Strawberries just happen to be one of our favorite fruits. We love to pick them fresh or grab them from a local fruit seller. But our favorite is strawberry freezer jam.

Since strawberries don't stay fresh long, we preserve them as freezer jam and can enjoy the flavor year round. We add freezer jam to yogurt and smoothies. Top our homemade ice cream with it. And it makes the perfect addition to buttermilk pancakes.

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The best part about strawberry freezer jam is that it is super simple to make. So simple in fact it is a family affair for us. Our kids help pick and wash the strawberries (and eat some along the way).

Now let's answer some of your most pressing questions on how to make strawberry freezer jam.

What do I need for strawberry freezer jam?

Typically for a strawberry freezer jam you will need several cups of washed strawberries, sugar, water and Pectin. Often the recipe calls for lemon juice as well to help keep the color nice and red.

Other items you'll need would be glass jars and jar lids. Or you can use plastic containers as well.

What is the difference between jam and freezer jam?

The difference between jam and freezer jam is the amount of heat used in cooking and preserving the jam. Regular jam goes through a cooking process and is put in a water bath to allow for the jam to sit on a shelf.

Freezer jam uses little to no heat and is then combined with sugar and pectin to create the thick consistency. It is preserved by putting into the freezer.

What kind of jars do you use for freezer jam?

I personally like to use half-pint to pint sized glass canning jars for my freezer jam. You can buy jars brand new or look for them in second hand stores or garage sales. Half-pint jars of freezer jam make really great gifts for the holiday.

As said earlier, you can use heavy plastic containers with tight lids. Make sure to leave just a small amount of space at the top so there is very little air.

How do I make my freezer jam set?

To set your freezer jam, you'll leave it on the counter for 24 hours after placing in the jar. I've found the best way to prevent runny jam is to really, really stir it well when adding the sugar. I taste it frequently until the sugar is no longer grainy.

Tips for Making Strawberry Jam

Don't over mash the strawberries. You don't want a runny jam, you still want some chunks of strawberries.

Use frozen strawberries instead of fresh by thawing the strawberries for a few hours. Blend and don't discard juices.

Once you open jam, keep in fridge for up to 1 month. Add to toast, homemade yogurt and smoothies.

Now don't forget to log how many jars of jame you canned in your canning journal. That way you always know how much you have and when you need more.