Canning Strawberries for Winter Enjoyment: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share a simple yet delightful recipe for canning strawberries. This method will allow you to enjoy the fresh taste of strawberries even in the winter, just as if they were picked in the summer. Let’s dive into the process of preserving these delicious berries!

Ingredients:
Strawberries: 1 kg
Sugar: 1 kg (plus a few extra tablespoons for each jar)
Instructions:
Preparation:

Begin by placing 1 kg of strawberries in a pot and covering them with water. Let the strawberries soak for 20 minutes. This step helps in cleaning the strawberries thoroughly.
After soaking, rinse the strawberries under a stream of clean water to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
Cleaning:

Clean the strawberries by removing their leaves. Don’t throw away the leaves! Dry them and use them to make tea. Strawberry leaf tea is not only delicious but also healthy.
Sweetening:

Add 1 kg of sugar to the 1 kg of strawberries in the pot. If you’re canning more strawberries, maintain the ratio of 1 kg of strawberries to 1 kg of sugar.
Gently mix the strawberries with the sugar, being careful not to mash them. The goal is to coat the strawberries with sugar evenly.
Resting:

Let the strawberries sit in the pot for a few hours. This allows the sugar to dissolve and the strawberries to release their juice, creating a sweet syrup.
Sterilizing Jars:

Preheat your oven to 100°C (212°F). Place the clean jars in the oven and sterilize them for 30 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure the longevity of the preserved strawberries.

Jarring:

Once the jars are sterilized, fill them with the strawberries and syrup. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to each jar for extra sweetness.
Wipe the rims of the jars to ensure a clean seal. Seal the jars with clean, new lids.
Storage:

Store the sealed jars in a dark, cool place. Proper storage conditions are essential to maintain the quality and safety of the preserved strawberries.
Tips for Enjoying Your Preserved Strawberries:

Desserts: Use these strawberries to enhance your brownies or other baked goods. The sweet and juicy strawberries add a burst of flavor to any dessert.

Strawberry Juice: Dilute the juice from the jar with water to create a refreshing strawberry drink. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a taste of summer during the colder months.

Happy canning! 😘