Ingredients
-
2 pints strawberries (about 5 cups), stemmed and halved
-
Juice of 1 lemon
-
¼ cup honey or agave nectar
Instructions
-
Prepare the Strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly, remove the stems, and cut them in half.
-
Combine the Ingredients: Place the strawberries, lemon juice, and honey or agave nectar in a saucepan.
-
Bring to a Boil: Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring occasionally.
-
Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 50–60 minutes. Stir occasionally as the fruit softens and most of the liquid evaporates.
-
Adjust the Texture: Leave some strawberry pieces intact for a chunky consistency, or gently mash the fruit with a potato masher for a smoother spread.
-
Cool and Store: Remove the pan from the heat and allow the preserves to cool. Transfer to a clean, airtight container and refrigerate.
Notes
-
Adjust the sweetness: Start with the listed amount of honey or agave, then taste and add more if needed.
-
Choose ripe berries: Fully ripe strawberries provide more natural sweetness and flavor.
-
Stir regularly: Occasional stirring helps prevent the fruit from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
-
Watch the consistency: The preserves will thicken further as they cool, so avoid cooking them until completely dry.
-
Use frozen strawberries: Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before cooking to help the mixture thicken more efficiently.
