Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of strawberries mingling with the delicate essence of lavender, creating a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds. This Strawberry Lavender Jam promises not just a delightful spread but an enchanting experience that transforms ordinary mornings into something magical, evoking memories of sun-kissed gardens and warm pastries fresh from the oven.
Picture this: it’s a lazy summer afternoon, and you’ve just slathered this vibrant jam on a warm slice of bread, each bite transporting you to a whimsical picnic under blooming flowers. Whether it’s for brunch with friends or a quiet moment to yourself, this jam is the perfect companion, promising to elevate any occasion with its unique charm and irresistible taste.
Why Is Strawberry Lavender Jam: Edible Flowers So Irresistibly Good?
Bursting with flavor, this jam combines sweet strawberries and aromatic lavender for a unique taste experience. Simple to make, it requires just 15 minutes of prep and packs a gourmet punch. Versatile, use it on toast, in desserts, or as a delightful gift. Crowd-pleaser, everyone loves its captivating aroma and vibrant color! Time-saving, you’ll have jars ready in no time to enjoy or share!
Strawberry Lavender Jam: Edible Flowers Ingredients
For the Jam
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped) – Choose ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness in your jam.
For the Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender (lightly crushed) – This adds a delightful floral note that beautifully complements the strawberries.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed) – The acidity brightens the flavors and balances sweetness in your jam.
For the Sweeteners
- 1 cup granulated sugar – This classic sweetener helps to preserve your jam while enhancing its natural berry sweetness.
- 1 cup brown sugar – Adds a touch of caramel richness that pairs wonderfully with the strawberries and lavender.
For the Pectin
- 1 package pectin (for jam making) – Essential for achieving that perfect gel-like consistency in your Strawberry Lavender Jam: Edible Flowers.
Step-by-Step Strawberry Lavender Jam: Edible Flowers
1. Wash and Hull: Start by carefully washing your 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Once cleaned, hull them and chop into small, bite-sized pieces to enhance their flavor and texture in the jam.
2. Crush Lavender: Take 1 tablespoon of dried culinary lavender and lightly crush it. This step releases its aromatic fragrance, setting the stage for a beautifully scented jam that will delight your senses.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, mix together the chopped strawberries, crushed lavender, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of brown sugar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
4. Rest the Mixture: Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the strawberries release their natural juices, making for a more flavorful jam.
5. Add Pectin: After resting, add 1 package of pectin to the pot. Turn up the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil while stirring constantly; this ensures everything is well mixed.
6. Cook Until Thickened: Once boiling, continue cooking for about 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens noticeably. You’ll want it to be glossy and vibrant red—perfect for spreading!
7. Check Consistency: To test for doneness, place a spoonful of jam on a plate and let it cool for a minute. It should hold its shape when you tilt the plate—if not, cook a little longer.
8. Skim Foam: Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam from the surface using a spoon. This step will help give your Strawberry Lavender Jam a smooth finish.
9. Jar It Up: Using a ladle and canning funnel, carefully pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during processing.
10. Seal and Process: Seal each jar with lids tightly and process them in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure proper preservation, keeping all that delicious flavor locked in!
11. Cool Down: After processing, remove jars from the water bath and let them cool completely on a clean towel at room temperature; listen for that satisfying “pop” as they seal!
12. Storage Check: Once cooled, gently press down in the center of each lid to check if they’ve sealed properly. Store your beautiful jam in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to enjoy it.
Optional: Serve with fresh scones or use as a filling in pastries!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips
- Strawberry Selection: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Overripe or underripe berries may result in a less vibrant Strawberry Lavender Jam: Edible Flowers.
- Lavender Crushing: Lightly crush the dried lavender before adding it to release its essential oils. This ensures the flavor infuses beautifully into your jam.
- Juice Release Time: Don’t rush the 10-minute sitting time after mixing in the sugars. This step helps the strawberries release their juices, crucial for achieving the right consistency.
- Consistency Test: Always perform the spoon test before jarring. If it’s too runny, cook a little longer; if it’s too thick, add a splash of water and stir.
- Headspace Matters: Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace when filling jars to allow for expansion during processing. Too little space can cause jar breakage.
- Seal Check: Always check that the lids have sealed properly after cooling. A tight seal is essential for preservation and prevents spoilage.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Lavender Jam: Edible Flowers
- Room Temperature: Once opened, keep your Strawberry Lavender Jam: Edible Flowers at room temperature for up to 3 days. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed.
- Fridge: For longer freshness, store the jam in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. This will help maintain its delightful flavor and aroma.
- Freezer: If you want to preserve it longer, freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months. Just leave some space at the top for expansion!
- Reheating: To enjoy it warm, simply microwave a spoonful for 10-15 seconds or gently heat on the stove until warm. Perfect for spreading!
Strawberry Lavender Jam: Edible Flowers Your Way
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this delightful jam to suit your taste!
- Berry Mix: Swap out half the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a vibrant, tangy twist. The combination will add depth and a beautiful hue to your jam.
- Herb Infusion: Replace the lavender with fresh mint or basil for a refreshing herbal note. This swap brings a whole new aromatic experience, adding a garden-fresh flavor to your spread.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lime in addition to the lemon juice for a bright, zesty kick. This small change will elevate the jam’s flavor profile and add complexity.
- Honey Sweetener: Use honey instead of granulated sugar for a more natural sweetness. This swap not only alters the flavor but also lends a lovely floral note that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a surprising heat element. Just a hint can transform this sweet treat into something uniquely bold and exciting!
- Low-Sugar Option: Substitute with low-sugar pectin and reduce the sugar amount by half for a healthier alternative. Your jam will still be delightful while being lighter on sweetness.
- Chunky Texture: Leave some strawberry pieces larger during chopping to create a chunkier jam. This texture variation adds heartiness and makes spreading even more satisfying!
- Lavender Substitute: If you prefer less floral notes, simply omit the lavender entirely or use vanilla extract instead. This change will give you a comforting, classic fruit jam flavor that everyone loves.
Make Ahead Options
This Strawberry Lavender Jam: Edible Flowers is not only a delicious treat but also perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor the sweet essence of summer long after the season has passed. You can wash and hull the strawberries, then chop them into small pieces up to 24 hours in advance. Similarly, lightly crushing the dried culinary lavender to release its fragrance can also be done ahead of time. When you’re ready to make the jam, simply combine the prepped strawberries with the crushed lavender, freshly squeezed lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and pectin in a large pot. Let it sit for 10 minutes before cooking and thickening it over medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes. After jarring and processing your jam for preservation, allow it to cool completely on a towel. For best quality, store your jars in a cool, dark place and enjoy within a year! This way, you’ll have your delightful Strawberry Lavender Jam ready to spread on toast or use in desserts whenever you desire.
Strawberry Lavender Jam: Edible Flowers Recipe FAQs
What type of strawberries should I use for this jam?
Fresh, ripe strawberries are ideal for making Strawberry Lavender Jam. Look for berries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant. If possible, choose organic strawberries to avoid pesticides and enhance the overall flavor of your jam.
Can I use other types of sweeteners in this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for granulated and brown sugar, you can experiment with alternatives like honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that using liquid sweeteners may require adjusting the amount of pectin to ensure the jam sets properly.
How should I store my homemade strawberry lavender jam?
Once cooled, store your sealed jars in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard. Properly processed and sealed jars can last up to a year on the shelf. After opening, refrigerate the jam and consume it within 2-3 weeks for the best flavor.
Can I freeze strawberry lavender jam for longer storage?
Yes! You can freeze your jam if you prefer longer storage. Just make sure to leave enough headspace in your jars (about 1/2 inch) to allow for expansion as it freezes. It will maintain its best quality for about 6-12 months in the freezer.
What should I do if my jam doesn’t thicken properly?
If you find that your jam is too runny after cooking, don’t worry! You can add an extra tablespoon of pectin mixed with a little sugar directly into the pot while it’s still warm. Bring it back to a boil and cook for another 5-10 minutes until thickened.
What’s a good serving size for this jam?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, with each serving containing around 150 calories. A tablespoon or two spread on toast or incorporated into desserts is perfect for enjoying the delightful strawberry-lavender flavor combination!
Strawberry Lavender Jam: Edible Flowers
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and hull the strawberries, then chop them into small pieces.
- Lightly crush the dried lavender to release its fragrance.
- In a large pot, combine the chopped strawberries, dried lavender, lemon juice, and both sugars. Stir well.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.
- Add the pectin to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Once boiling, continue to cook for about 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Check the consistency by placing a spoonful on a plate and letting it cool for a minute; it should hold its shape.
- Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam from the surface.
- Using a ladle and canning funnel, pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
- Seal the jars with lids and process in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure preservation.
- Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely on a clean towel.
- Once cooled, check that the lids have sealed properly. Store in a cool, dark place.
