A Strawberry Jam Shoutout!

The other day we all went to a pick your own strawberry farm here in South Florida.  I remember as a child going to a strawberry field every summer near Owen Sound and spending the afternoon with my mom and younger brother picking berries.  I think more were eaten than picked but these are cherished childhood memories and even now, as an adult going to a pick your own farm brings these good memories flooding back. 

It’s a great way to spend quality time with loved ones and a wonderful way for children to learn about where food comes from.  All in all it is something I think everyone should try at least once.  Just remember to leave the cell phones behind so that you can thoroughly relish in the moment and the wonder of what mother nature provides.

Bedner’s is a pick your own farm about 20 minutes from where my mom lives.  You take a tractor ride out to the fields where you arrive to find endless rows of strawberry plants all teaming with large red delicious berries. 

The beds are slightly raised and covered in black plastic that keeps the soil from washing away.  I greatly appreciated the raised beds because I’m having some trouble with my back but I wasn’t  thrilled to see so much plastic.  Strawberries are available to pick at Bedner’s for approximately 3 months.  That is just amazing to me as our season in Northern Ontario lasts about 3 weeks.  These berries were huge and extremely sweet for their size.  At home the berries are considerably smaller but so so sweet.  I’ve always assumed that was the trade-off (smaller berries equals sweeter berries).  But, I’m pleased to report these big fellers were delicious.   

RECIPE FOR STRAWBERRY JAM (modified from Blue Chair Jam Cookbook ):

• 4 pounds strawberries (approximately 12 cups; the cup measurement will vary and is difficult to correctly obtain when using whole berries)
• 2 1/2 pounds granulated white sugar (approximately 6 cups)
• 3 small lemons 
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 1 small lemon)
• 2 1/2 oz Drambuie

1. Peel 3 small lemons removing a thin layer of the outer rind to cut into star-shaped pieces.  The rind can also be cut into thin strips or excluded altogether.  Remove the remaining white pith and slice the lemons into 1/4 inch rounds then quarter each slice.  Put the star-shaped rinds and the lemon quarters in two separate bowls, covering with water.  Cover each dish and set aside for 8-12 hours.
2. Next day ~ Prepare for water bath canning.  Place a few spoons and a plate in the freezer to test for doneness later on. 
3. Discard the water in both bowls of prepared lemons.  Put 1 cup of water in a small stainless steel saucepan and add lemon stars/rinds.  Bring to a boil over med-high heat and boil for approximately 20 minutes or until rinds are tender.
4. Wash strawberries well, remove tops and cut larger berries in half (or leave whole if that is your preference.)  Keep in mind that strawberries are one of the fruits that are sprayed with a lot of pesticides so washing well is important.
5. Combine strawberries, sugar, lemon membrane pieces, and rind in a large stainless steel saucepan and bring to a boil.  Boil hard for 30-40 minutes, stirring constantly to be sure that it does not stick to the bottom.  Note:  You may want to reserve the star lemon rinds and add them a little later on.  Although, they did maintain their shape the colour is lost during the cooking process. 
6. After 30-40 minutes remove the mixture from the heat and skim the foam.  Add lemon juice and Drambuie and return to a boil for 5 minutes.  Test for doneness.
7. Ladle hot jam into hot sterilized jars leaving 1/4″ headspace, remove air bubbles, and top up jam if necessary.Wipe rims with damp paper towel.  Center lids on rims and tighten rings until resistance is met (finger-tip tight).  Process for 10 minutes in a hot water bath.
8. Remove lid and wait 5 minutes.  Remove jars, let cool, check seals, label, and store. 

Please note:  the times for cooking above may vary depending on both your stove and the pot you use.  We are working in a different kitchen and believe that our stove at home would probably reduce cooking time by 15-20 minutes throughout the whole process.

Put up Total:

• 1 x 250mL regular mouth diamond jar
• 2 x 500mL Weck Deco jars

This jam is so delicious that it will have a special place in our pantry.  The star lemon rind pieces add that little bit of lemony goodness that can only be described as a fresh flavour.  The colour is rich, the strawberry taste intense, and the Drambuie blends in perfectly.  I strongly recommend trying this jam.