Every summer, I love to cook more in my kitchen. One day, I had fresh strawberries and wanted to try something new. I mixed them with jalapeños and made jalapeño strawberry jam.
This jam was a hit with my friends and family. It’s sweet and spicy, a perfect mix. It made simple foods taste amazing.
When I shared it, people loved it. It made mornings better on toast and snacks tastier. It showed me how homemade jams can make meals special. Let’s explore how to make this yummy jam together.
Introduction to Jalapeño Strawberry Jam
Jalapeño Strawberry Jam is a mix of sweet and spicy. It’s perfect for breakfast toast or cheese platters. This jam is special because it combines strawberries and jalapeños in a unique way.
The jam is made with 4 parts strawberries to 1 part jalapeños. This keeps it sweet but adds a spicy kick. It’s a favorite among those who love trying new flavors.
Recently, people have been asking for this jam more and more. It’s up 20% every year. It’s a hit because it’s both sweet and spicy.
Using fresh strawberries makes the jam taste even better. A bit of lime or lemon juice can make it even more delicious. It’s a treat for your taste buds.
Each jar of this jam captures the taste of summer. It’s great on pancakes, with cheese, or just on its own. Jalapeño Strawberry Jam is a journey of flavors you won’t forget.
Why Choose Homemade Jam?
Making homemade jam is a fun adventure. It’s fresh because I use farm ingredients. I can avoid artificial stuff found in store jams.
I love making jam because it’s creative. Mixing strawberries with jalapeños creates a tasty treat. Knowing what’s in my jam makes me happy.
Preserving my jam lets me share it at special times. It’s a great gift during holidays. People love it with turkey or on crackers.
The mix of sweet and spicy makes meals better. Homemade jam brings joy to my kitchen. I always have some ready to use.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Canning Process | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Yield | 7-8 half pint jars |
| Storage Duration | 12-18 months (properly canned) |
| Fresh Ingredients | 100% natural, no artificial additives |
| Customer Rating | 4.96 from 73 votes |
Unique Flavor Profile of Jalapeño Strawberry Jam
Strawberries and jalapeños make a special jam. It’s sweet and spicy. The sweetness of strawberries balances the heat of jalapeños.
This jam makes 7 cups. It uses 4 pints of strawberries and 1 cup of jalapeños. The heat level changes with the pepper type. It also has 4 cups of sugar for sweetness.
This jam is great for many things. It’s good on meats, cheeses, or in desserts. People like it with cream cheese and crackers.
It’s tasty on toast or in recipes. The mix of sweet and spicy is wonderful. This jam has been loved for over a century.
Jalapeño Strawberry Jam is a hit. It’s creative and fun to taste. People always want more.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Diced strawberries | 4 cups (Approx. 4 pints) |
| Finely diced jalapeños | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 4 cups |
| Pectin (Sure Jell) | 1.75 oz (Approx. 49 g) |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1/2 cup |
| Cooking time | 20-30 minutes |
| Storage duration (Refrigerated) | Up to 3 months |
| Culinary applications | 5 (Spread, glaze, filling, topping, dipping sauce) |
Ingredients Needed for Jalapeño Strawberry Jam
To make a tasty jalapeño strawberry jam, you need fresh ingredients. These will mix together to create a sweet and spicy jam. Here’s what you’ll need to make it.
Fresh Ingredients
For the best mix of sweet and spicy, get these ingredients:
- 3 cups of fresh strawberries (about 24 medium strawberries)
- ½ cup of diced jalapeños (1-2 peppers, depending on size)
- ½ cup of granulated sugar (less than usual)
- Juice of half a lemon for a bit of tartness
- A pinch of salt to boost flavor
These simple ingredients let the strawberries’ natural sweetness shine. This makes the {organic spread} tasty and healthier.
Substitutions and Variations
Want to try something new with your jam? Here are some ideas:
- Use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are hard to find. Just thaw them first.
- Change the heat by trying different peppers, like serrano or habanero.
- For a sweeter jam, add more sugar. But don’t overdo it to keep the flavors balanced.
With these ingredients and ideas, you can make a sweet and spicy jam. It will impress everyone you share it with.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Strawberry Jalapeño Jam
Making homemade strawberry jalapeño jam is a fun kitchen tradition. It’s easy to make and adds a tasty twist to many dishes. Here’s how to make it in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 cups well-crushed strawberries
- 1 cup minced jalapeño peppers
- 7 cups white granulated sugar
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 box (1.75 oz) pectin
Preparation Steps
- First, wash and prepare your jars. Boil them for at least 5 minutes to sterilize.
- In a big pot, mix the crushed strawberries, minced jalapeño peppers, and lemon juice.
- Then, stir in the pectin. Bring the mix to a full boil over medium heat.
- After boiling, slowly add the sugar while stirring. Boil for 1 minute after adding sugar.
- Next, remove the pot from heat. Skim off any foam for a clearer jam.
- Now, fill the hot jam into the jars, leaving a ½ inch space at the top.
- Wipe the jar rims to ensure a proper seal. Then, apply the lids.
- Put the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Adjust for altitude if needed.
- Take the jars out and let them cool for about 24 hours. This ensures they seal well.
This recipe makes about 7 half-pint jars of jam. You get around 160 servings. Each serving has about 36 calories.
Keep unopened jars in a cool, dark place for 12-18 months. If a jar doesn’t seal, refrigerate it. Enjoy the sweet and spicy jam!
Tips for Making the Perfect Jam
Making artisan preserves like jalapeño strawberry jam is fun. I’ll share tips for the best results. Crushing strawberries right and managing jalapeño heat are key.
Crushing Strawberries
Crushing strawberries is important. I use a potato masher to get the right mix. This keeps some texture.
I aim for 4 cups of crushed strawberries. This is about 2 quarts of fresh berries. It makes the jam better.
Managing Heat Levels from Jalapeños
Adjusting jalapeño peppers is key for the right heat. About 1 cup of minced peppers is perfect. It adds a nice kick without being too hot.
If you like it milder, start with less peppers. Then add more if you want. This way, you can make it just right for everyone.
Canning Techniques for Long-lasting Preservation
Mastering canning techniques is key for making Jalapeño Strawberry Jam last long. I start by sterilizing my jars in boiling water for 15 minutes. This step kills bacteria and gets the jars ready for jam.
After sterilizing, I fill the jars with jam, leaving 1/4 to 1/2 inch space. This space lets the jam expand as it cooks. I then boil the jars for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on size. Keeping water above the jar tops helps heat spread evenly.
After boiling, I let the jars sit for 24 hours to seal. If a jar doesn’t seal, I refrigerate it and use it in a week or two. The sealed jars can last 12 to 18 months in a cool, dark place.
I follow USDA advice for canning, using metal lids for safety. Basic canning kits cost under $50. Having extra jars is smart, as recipe yields can change. With these steps, my homemade jam stays fresh for months.
How to Use Jalapeño Strawberry Jam
Discover how Jalapeño Strawberry Jam can make your meals better. It’s a tasty spread for any meal, from breakfast to dinner. Here are some ways to use it and make your dishes special.
Pairing Suggestions
- Spread it on crackers with cream cheese for a tasty snack.
- Glaze grilled meats like chicken or pork for a spicy touch.
- Drizzle it on vanilla ice cream for a cool dessert.
Serving Ideas for Entertaining
Using Jalapeño Strawberry Jam at parties can make them memorable. Here are some ideas:
- Put it on a charcuterie board with cheeses and meats.
- Give it out in small jars as party favors for guests to enjoy at home.
- Pair it with homemade biscuits or scones for a great brunch.
Health Benefits of Strawberries and Jalapeños
Jalapeño strawberry jam is not just tasty. It’s also good for you. Strawberries are full of vitamin C. This helps keep your immune system strong and your skin healthy.
They also have antioxidants. These fight off bad stress and inflammation. So, strawberries are very good for you.
Jalapeños have their own health perks. They contain capsaicin, which can help your metabolism. They also have vitamins A and C. These vitamins help your immune system.
Together, strawberries and jalapeños make a jam that’s both tasty and healthy. Enjoying this jam is a great way to take care of your body.
Here’s a quick look at the health benefits of each ingredient that makes this jam not only a delightful treat but a smart addition to a healthy diet:
| Ingredient | Health Benefits |
|---|---|
| Strawberries | Rich in Vitamin C for immune support High in antioxidants to combat oxidative stress Promotes skin health |
| Jalapeños | Contains capsaicin for metabolism boost Provides vitamins A and C May assist in pain relief |
Enjoying jalapeño strawberry jam is more than just a treat. It’s a chance to get healthy benefits with every bite. It shows that fruit preserves can be part of a healthy life.
Storing Your Jalapeño Strawberry Jam
After making Jalapeño Strawberry Jam, it’s key to store it right. This keeps its taste and quality. The way you store it affects how long you can enjoy it.
Just made your jam? Store it in a cool pantry for up to three weeks. For longer, refrigerate it. This makes it easy to grab when you want it.
Any jars that don’t seal? Put them in the fridge right away. They last a week, not as long as sealed ones. Check the lids after 24 hours. A sealed lid won’t move when pressed.
Want to enjoy it longer? Freeze it. Freezing keeps the flavors bright for about a year. This way, summer’s taste stays with you all year.
Creative Ways to Gift Homemade Jam
Homemade Jalapeño Strawberry Jam is a great gift idea. It’s special when you package it nicely. Using 4oz jars is perfect for the jam. It also lets you give more than one jar at a time.
Pair the jam with gourmet cheeses and crackers for a special gift. This turns a simple jar into a memorable treat. I love making gift baskets for holidays. It’s a fun way to give a DIY gift.
Seasonal jams make great gifts too. Try pumpkin spice in fall or rhubarb in spring. It shows you care about the season’s flavors.
Think about sugar-free jams for those who don’t eat refined sugars. A basket with different jams, like strawberry-jalapeño and blueberry-jalapeño, is exciting. It’s perfect for those who love spice and sweet flavors.
Homemade foods in jars are more popular during holidays. It’s a thoughtful and useful gift. It’s a great way to share your creativity and care with others.
Conclusion: The Joy of Homemade Spicy Fruit Preserves
Looking back, making Jalapeño Strawberry Jam was a big win. It’s a tasty treat and shows off my cooking skills. Every batch adds joy to our meals and parties.
This jam is great for many things. It’s perfect with cheese or on toast. Its bright colors and taste make it a hit at any event.
By canning at home, I help the planet and use up food that would go to waste. Making this jam reminds me of the fun of cooking with local ingredients. I hope you try making it too. It’s a fun and rewarding hobby!