There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh strawberries, but their season is short. If you find yourself with an abundance of berries, canning is a fantastic way to enjoy that sweet, juicy flavor long after summer has passed.
Whether you love classic strawberry jam, a refreshing fruit syrup, or even canned whole berries, preserving strawberries is easier than you might think.
Strawberries are delicate and spoil quickly, but canning locks in their flavor, making them shelf-stable for up to a year or more.
Preserving strawberries can help you save money, reduce food waste, and enjoy homemade treats with no artificial preservatives.
Plus, homemade strawberry preserves make thoughtful gifts!
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Preparing strawberries for canning
Before diving into recipes, start with the best berries you can find. Look for firm, ripe strawberries with a deep red color and no soft spots.
Wash them thoroughly, hull them (remove the green tops), and decide how you want to preserve them. Depending on the recipe, you might mash them, slice them, or leave them whole.
Essential Canning Supplies
To safely can strawberries, you’ll need:
- Glass canning jars with lids and bands: Always buy canning jars from a trusted source like Ball. That way you know the jars will be safe to can in. Use new flats lids each time you can so you get a good seal. Ring bands can be used multiply times. Just check and make sure there is no rust on them. Rusted bands can get stuck on the jars.
- A large pot or water bath canner: I use my Ball Electric Canner because I have a glass top stove.
- A jar lifter: Use a sturdy lifter to safely load and unload hot jars from the water bath canner
- A wide funnel: A funnel makes it so much easier to fill the jars and can cut back on drips.
- A ladle: A large ladle should be used so you can quickly fill all canning jars before the ingredients cool.
- Sugar or alternative sweeteners (depending on the recipe): Most recipes call for granulated white sugar.
- Pectin (for jams and jellies): The type of pectin will depend on the recipe. You should always use the type called for in the recipe or you may not get a proper gel.
- Lemon juice (for acidity and flavor balance): Most strawberry canning recipes will call for bottles or fresh lemon juice. Again you should use the type called for in the recipe. Some canning recipes need a certain acid level you can only get from bottled lemon juice.
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Tips for Safe and Successful Canning
- Use the water bath canning method – Since strawberries are high in acid, they can be safely canned using this method.
- Check your seals – After jars have cooled, make sure the lids have sealed properly by pressing down in the center. If it pops back up, refrigerate and use soon.
- Label your jars – Include the date so you know when to use them.
- Store in a cool, dark place – Properly canned strawberries can last a year or longer.
Other Ways to Preserve Strawberries
- Freezing – Whole, sliced, or mashed strawberries freeze beautifully and are great for smoothies or baking. Here is how I like to Freeze Fresh Berries.
- Dehydrating – Dried strawberries make a delicious snack or topping for oatmeal and cereal. How To Dehydrated Strawberries
- Making Strawberry Vinegar – A unique way to preserve the flavor for salad dressings and marinades.
More Strawberry Recipes
Summer is all about the sweet flavors of fresh strawberries. Here are some of my favorite strawberry recipes you can whip up in no time.
- Homemade Strawberry Syrup: No time for canning but you have some fresh berries you need to use up? Homemade fruit syrups are easy to make.
- Strawberry Lemonade: A refreshing drink perfect served at a bbq.
- Strawberry Mojito: Sip on a refreshing strawberry cocktail when the temperatures rise.
Canning recipes for other summer fruits
- Canning Recipes: Check out Flour On My Face canning recipes
- Peach Canning recipes: Preserve peaches so you can enjoy them all year long.
- Blueberry Canning Recipes: Capture the deep, sweet-tart flavor of fresh blueberries and make it last all year with delicious blueberry canning recipes, from rich jams to vibrant syrups and pie fillings.
- Spring canning ideas: get a jump start on canning season.
Final Thoughts
Canning strawberries is a rewarding way to extend their freshness and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned home canner or a beginner, there’s a method that fits your needs. Give it a try, and you’ll be enjoying the taste of summer even in the middle of winter!
Strawberry canning recipes
Strawberry season is short, but with canning, you can enjoy their sweet, juicy flavor all year long! Whether you love classic jams, refreshing syrups, or unique preserves, there are plenty of ways to turn fresh strawberries into shelf-stable treats.
Below, you’ll find 15 delicious strawberry canning recipes that are perfect for stocking your pantry or gifting to friends and family. Grab your jars and let’s get preserving!
Email questions or recipe requests to flouronmyface@gmail.com. Follow me on Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
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