Homemade Canned Strawberries
Preserve the sweet flavor of summer with this easy recipe for canned strawberries, perfect for pancakes, yogurt, or straight from the jar.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 quarts fresh strawberries Ripe, juicy strawberries are best.
- 2 cups granulated sugar Adjust based on sweetness preference.
- 2 cups water Fruit juice can be used for additional flavor.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice Balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances flavors.
Instructions
Preparing the Strawberries
- Rinse the strawberries under cool water, remove the green tops, and slice them in half. If they are very large, quarter them.
Making the Syrup
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
Packing the Jars
- Prepare and sanitize canning jars, then pack the sliced strawberries tightly into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
Pouring the Syrup
- Ladle the syrup over the strawberries in the jars, covering them completely and leaving a little headspace.
Sealing the Jars
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth, place the lids on and screw the rings on snugly.
Water Bath Processing
- Process jars in a water bath for about 10-15 minutes to seal them safely.
Cooling and Storing
- Remove jars from the water bath, let them cool on a towel or cooling rack, and listen for the 'pop' of sealing.
Notes
Use ripe berries from a farmer's market for the best flavor. Adjust sweetness as desired. You can add a cinnamon stick or mint for unique flavors.