Strawberry Honey Jam

Ever since I have made my way on over to Virginia, I have had a lot of foodie firsts. Sure, I have always canned due to my CSA, however it wasn't until I moved here that I was able to take part in the "picking" process. Many of you may remember my first jaunts with peach  and apple picking. Yet, this season would be my first in terms of strawberry picking.

When I first read that the fields were open early this year, (Darn you global warming! But hey, thanks for the early produce.) I jumped at the chance and knew that I must get there in order to ensure the best that the picking fields had to offer and with my camera in tow, I ventured out to the farming land's in Virginia Beach (Yes, it is true. There are farms in Virginia Beach!). Where I drove 40 miles to get my fair share this past Wednesday. Which seemed to be the perfect day due to the lack of people picking the fields. Which meant I got the best that the fields had to offer that day. 

I was very excited to learn that Cullipher Farm is the only strawberry picking field in Southeastern Virginia that is certified organic. Which is awesome in my book because let's not forget that strawberries have very high pesticide residues and are on the dirty dozen list.

Although it was quite cold while picking, it truly didn't deter me. I wanted those strawberries because I have some big plans on what I am going to do with them and of course I will be sharing them with all of you. Let's also not forget that amazing Strawberry Pie with Basil Mascarpone Whipped Cream from last year either.

Since many of you do know that I keep bees, it may come as no surprise that I will be using honey in conjunction with many of my recipes that will be involving strawberries. When I first picked these berries, the first thing that popped into my mind was Strawberry Honey Jam!

This jam is perfect because it is natural (which pectin is a natural ingredient, it just depends on what type of pectin.) and naturally sweetened. Perfect slathered on whole wheat toast with ricotta or with a spoonful over ice cream. Enjoy!

Strawberry Honey Jam

Makes 8 half-pint jars

Ingredients

8 cups of washed, hulled and crushed strawberries 

1 cup honey

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice

6 tablespoons Classic Real Fruit Pectin by Ball

Directions

1. Sterilize your jars and lids. If you are unsure as to how to do so, reference this post.

2 Prepare the strawberries: I used a potato masher to mash my strawberries as I like to have some chunks in my jam. Although doing this does make the jam a bit inconsistent as some of the fruit floats to the top. Or if you like a smoother jam you may process them with a food processor.

3. Combine the strawberries, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest and pectin in a stainless steel pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occassionally and boil for 1-2 minutes. 

4. Scrape off the foam and ladle the jam into the sterilized jars leaving a 1/4 inch head space. Run a knife around the inside of the rim to loosen up any bubbles. Wipe the rim of the jars and apply the lids. 

5. Return the jars to the boiling water that you used to sterilize the jars. Make sure the jars are covered by an inch or two of water. Put the lid on and process the jars for 10 minutes. Afterwards, turn the stove off and take the lid off and let sit for 5 minutes then take out of the water. In about an hour the lids should have sealed and press down on the center of each to check. If the lid still pops up, it is not sealed and that jar must be refrigerated and used within two weeks. If it is sealed and the lid does not pop up, you have successfully canned your jam and the jam will keep for about one year!

Comments

[Gastronome Tart]

Hi Lori- I so do miss blackberry season in TN! Lucky you! In terms of the jam, I would say to obviously cut down on the amount of lemon juice and to add a bit more honey to taste. This may affect the gelling of the jam so due to this I would probably add another two tablespoons of pectin just to be on the safe side. I hope this helps! Let me know how it turns out!

Sent from my iPhone

[Lori]

We are in the midst of Blackberry season, here in Tennessee. I am wondering if this same recipe would work with blackberries? I use basically the same "sugar" recipe with both. I am diabetic and I love the idea of using honey. Any ideas would be much appreciated. P.S. The blackberries seem to be a bit tart this year. How would adjusting the honey work in the setting of the jam?

[Gastronome Tart]

Sure- Gel should be fine. I think it might be beneficial to add an extra half to full tablespoon to ensure the gel. Let me know how it turns out!

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[Deborah Hubler]

Do you know if the brand of pectin matters? None of our local stores had Classic Real Fruit Pectin by Ball - so I bought what seems the closest thing - Sure-Jell 100% Natural Premium Fruit Pectin.

[Deanne]

I look forward to making this recipe! And the honey is better for diabetics! I use local honey in a lot of things! Never thought about jam though!

[Karen]

It's on the counter cooling. There is one 1/2 jar that I put in the fridge. Both my husband and I enjoyed the first taste - not too sour for us.

[Gastronome Tart]

I am so excited for you to try it! It is 8 cups of crushed berries. You may also want to add a bit more pectin and adjust the amount of zest and or lemon juice as it can be a bit tart for some. Good luck and let me know how it turns out!

Sent from my iPhone

[Karen]

We're making jam this week and I wanted to be absolutely sure of your measurements. Does this mean 8 cups crushed berries or 8 cups of berries that you then crush?

[love2dine]

wow! thanks a lot for sharing i love strawberries..

[Heidi @ Food Doodles]

Ahhh, I love strawberry jam. It's probably the only jam I really crave. I absolutely love that you used honey, I can't wait to try that this year!

[Russell at Chasing Delicious]

Yum! My strawberries just started fruiting! Now if only I had your bees and honey ; )

[Best Food Mixer]

I never realized how healthy strawberries were until recently. Apparently there is more vitamin c in strawberries than in oranges. Even more reason to eat them. Not that I need to many reasons anyway.

[Becky]

I saw this recipe on TK just now. I had to click over to write you and let you know I will be dreaming of strawberries and this jam tonight! I am very much looking forward to making this, even though I have never canned anything in my life. I think I can make your recipe, it seems simple. I think I may start with a half recipe b/c I really don't want to be overwhelmed. Anyway, thanks for sharing your recipe and I will check back in with you when I make your jam!

[Julia {The Roasted Root}]

I'm excited for strawberry season as well, though it looks like you guys have a ton of strawberry fields nearby....I'll be getting mine from the store :( I love your jam recipe, especially because you use honey instead of sugar - I bet this gives the jam a unique flavor and of course it is way better for you than normal cane sugar. Beautiful pictures and thanks for a great recipe!

[Gastronome Tart]

That is so funny that you mentioned the foam! I actually spooned some off and it went directly into my mouth LOL You are right, good stuff!

Sent from my iPhone

[Allene]

Sounds great, but don't throw away the foam! Take just a little bit of the jam itself with the foam and use it first. It has all the flavor of the jam, but with a whipped-cream like texture. I remember always thinking the foam was the best part of canning jam when I was a kid. :)

[Nancy/SpicieFoodie]

I wish I had a Strawberry farm near me. Every Spring and Summer I make a few jam batches. But never added honey. Thanks for sharing, definitely going to give it a try.

[The Sedona Method]

I love strawberry jam and this has really motivated me to try and make my own this year. Thanks for the encouragement!

[Ken Wood]

Oh this article so remins me of when we used to pick strawberries from a farm in Kent each summer. We never did make jam with them though, I guess they never lasted long enough for that!

[sunglasses hut]

I support you, as always.these pics are beautiful! Thanks for the inspiration =) Congrats on Top 9!

[Gastronome Tart]

Thank you! I have been wanting to as well and finally decided to do so :)

Sent from my iPhone

[CJ at Food Stories]

Major congrats on your foodbuzz top 9, today!

[Part Time House Wife]

I've been wanting to make my own jam forever now! these pics are beautiful! Thanks for the inspiration =) Congrats on Top 9!

[Ryan]

Yay for strawberry picking season! This jam looks IN-credible and the jars look so pretty! I love their festive tops!! This sounds like it would be absolutely delicious-- the combo of strawberry and honey sounds so good!

We're going to try to go strawberry picking today in Charlottesville! Woo hoo!!