How to make Strawberry Jam.
Take the summer with you into the autumn and winter.
The summer produces an abundance of wonderful berries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries etc.
The juiciness and sweetness are ideal for nourishing and hydrating Pitta and Vata dosha.
The majority of the berries are quite delicate in nature. Once they ripened, they don’t store well, so what to do with those little gems?
Here’s what I made the other week with our strawberries.
Strawberries are sattvic Food which calms the Mind. Get your FREE Sattvic Shopping List.
Subscribe to our weekly Sunday Read newsletter & this Seasonal Living with Ayurveda & Yoga Blog.
Here are some Fun Facts about Strawberries
Before we delve into the recipe, though, let’s explore some fun facts about the strawberry.
There is something exceptional about the strawberry, its vibrant colour and heart shape, which symbolised love for the ancient Greeks.
The strawberry has cooling qualities; it refreshes the mind and rehydrates our body. When we bite into the strawberry, with being both sweet and slightly tard at the same time, it makes us jiggle with delight, and before we know it, we have devoured an entire bowl full.
The tartness stimulates your appetite and hydrates your entire GI tract from the mouth to the back passage. On its way, it helps to dislodge old food particles stuck to intestinal walls.
The cooling properties of the strawberry soothe irritation and inflammation of the stomach. Excellent liver tonic as well.
Did you know that the strawberry gathers your thoughts and grounds you, soothes the nervous system?
Strawberries are suitable for everyone.
But strawberries are just beneficial on the inside. You can mash them up and use as a face mask to tone the skin and help with inflammation and irritation. But you might just prefer eating them.
Back to our Strawberry Jam
Here's what you'll need for this irresistible strawberry jam, which is super easy to make. For my last batch, I used:
500 gr strawberries (you can combine them with raspberries or blueberries)
200 gr sugar. At the moment, I use at the moment light muscovado sugar which is slightly sticky and with minerals.
1 tsp cinnamon helps to digest the sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice
That’s all, how cool is that?
How to do it:
Begin by carefully selecting the freshest, ripe strawberries. It's crucial to pick them at their peak of sweetness and juiciness.
After gathering your strawberries, be mindful that they have a short shelf life of only two days before they start to decay rapidly. Waste not, want not!
Let's turn these precious berries into a delightful jam that will preserve their flavours. Follow these simple steps:
Wash the strawberries gently under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities.
Remove the green tops and any blemishes, ensuring only the best parts of the strawberries remain.
Slice the strawberries into smaller pieces, allowing them to cook evenly and release their natural juices.
In a large pot, combine the sliced strawberries and a sweetener of your choice, such as sugar or honey. The amount of sweetener can be adjusted to your desired taste.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
As the strawberries cook, they will break down and release their juices, creating a luscious, aromatic jam. Continue simmering for about 20-30 minutes or until the jam thickens to your desired consistency. Remember to stir occasionally to avoid scorching.
Once the jam reaches the desired thickness, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Pour the freshly made strawberry jam into sterilized jars, ensuring they are tightly sealed to preserve the flavours.
Allow the jam to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. This will ensure it stays fresh and ready to spread on your favourite bread, toast, or pastries.
Now, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful transformation of these summer strawberries into a jam that captures their essence. The vibrant colour, the heavenly aroma, and the irresistible taste will transport you back to warm, sunny days, even during the chill of winter.
Once we have picked the strawberries, they are only good for 2 days before they decay rapidly.
With a jar of homemade strawberry jam in your pantry, you can relish the flavours of summer into the colder months. Spread it generously on your morning toast, savour it in a delightful dessert, or surprise your loved ones with a homemade strawberry jam-filled pastry. The possibilities are endless, and the joy it brings is unparalleled.
So, why not embark on this delicious journey and create your own batch of strawberry jam? Let the flavours of summer dance on your taste buds and warm your heart. Embrace the seasons and enjoy the fruits of your labour, one spoonful at a time!
Making them into a jam is one way to take this sweetness and nourishment into the winter. Both the summer and winter’s favourable taste is sweet.
Bon appetite!
Let me know if you find this recipe helpful. You can leave a message on Instagram, Facebook or even good old email.
I love hearing from you!
Katja x
P.S. Be sure you download the Sattvic Shopping List to keep your mind calm during your Yoga practice and beyond!
