Jamie Oliver’s strawberry jam is a simple, yet delightful recipe that elevates the classic strawberry preserve. Known for his straightforward, no-nonsense approach to cooking, Jamie’s version of strawberry jam is all about using fresh, ripe strawberries, minimal ingredients and a method that brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit. The jam has a smooth texture with a slight chunkiness, making it perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on scones or even adding a spoonful to yogurt. It’s that blend of homemade goodness and fresh flavor that makes it stand out.
Jamie Oliver Strawberry Jam Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make Jamie Oliver’s strawberry jam, you only need a handful of ingredients:
- Fresh Strawberries – 1kg of ripe strawberries is the star of the show. Freshness is key here; they need to be sweet, juicy and full of flavor. Overripe berries will result in a jam that lacks that vibrant strawberry taste.
- Caster Sugar – 750g. This helps with the preservation and gives the jam its sweet, glossy finish. Caster sugar dissolves easily and creates a smooth texture.
- Lemon – You’ll need the juice of one lemon. The acidity in the lemon balances the sweetness of the strawberries and helps the jam set properly.
- Water – A little splash to get the cooking started. Just enough to help dissolve the sugar before the jam reaches its boil.
That’s it. No pectin or fancy additives needed. The natural pectin in the strawberries, paired with the lemon, is enough to get that perfect consistency.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to make Jamie’s strawberry jam. Here’s a basic list:
- Large Pot or Jam Pan – A wide, heavy-bottomed pan is essential. It helps the jam cook evenly and prevents burning. The wide surface area also lets the water evaporate quickly, thickening the jam.
- Wooden Spoon – For stirring. A wooden spoon is gentle on the jam and helps prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Potato Masher (optional) – If you prefer a smoother jam, you can use this to mash the strawberries to your desired consistency. Some people like a chunkier texture, so this step is optional.
- Sterilized Jars – You’ll need a few glass jars to store the jam. Make sure they’re clean and sterilized to avoid any risk of contamination.
- Ladle – To pour the jam into the jars without making a mess.
- Jam Thermometer (optional) – If you want to be precise, this can help you check the temperature of the jam to ensure it’s set properly, though you can also do the “wrinkle test” to check consistency.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Strawberry Jam
Making this jam is easier than it sounds. Here’s how you do it:
- Prep the Strawberries: Start by washing your strawberries and removing the stems. Cut them into quarters (or smaller if they’re large). Don’t worry about getting them perfectly uniform.
- Cook the Fruit: Place the strawberries into your pan with the lemon juice and a little splash of water. Heat over low heat to gently dissolve the sugar before it starts boiling. Stir occasionally to make sure the sugar doesn’t burn.
- Add the Sugar: Gradually add the caster sugar to the pot, stirring constantly. Once all the sugar is added, bring the mixture to a rolling boil. It will foam up at first, so you might want to skim off any foam that forms.
- Check the Jam’s Consistency: After around 20-30 minutes of boiling, check if the jam is setting. You can do this by putting a spoonful of the jam onto a cold plate and letting it cool for a few seconds. Run your finger through the jam and if it wrinkles and doesn’t run back together, it’s ready. If not, keep boiling for another few minutes.
- Jar the Jam: Once the jam reaches the right consistency, carefully ladle it into your sterilized jars. Leave a bit of room at the top and seal immediately. You’ll want to let the jars cool to room temperature before storing them.
- Storage: The jam will keep for several months if stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it in the fridge.
What I Learnt
Making this jam is a simple and rewarding experience. The most important thing I learned was how much flavor the fruit itself brings to the table. Jamie’s recipe lets the strawberries shine without overcomplicating things with additives. The key is patience-allowing the jam to reach the right temperature and consistency is crucial for that perfect spreadable texture.
Also, I discovered that it’s okay if the jam isn’t perfectly smooth. I used a potato masher to keep some chunkiness which added to the homemade charm. The lemon juice doesn’t just add tang; it’s a vital ingredient in helping the jam set, something I hadn’t fully appreciated before.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Strawberry Jam
Jamie Oliver’s strawberry jam is already a star. fresh, fruity and full of vibrant flavor. But if you want to put your own twist on it, there are a few clever tweaks that can really elevate the final jar.
First, think about sweetness. Jamie usually keeps it natural and balanced but if you prefer a more intense jammy sweetness, you can add a splash of honey or even a pinch of raw cane sugar instead of white sugar. Honey adds depth and a floral note which pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Next, texture! Jamie’s jam is typically smooth but if you like your jam with a little more bite, hold back on cooking it down fully. Let some of the strawberry chunks stay intact. Alternatively, mash the berries lightly with a fork instead of blending or pureeing them. This creates a rustic, homemade feel that’s just delightful on toast.
For a flavor boost, try adding a hint of lemon zest or a splash of balsamic vinegar. Both add a subtle tang and complexity that makes your jam taste like it was made by a pro. Fresh herbs like basil or mint stirred in near the end of cooking can also add an unexpected but refreshing twist.
If you want a jam with less sugar or are aiming for a more natural preserve, consider swapping out some sugar for fruit pectin or chia seeds to help it thicken without relying solely on sugar. It’s a nice tweak for those watching their sugar intake but still craving that luscious spread.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Jam is great but once opened, it’s important to treat it right so you don’t lose that fresh flavor or worse, let it spoil.
First, always use a clean spoon when scooping out jam. Double-dipping can introduce bacteria that will shorten the jam’s shelf life. It’s a simple but often overlooked step.
Keep your jam jar tightly sealed and store it in the fridge after opening. The cold slows down any fermentation or mold growth. Jamie’s strawberry jam, with its natural sugars and acidity, can last up to a month refrigerated. but it’s best to consume it sooner rather than later for peak flavor.
If you’ve made a big batch and want to store it longer, freezing jam is a smart move. Pour the jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to eat and give it a good stir before serving.
For unopened jars, store them in a cool, dark pantry away from direct sunlight or heat sources. The jam will keep well for months this way. Just check the seal before opening to ensure it’s still airtight.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Strawberry Jam?
Strawberry jam is wildly versatile and Jamie’s version is no exception. It’s not just for toast (though, let’s be honest, it’s incredible there).
Start with breakfast – swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal for a natural sweetness boost. It pairs beautifully with soft cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese, so try spreading some jam on a bagel with cream cheese for an easy, tasty snack.
On the savory side, jam can add an exciting twist. Try it alongside roasted meats, especially pork or chicken. a spoonful of strawberry jam in a sauce or glaze adds a lovely balance of sweet and tart. It’s also fantastic on charcuterie boards, paired with strong cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddar.
For desserts, jam is a no-brainer. Use it as a filling for cakes, tarts or even swirl it into ice cream or panna cotta. And don’t forget the classic peanut butter and jam sandwich. it’s a childhood favorite for a reason!
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Strawberry Jam?
You’ll need strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin (optional) to make his jam.
How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Strawberry Jam Last?
If sealed in sterilized jars, it can last for up to a year in a cool, dark place.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries For This Recipe?
Yes, frozen strawberries work just fine, though fresh ones tend to give a better flavor and texture.
