!
Bowl Me Over says
We just love this recipe, it's super fun and so delicious! Enjoy Kathy!!
Michaela Kenkel says
Do you take orders?? This sounds absolutely delicious!!
Bowl Me Over says
I've been known to yes! 😀 Enjoy Michaela!
michele says
You had me at margarita jam! This is printed out and I am making this for the end of summer breakfast BBQ in our neighborhood! It sounds perfect for a gift for all the neighbors!
Bowl Me Over says
Homemade Jam is the BEST gift Michele and so easy to make when berries are abundant. Enjoy Michele!
Sandra Shaffer says
I definitely prefer jam with real fruit over jelly! We are still going strong with fresh strawberries here in CA. I think I'll make a couple of batches to give as gifts during the holiday season!
Bowl Me Over says
Perfect! It's the BEST gift (if you have any leftover!) Thank you Sandra!
Angela says
How incredible is this!!!! I am loving the flavor of this jam and really excited to try your recipe!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful, enjoy Angela! I've made this so many times now and it comes out prefect every time!
Carolyn says
This would be incredible on an english muffin in the morning!
Bowl Me Over says
Absolutely, my Aunt went thru an entire jar over the weekend!
Dan from Platter Talk says
I would love to try margarita on toast, any day of the week! Such terrific flavors here!!
Bowl Me Over says
One order coming up Dan! 😉
Liza says
This recipe is genius! I LOVE the idea of adding the tequila to the jam! I'd never think of it, but it should come out so unique and delicious!
Bowl Me Over says
It's so good Liza - everyone's favorite this year at the family reunion. I hope you give it a try!