strawberry, mint and black pepper jam
Perhaps you've never thought of ground black pepper as an ingredient in strawberry jam, but this traditional French recipe will change your mind! The black pepper isn't evident on it's own in the finished the gym, but it does very nicely offset the sugar giving it balance. Along with the fresh mint, it makes a perfect companion to strawberries and sugar. The lemon juice should be enough for the jam to set, but you can also add pectin at the end if you prefer.
prep time
10 Min
cook time
25 Min
method
Canning/Preserving
yield
10 4 oz or five 8 oz jars
Ingredients
- 2 pounds strawberries, fresh
- 2 - lemons
- 5 1/2 cups sugar
- 10 - black peppercorns, whole, finely ground
- 10 - mint leaves, fresh
- 1/8 teaspoon butter, unsalted (to keep foam down)
- 1 package fruit pectin, powdered (optional)
How To Make strawberry, mint and black pepper jam
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Step 1Wash, hull and halve or quarter strawberries depending on size. Place strawberries in a glass bowl. Add sugar. Zest both lemons and juice them. Add zest and juice the strawberries. Gently combine ingredients, cover bowl with parchment paper and refrigerate over night or a bare minimum of 12 hours. It's best to leave them for 24 hours.
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Step 2Add strawberry mixture to to a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium -high heat, frequently stirring gently, until the sugar has dissolved (approximately five minutes).
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Step 3Remove from heat. Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve, reserving fruit.
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Step 4Return syrup to saucepan over high heat and bring to a hard boil. Continue to boil until temperature registers 220F on a candy thermometer.
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Step 5Add reserved fruit, mint, black pepper and butter to the syrup. Continue to boil, stirring gently, for eight minutes. Remove from heat. Check for set by placing a small amount of the mixture on a saucer and placing in the freezer for a few minutes. If mixture gels, it is done. If not, return to a boil. Cook for one minute, remove from heat and check again.
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Step 6Once jam has set, remove from heat and immediately fill prepared, hot jars. Run a knife or spatula around the inside of each jar to remove air bubbles. Carefully wipe the rims of each jar clean, place lids and tighten rings until "fingertip tight."
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Step 7Process in water bath for 10 minutes. Remove to a clean dish towel out of direct sunlight. Allow to rest for 12 hours. Check jars for seal. Reprocess or refrigerate any jars that did not seal properly. Jam will keep in a call, dark covered for up to one year.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
Discover More
Diet:
Vegetarian
Diet:
Low Fat
Diet:
Dairy Free
Category:
Jams & Jellies
Keyword:
#strawberries
Keyword:
#canning
Keyword:
#mint
Keyword:
#preserves
Keyword:
#preserving
Keyword:
#French
Keyword:
#France
Ingredient:
Fruit
Culture:
American
Tag:
#Heirloom
Method:
Canning/Preserving
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