Stellicious Life

Because Life is Meant to be Delicious

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Policies & Disclaimers
  • Contact

Three Variations on Strawberry Jam

September 30, 2015 by Stella 12 Comments

An extraordinary spin on the original strawberry jam: infuse your strawberries with the irresistible scent of elderflower or lavender, or complement the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb. Three kinds of strawberry jams all very different but equally delicious, not to be missed!

Three Variations on Strawberry Jam - An extraordinary spin on the original strawberry jam: infuse your strawberries with the irresistible scent of elderflower or lavender, or complement the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb. Three kinds of strawberry jams all very different but equally delicious, not to be missed!

Summer is over and in a matter of hours September will be as well (I just can’t believe it, where did September go?!). We have been lucky to be able to enjoy such warm and sunny weather and though I still spy strawberries at some stalls in the farmers’ market, we have to accept that their season is soon to be over and we will have to wait until May/June next year to enjoy them again. *sighs*

So as a farewell, I present to you these three variations on strawberry jam I made this summer. Give them a try either with some of this year’s last strawberries or save the recipes for next year. (Just one advice: trust me these will disappear in no time, so you better make more!)

Three Variations on Strawberry Jam - An extraordinary spin on the original strawberry jam: infuse your strawberries with the irresistible scent of elderflower or lavender, or complement the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb. Three kinds of strawberry jams all very different but equally delicious, not to be missed!

When strawberries started to appear on the farmers’ market I had so many plans: to make pie, jam, crisp, and I could go on. So of course with so many ideas I bought many pints of strawberries and once I started to make jam I just couldn’t stop. I wanted to try out new combinations, add new flavours and jazz up the “old”, usual, classic strawberry jam. Well I am happy to report, not only I did that, but the friends and family members who tasted (and ate spoonfuls and even jars of) these jams all said these were stellar jams, and I had at least half a dozen requests to make more next year.

Three Variations on Strawberry Jam - An extraordinary spin on the original strawberry jam: infuse your strawberries with the irresistible scent of elderflower or lavender, or complement the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb. Three kinds of strawberry jams all very different but equally delicious, not to be missed!

So without further ado, here they are: I made strawberry jam with elderflower (since Boyfriend looves them), then some strawberry jam with rhubarb (since I love rhubarb’s tartness) and some strawberry jam with lavender (you guessed, once again inspired by someone who loves them: my best friend is crazy about anything with lavender)!

All three are very different: the elderflower-strawberry jam tasted fresh, had a clean spring-like flavour; while the strawberry-rhubarb jam had a very characteristic tartness (that I just love savouring by the spoonful, enjoying as it prickles my tastebuds), and the lavender-strawberry jam had a fragrant, but not overpowering flower-y scent.

Three Variations on Strawberry Jam - An extraordinary spin on the original strawberry jam: infuse your strawberries with the irresistible scent of elderflower or lavender, or complement the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb. Three kinds of strawberry jams all very different but equally delicious, not to be missed!

Take your pick, or make them all, I’m sure everyone will find their favourite from the bunch!

5.0 from 2 reviews
Strawberry Jam with Elderflower
 
Save Print
Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
30 mins
Total time
45 mins
 
An extraordinary spin on the original strawberry jam: infuse your strawberries with the irresistible scent of elderflower and add a clean, fresh, spring-like taste to your sweet jam.
Author: Stella
Recipe type: Jam & Preserves
Ingredients
  • 1500 gr strawberries
  • 10-12 elderflower heads, stalks trimmed
  • 300 gr coconut sugar / raw cane sugar / xylitol
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 packet of Dr. Oetker Gelfix Super 3:1
Instructions
  1. Wash and hull the strawberries. If they are bigger, quarter them.
  2. In a bowl mix together the strawberries, sugar and lemon juice, then put the washed elderflowers on top, even push them so the flowers are immersed in strawberries and lemon juice, so they can infuse the berries with their scent and taste. Let sit for some time from 30 minutes up to 4 hours so the strawberries let their juices out.
  3. Put in a pan and on low boil the mixture. (Be careful and stir it often so your jam does not burn.)
  4. Once it has boiled, add the Gelfix and keep it on the heat until your jam is thick enough.
  5. Put a spot of jam on a chilled plate and if it solidifies then your jam is ready to be put into sterilized jars. (If the jam is still liquid, keep it on low and stir it occasionally, it will thicken.)
  6. Pour into sterilized jars, screw the lids on tight and put them upside down on a tray. After 5-10 minutes turn them over and let them cool.
Notes
1. If you don't want to wait hours to let the strawberries and the elderflower sit to let out their juice, you can put everything in your pan and start boiling it straight away. I just suggest the wait time because it gives more time for the elderflower to infuse the strawberries with its scent.

2. I prefer my jam not to be too sweet and have the taste of fruit be dominant, but while cooking, taste the jam and if you find it not sweet enough add some more sugar.

3. I didn't blend the jam as I like to have bits of fruits in it, but if you prefer your jam to be of a more consistent thickness, then once your jam has reached the desired thickness take it off your stove (take out or leave the elderflowers, as you wish) and with an immersion blender blend until there are no more strawberry chunks.

4. I left the elderflowers in my jam, but depending on your preference you may take them out before pouring your jam in the jars.
3.3.3078

 
5.0 from 2 reviews
Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
 
Save Print
Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
30 mins
Total time
45 mins
 
A twist on the classic strawberry jam: add in rhubarb for some delicious tartness. Perfect on toast (delicious for peanut butter & jelly), in tarts or even your breakfast yoghurt.
Author: Stella
Recipe type: jams & Preserves
Ingredients
  • 500 gr strawberries
  • 500 gr rhubarb
  • 200 gr coconut sugar / raw cane sugar / xylitol
  • juice of ½ - 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or seeds of 1 vanilla bean
  • 1 packet of Dr. Oetker Gelfix Super 3:1
Instructions
  1. Wash and hull the strawberries. If they are bigger, quarter them.
  2. Wash, peel if needed, and dice the rhubarb.
  3. In a saucepan mix together the strawberries and rhubarb pieces, the sugar, lemon juice and vanilla extract, and cook on low heat until the rhubarb softens.
  4. Mix in the Gelfix, continue cooking on low, stirring constantly so it doesn't burn, until your jam starts to boil. Continue boiling until the mixture thickens. (Put a spot of jam on a chilled plate and if it solidifies then your jam is ready to be put into streilized jars. (If the jam is still liquid, keep it on low and stir it occasionally, it will thicken.)
  5. Pour into sterilized jars, screw the lids on tight and put them upside down on a tray. After 5-10 minutes turn them over and let them cool.
Notes
1. I prefer my jam not to be too sweet and I especially love the tartness of rhubarb, but I urge you to taste your jam during the cooking and add more sugar or lemon juice, depending on your own preference.

2. I didn't blend the jam as I like to have bits of fruits in it, but if you prefer your jam to be of a more consistent thickness, then once your jam has reached the desired thickness take it off your stove and with an immersion blender blend until there are no more strawberry chunks (the rhubarb bits tend to fall into tiny pieces quite soon).
3.3.3078

 
5.0 from 2 reviews
Strawberry Jam with Lavender
 
Save Print
Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
30 mins
Total time
45 mins
 
Classic strawberry jam made extraordinary by the addition of fresh or dried lavendar blossoms. Everyone's beloved strawberry jam delicately perfumed with lavender, perfect to gift or keep for yourself! 😉
Author: Stella
Recipe type: Jams & Preserves
Ingredients
  • 1000 gr strawberries
  • 100 - 150 gr coconut sugar / raw cane sugar / xylitol
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 2-3 teaspoons of lavender blossoms (depending on how lavender-y you want your jam to be)
  • 1 packet of Dr. Oetker Gelfix Super 3:1
Instructions
  1. Wash and hull the strawberries. If they are bigger, quarter them.
  2. Put the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice and lavender blossoms in a saucepan and on low heat bring the mixture to boil. (Be careful and stir it often so your jam does not burn.)
  3. Once it has boiled, add the Gelfix and keep it on the heat until your jam is thick enough.
  4. Put a spot of jam on a chilled plate and if it solidifies then your jam is ready to be put into streilized jars. (If the jam is still liquid, keep it on low and stir it occasionally, it will thicken.)
  5. Pour into sterilized jars, screw the lids on tight and put them upside down on a tray. After 5-10 minutes turn them over and let them cool.
Notes
1. I prefer my jam not to be too sweet and have the taste of fruit be dominant, but while cooking, taste the jam and if you find it not sweet enough add some more sugar.

2. I didn't blend the jam as I like to have bits of fruits in it, but if you prefer your jam to be of a more consistent thickness, then once your jam has reached the desired thickness take it off your stove (take out or leave the lavender blossoms, as you wish) and with an immersion blender blend until there are no more strawberry chunks.

3. You can use fresh or dried lavender blossoms, fresh ones may release a more intense scent, so use them sparingly.
3.3.3078

 

So which one do you want to try?

Filed Under: Jams & Preserves Tagged With: elderflower, jam, lavender, rhubarb, strawberry, vegan, vegetarian

« Gorgonzola Peach and Blueberries Crostini
Peach Jam with Vanilla Rum and Thyme »

Comments

  1. Jenni says

    October 1, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    All three variations sound great, Stella! I especially love the elderflower idea. And strawberry-rhubarb is such an excellent combo, too!

    Reply
    • Stella says

      October 1, 2015 at 4:30 pm

      They were all so subtly different but still delicious. I can’t wait for strawberry season to keep on expereimenting 😉 I also made some peach jam with vanilla rum and thyme, it was divine! Recipe will be posted next week on the blog 😉

      Reply
  2. Kellie says

    October 2, 2015 at 12:12 pm

    Oh I love this!! And I love elderflower!!

    Reply
    • Stella says

      October 4, 2015 at 11:25 am

      I know, they have such a unique and fresh scent!

      Reply
  3. Sherri @ Watch Learn Eat says

    October 2, 2015 at 3:19 pm

    Love these ideas…I can’t wait to try them!

    Reply
    • Stella says

      October 4, 2015 at 11:36 am

      Thanks Sherri, let me know how you like them! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Whitney says

    October 6, 2015 at 7:34 pm

    Oooo. I would go for the jam with elderflower! Or maybe lavender. I can’t decide!

    Reply
    • Stella says

      October 7, 2015 at 2:42 pm

      Lol, I know the feeling! At one time we had 3 jars open and after each “last spoonful” we were going “Oh ok, I’ll take another spoonful of the one with the lavender” then.. “Mmm… it was good, but let’s finish with the elderflower one.” 😉

      Reply
  5. Dini @ The Flavor Bender says

    October 8, 2015 at 12:16 am

    This is great!! I love berries and Lavender together too so I will have to try that one! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stella says

      October 18, 2015 at 9:36 am

      They are so good together Dini! Enjoy 🙂

      Reply
  6. Helen at Casa Costello says

    October 9, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    Glorious photos! I love the sound of strawberry jam infused with lavender – we have a lavender farm right near us that I must visit soon x

    Reply
    • Stella says

      October 18, 2015 at 9:38 am

      Thank you Helen! Aww, you live near a lavender farm, I’m jealous! 🙂 I love the scent of lavender! Have you tried having homemade lavender sugar or tea? Very simple and so unique.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe:  

Enjoyer of all things delicious, fanatic cookbook collector, recipe creator and experimentor, world traveller and sunshine lover.

  • Bloglovin
  • E-mail
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter

Sign up for the Newsletter and new posts will be sent directly to your inbox!

Tasty Food Photography eBook

Categories

Archives

Find me on

my healthy aperture gallery

Copyright © 2023 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress

Thank you for visiting Stellicious Life!
Sign up to receive FREE recipes straight to your inbox whenever they get posted on the blog!
I hate spam, so I promise to keep your e-mail address safe. Your information will never be shared or disclosed.