When the strawberry season peaks, there’s nothing quite like the sweet satisfaction of making homemade strawberry preserves. It’s a tradition in my family, one that brings us together with laughter and sticky fingers.

Join me on a journey from farm to fork, starting with a road trip to Westmoreland Berry Farm in Colonial Beach, VA, where the berries are as sweet as the scenery—and yes, the goats are adorable!

Why Homemade Jam is Simply the Best

Name: Strawberry Preserves
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 9 cups cleaned, halved fresh strawberries; 6 cups granulated sugar; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; heavy bottomed pan or crock; potato masher; 3 jam jars with lids

Making your own preserves might seem daunting, but it’s surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. With just three ingredients and a bit of patience, you can capture the essence of summer in a jar.

Close up shot of pots and ladles used in cooking, civered with sticky red strawberry jam, the jam has dripped down the side of the blue pot and covers the wooden spoon and ladle which are lying on a wooden chopping board.

Why do I make my own jam?

It’s not just about the unbeatable taste; it’s about creating lasting memories. Whether it’s picking berries with my kids or stirring the pot while they recount their latest adventures, these moments are priceless.

Picnic table set up.
2 slices of farmhouse bread sit on a white plate. One slice is naked, the other is covered in homemade strawberry preserve and the used spoon is left on top of the slice.
The jar of jam is opened and sits next to the plate. There is a butter dish and remaining loaf of bread in partial view.

The Recipe: Simple and Sweet

Ingredients:

Fresh strawberries
Sugar
Lemon juice

Someone cutting strawberries on a wooden chopping board.
Chopped strawberries are placed in a large pot and a strainer is full of clean strawberries waiting to be cut.

Directions:

Prepare the Strawberries:
Wash and hull your berries. If you like a smoother jam, chop them smaller.
Cook the Berries:
Combine strawberries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the berries release their juices.
Add Lemon Juice:
As the mixture boils, add lemon juice to enhance flavor and help the gel set.
Test the Set:
To check if your jam is ready, drop a spoonful on a cold plate. If it wrinkles when pushed, it’s set!
Jar It Up:
Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars and let them cool. Seal and store.

Picnic table spread.
1 full loaf of farmhouse bread and a half loaf on a wooden chopping board, a serrated bread knife sits next to the bread.
A slice of bread on a white plate is smothered in strawberry preserve and the sticky, used spoon also rests on the plate next to it.
There is also an opened jar of strawberry jam and a butter dish on the picnic table.

A Day at Westmoreland Berry Farm

This year’s trip wasn’t just about the strawberries. Westmoreland Berry Farm is famous for its playful goats and family-friendly atmosphere.

While the kids might argue that the goats were the highlight, for me, every aspect of the day contributed to the pots of gold (aka strawberry preserves) we later enjoyed.

#becausegoats indeed!

Birds-eye view of Easy Homemade Strawberry Preserves in a jar without a lid, sitting on a wooden counter top. The jar lid and 2 whole strawberries are sitting on either sides of the jam jar. A teaspoon covered in homemade strawberry preserve is resting against the top of the jar.

FAQs

Why is my jam runny?
It might not have cooked long enough or the fruit was too ripe. More cooking time or a touch of commercial pectin could help.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
While you can reduce sugar, keep in mind it helps with preservation and set. For less sweet alternatives, consider using a sugar substitute suitable for cooking.

More Than Just Preserves: Sharing the Love

After cleaning up the kitchen and letting the jars cool, I’m left with the perfect batch of strawberry preserves—each jar a potential gift that says ‘I love you’ in the sweetest way.

A pair of hand is grating lemon zest on top of the pot of clean cut strawberries.

Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or enjoy it straight from the spoon—every bite brings a smile.

Homemade strawberry preserves aren’t just about savoring flavor; they’re about savoring moments. Whether you’re spreading it on warm, farm-fresh bread or gifting it to a friend, it’s the little things that make life so rich.

Seriously, so good.

Pouring the completed homemade strawberry preserve from the blue pot into a clean glass jar. Another empty glass jar sits on top of the counter, waiting to be filled.

Love This Recipe?

If you enjoyed this recipe, check out my Strawberry Freezer Jam for a quicker, equally delicious alternative. Or dive into savory territory with Onion and Bacon Jam, perfect with cheese and crackers!

Did you make this jam? Share your stories, tips, or ask questions in the comments below. I love hearing from you!

Yield: 3 jars

Strawberry Preserves

This recipe for Homemade Strawberry Preserves uses only farm fresh berries, lemon, and sugar and is incredibly simple and delicious!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes

Ingredients

9 cups cleaned, halved fresh strawberries
6 cups granulated sugar
1 lemon, zested and juiced
heavy bottomed pan or crock
potato masher
3 jam jars with lids

Instructions

Clean and half the berries and place them in the pot.
Sprinkle over the sugar, zest, and juice. Stir to combine.
Using a potato masher, gently break up the strawberries. Keep at least half of the berries intact.
On high heat, cook the mixture for 5 minutes while stirring frequently to help break up berries and bring out the juices.
Continue cooking until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Bring the temperature down to a medium/low simmer. Continue to stir occasionally.
When a pink foam appears on the top of the mixer, use a spoon to scoop it off. This step isn't necessary; however, sometimes, chunks of pectin will be in the preserves if you skip it.
Continue to cook on medium/low for about 90 minutes.
After about 90 minutes or until it has reduced and thickened, pour the preserves into clean, dry jam jars. Allow the jam to cool completely before putting the lid on.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

Wednesday 29th of May 2024

AWESOME! Thank you so much for sharing your recipe!!!

Betsy Eves

Wednesday 10th of July 2024

You are so welcome!

Anna

Thursday 3rd of June 2021

Do you leave it on low heat for 90 minutes? Or do you remove from the heat for steps 7-8

Wednesday 7th of July 2021

Great question. I've updated the steps for clarity. :)

Taylor

Monday 17th of May 2021

When cooking, on step 8, do you remove the pot from heat for 90 minutes of keep on heat? Thanks.

Just updated the steps in the recipe for clarity. Check it out!

Reg

Monday 1st of March 2021

I followed the recipe to the "T" and they came out perfect for us! Spread evenly and not lumpy. I did skim the foam constantly and the preserve was beautiful! However....I think I need to curb/reduce the amount of sugar next time...maybe half! It was extremely sweet for us (sugar sweet, not fruit sweet) even though the strawberry intensity was there. Otherwise, it will be great a dessert topping more so than a spread.

Sunday 7th of March 2021

I get the comment about the sugar often - It's just a preference, I think. I like the way it came out with this recipe - but others may want to reduce sugar. :) Happy jam-making!

Susan Dubose

Wednesday 30th of December 2020

I've never made preserves before because I don't know how to can. However, I had a 1/2 flat of strawberries on my hands so I decided to try making preserves. This was the recipe with which to start. Absolutely delicious.