Sugar-Free Strawberry Jam Recipe for National Strawberry Day

Every February, National Strawberry Day celebrates one of the most beloved fruits, the strawberry. This berry is not only delicious but also has significant nutritional value, making it a great ingredient for all kinds of recipes. If you’re a fan of strawberry preserves, this sugar-free strawberry jam recipe will be a perfect way to enjoy the sweet, fresh taste of strawberries without the added sugar!!

Ingredients

Here are the essential ingredients you need for making sugar-free strawberry jam:

• 6 cups of strawberries (washed, hulled, and sliced)
• 4 tablespoons of chia seeds
• 4-6 tablespoons of a natural sweetener, like stevia, adjusted to your sweetness preference
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for a little tartness
• Optional: a pinch of salt to enhance flavors

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Strawberries

Start by washing the strawberries thoroughly to remove any debris. Remove the stems and any white core. Slice the strawberries into small pieces. It’s okay if they vary in size; this will give your jam a nice texture.

Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with your sweetener of choice. Mix well until the strawberries are fully coated. Allow them to sit for a few minutes to start releasing their natural juices.

Step 3: Cooking the Strawberries

Pour the sweetened strawberries into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the optional pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Cook the strawberries, stirring frequently, for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture thickens, adding slightly.

Step 4: Adding Chia Seeds

Once the strawberries are hot and slightly soft, take the pan off the heat. Stir in the chia seeds and vanilla extract. Chia seeds will help thicken the jam without adding cooked pectin, and they contribute to the nutritional value of the jam.

Step 5: Finishing the Jam

Return the pan to the heat and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the jam reaches your desired consistency. Remember that the jam will thicken further as it cools, so keep it slightly runnier than you want the final product to be.

Step 6: Testing for Doneness

The jam is ready when it holds its shape on a spoon. To test for doneness, spoon a small amount of jam onto a chilled plate. If it gels and doesn’t run when you tip the plate, it’s ready to be canned.

Step 7: Canning the Jam

While the jam is hot, ladle it into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, place the lids on, and screw on the bands until just fingertip-tight.

Step 8: Sealing the Jars

Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the jars and set them on a towel to cool. Once cool, test the seals by pressing down on the center of the lids. If the lids do not flex, your jars are sealed. If any jars do not seal, store those jars in the refrigerator and use the jam within a month.

Serving and Storage

Store your sugar-free strawberry jam in a cool, dark place like a pantry for up to a year. Once opened, store the jam in the refrigerator and use it within a month.

This sugar-free strawberry jam tastes great on toast, mixed into oatmeal, or as a topping for yogurt. And the best part is, you can enjoy it guilt-free on National Strawberry Day or any day you’re craving the taste of summer!