We’ve always adored the fresh burst of strawberries preserved in our MCP Pectin Strawberry Freezer Jam recipe—it’s a simple way to capture summer’s essence year-round. This no-cook method keeps flavors vibrant and bright making it ideal for beginners or busy kitchens.
With MCP Pectin you get reliable results every time transforming juicy berries into a spread that’s perfect for toast or gifts. We’re excited to share how easy it is to whip up this homemade treat.
Ingredients
In our MCP Pectin Strawberry Freezer Jam recipe, we focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients that capture the vibrant, sweet-tart essence of ripe strawberries while ensuring a simple, no-cook preparation. This section outlines everything you need, ordered by how we’ll use them in the process—starting with the fruit preparation and moving to the key binding agents.
Here’s our complete list of ingredients for a batch yielding about 7 cups of jam:
- 4 cups crushed strawberries: We start with about 2 quarts of fully ripe, fresh strawberries. Hull and crush them finely using a potato masher or food processor for the best texture and flavor release.
- 1 box (1.75 ounces) MCP Pectin: This is our essential gelling agent, providing reliable set without cooking—choose the original variety for optimal results.
- 7 cups granulated sugar: Added next to balance the strawberries’ natural acidity and enhance sweetness; use pure cane sugar for the clearest jam.
- ¾ cup water: Used to dissolve the pectin; ensure it’s cold or room temperature to prevent clumping.
- Optional: ½ teaspoon butter or margarine: Stirred in to minimize foaming during mixing, though it’s not always necessary for smaller batches.
For the best outcome, we recommend using peak-season strawberries for maximum flavor and MCP Pectin as specified to guarantee a firm, spreadable consistency. Always measure precisely to avoid issues like overly runny jam.
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into preparing our MCP Pectin Strawberry Freezer Jam, let’s ensure we have the right tools on hand. This equipment helps us achieve that fresh, vibrant strawberry flavor with minimal effort and maximum precision.
To make the process straightforward and efficient, we’ll need the following essential items:
- Large mixing bowl: We use this to crush and combine our fresh strawberries with other ingredients, ensuring even distribution for a smooth jam texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to our recipe’s success—4 cups of crushed strawberries and 7 cups of granulated sugar require precise tools to maintain the perfect balance of sweetness and pectin.
- Medium saucepan: Ideal for boiling the pectin mixture, as it allows for controlled heating without overflow, helping us create that ideal gel consistency quickly.
- Potato masher or food processor: This tool lets us crush the strawberries efficiently, preserving their fresh taste and ensuring the jam has the right chunky or smooth texture we desire.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: We rely on this for stirring and minimizing foaming—especially if adding that optional ½ teaspoon of butter—to keep everything mixed evenly.
- Freezer-safe jars or containers: These are crucial for storing our jam; we recommend using jars with tight lids to preserve the summer-fresh essence for up to a year in the freezer.
- Timer: A simple kitchen timer helps us monitor boiling times accurately, ensuring our jam sets perfectly without overcooking the strawberries’ natural flavors.
With this equipment gathered, we’re all set to move forward seamlessly from our ingredients list.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential equipment, we guide you through creating our vibrant MCP Pectin Strawberry Freezer Jam with ease and precision. Let’s ensure every step captures the fresh, sweet essence of strawberries for a homemade treat that bursts with summer flavors.
Prepare the Strawberries
First, we select 4 cups of fresh strawberries, ensuring they are ripe and vibrant for the best taste and texture. Wash the strawberries thoroughly under cool water then hull them by removing the green tops and any damaged parts. Next, we crush the strawberries using a potato masher or food processor until we achieve a chunky consistency—aim for about 4 cups of crushed fruit to maintain that fresh strawberry appeal and vivid red color that promises a delightful, fruity aroma.
Mix the Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, we combine 1 box of MCP Pectin with ¾ cup of water and stir vigorously to dissolve. Bring this mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat stirring constantly—use a timer to boil for exactly 1 minute for optimal gelling. Immediately remove from heat and stir in 7 cups of granulated sugar along with the 4 cups of crushed strawberries from the previous step. If desired, add ½ teaspoon of butter or margarine to reduce foaming. We mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a glossy mixture that releases the sweet, tangy scent of fresh strawberries and ensures a smooth, spreadable jam.
Let the Jam Set
Once mixed, we let the jam stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to distribute the pectin evenly. This step allows the jam to thicken naturally and develop its vibrant, jewel-like consistency—watch as the mixture transforms into a glossy preserve that hints at the fresh, sun-ripened flavor of strawberries. For best results, ensure the jam reaches a soft-set stage before proceeding, which typically happens as it cools and the pectin activates fully.
Portion and Freeze
We carefully ladle the set jam into freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving about **½ inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Wipe the rims clean, seal the jars tightly, and label them with the date for easy tracking. Place the jars in the freezer for at least 24 hours to fully set and preserve the fresh strawberry essence, yielding approximately 7 cups of jam that can be stored for up to 1 year. Remember to thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying on warm toast for that irresistible, homemade taste.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To keep our MCP Pectin Strawberry Freezer Jam fresh and flavorful, we recommend these practical strategies for preparing components in advance and storing your jam properly. This ensures you maintain that vibrant strawberry taste and texture without compromising quality.
Make-Ahead Tips
We can simplify the process by prepping elements ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy homemade jam even on your busiest days:
- Prepare the strawberries: Wash hull and crush fresh strawberries up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve their bright color and natural sweetness. This step helps us avoid last-minute rushes while keeping the fruit’s essence of summer intact.
- Measure dry ingredients: Mix the MCP Pectin with granulated sugar a day before and keep it in a sealed bag or jar at room temperature. This makes assembly quicker and ensures precise measurements for optimal glossy consistency.
- Assemble the mixture: If you’re short on time, combine the crushed strawberries, pectin mixture, and sugar up to 1 hour ahead. Let it sit covered at room temperature but stir occasionally to prevent separation.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of our MCP Pectin Strawberry Freezer Jam and retaining its fresh, fruity aroma. Always use freezer-safe containers to protect against freezer burn.
- Freezing for long-term storage: After filling containers, leave about ½ inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing. Seal tightly, label with the date and “MCP Pectin Strawberry Freezer Jam,” and place in the freezer. This method locks in the jam’s vibrant flavors for months.
- Refrigeration for short-term use: Once thawed, store an opened jar in the refrigerator. Use a clean spoon each time to avoid contamination and maintain the jam’s smooth texture.
- Thawing instructions: To thaw, transfer a container from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. For quicker access, place it in the microwave on a low setting in short bursts, stirring to ensure even defrosting without altering the jam’s fresh taste.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer (unopened) | Up to 1 year | Ideal for preserving peak flavor; check for any signs of spoilage before use. |
| Refrigerator (opened) | Up to 3 weeks | Keep away from direct light to maintain color and consistency. |
| Room temperature | Not recommended | Only for brief periods if needed, as it may lead to spoilage. |
Conclusion
We’ve truly enjoyed guiding you through this MCP Pectin Strawberry Freezer Jam adventure
It’s a fantastic way to lock in fresh flavors for easy enjoyment year-round
We’re confident you’ll love how it adds a homemade touch to your meals and creates lasting memories with loved ones
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MCP Pectin Strawberry Freezer Jam?
MCP Pectin Strawberry Freezer Jam is a simple, no-cook recipe that preserves the fresh taste of strawberries, capturing summer flavors in a homemade spread. It’s perfect for beginners and busy kitchens, offering vibrant, reliable results without canning. Use it on toast or as gifts for a delightful treat.
What ingredients are needed for MCP Pectin Strawberry Freezer Jam?
You’ll need 4 cups crushed strawberries, 1 box of MCP Pectin, 7 cups granulated sugar, and ¾ cup water. Optionally, add ½ teaspoon butter to reduce foaming. Use fresh, high-quality strawberries and measure precisely for the best texture and flavor. This makes about 7 cups of jam.
How do I make MCP Pectin Strawberry Freezer Jam?
Start by washing, hulling, and crushing strawberries. Mix pectin with water, boil it, then stir in sugar and strawberries until glossy. Let it set at room temperature for 30 minutes to thicken. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving headspace, then freeze. The process is quick and ideal for beginners.
What equipment is required for making strawberry freezer jam?
You’ll need a large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a medium saucepan, a potato masher or food processor, a spatula or wooden spoon, freezer-safe jars, and a timer. These tools ensure accurate preparation and easy storage for reliable results.
How should I store MCP Pectin Strawberry Freezer Jam?
Store in freezer-safe containers with headspace for expansion. Label with the date. Unopened jars last up to a year in the freezer; once opened, refrigerate for up to three weeks. Thaw in the fridge to maintain fresh taste and quality.
Can I prepare MCP Pectin Strawberry Freezer Jam ahead of time?
Yes, prepare strawberries up to 24 hours in advance and measure dry ingredients a day before to simplify the process. This makes it easy for busy schedules while ensuring fresh flavors. Follow the recipe closely for the best results when you’re ready to make it.