Refreshing Strawberry Preserve

Refreshing Strawberry Preserve

A deliciously refreshing strawberry preserve, perfect for spreading on toast or as a topping for desserts.

Ingredients

• 2 cups strawberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 package pectin
• 1 cup water

Method

1. Gather all the ingredients needed for your strawberry preserve.
2. In a spacious bowl, gently crush the strawberries using a potato masher or pulse them in a food processor to achieve a finely chopped consistency without turning them into a puree. Strain this mixture through a fine mesh sieve, reserving the juice for later. Measure out 2 cups of the crushed strawberries, and mix in the sugar until thoroughly combined. Let this mixture rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. While the strawberries rest, prepare the pectin by mixing it with water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until it reaches a boil. Continue boiling and stirring for about 2 minutes until it thickens into a paste and the pectin is completely dissolved.
4. Add the hot pectin mixture to the bowl with strawberries, stirring continuously for 3 minutes. To test if the preserve has set, coat the back of a spoon with it and run your finger through; if it stays apart, it's ready. If it blends back together, keep stirring for another 3 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. Transfer the strawberry preserve into two sterilized pint jars or suitable containers, ensuring to leave about half an inch of space at the top for expansion. Seal the jars and let them sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
6. After 24 hours, place the preserve in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving, or freeze it for up to 3 months for later enjoyment. Relish your delightful strawberry preserve!