How to Make Homemade Strawberry Jam with No Pectin
Learn how to make homemade fresh strawberry jam without pectin, preservatives, or refined sugar—just simple, wholesome ingredients!

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Ingredients:
To get started making this recipe, you’ll first want to gather all your ingredients first.
1 pound
Strawberries
1/8 cup
Honey
1/3 cup
Water
Half
Lemon
Start with 1/4 cup of honey, then taste your jam. If the strawberries are a bit tart, feel free to add more honey to sweeten it to your liking.
If your strawberries start to burn while simmering, lower the heat and add a little water at a time to prevent sticking and help them cook down gently.
Step by Step Instructions:
Step 1: Wash your strawberries and hull them.
Step 2: Preheat a 2-quart (or similar-sized) saucepan over low heat. Once the pan is heated, add the strawberries and water, stirring frequently to prevent burning for approximately 5 minutes. Add water gradually as needed to keep the mixture from sticking while it simmers.
Step 3: Once your strawberries are fork tender use an immersion blender or smasher to blend your strawberries to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Add the honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pan, then stir well to combine.
Step 5: Turn the heat up to medium high and allow the jam to come to a boil and simmer for approximate 18-20 minutes or use a candy thermometer and cook until it reaches 220°F.
Step 6: Transfer your strawberry jam into a clean jar and let it cool completely before sealing and storing. Label your jar with the date and refrigerate.
Optional Toppings:
- Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are a natural thickening agent and works by absorbing liquid and it will also provide extra finder along with a crunchy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long will it stay fresh in the fridge?
Label the container with the date to track time and store in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, and by using frozen strawberries you will be able to have homemade jam year round, even when strawberries are out of season. Thaw frozen strawberries before use.
Why don’t you need pectin?
Pectin is naturally found in strawberries and will be activated by using sugar (honey) and lemon juice. This will give you the texture jam is known for.
What are the signs that your jam is done and has set correctly?
To ensure your jam has set, use a candy thermometer and cook until it reaches 220°F.
How to hull strawberries?
You can simply cut the tops of your strawberries, but if you would like to preserve more of the strawberries you may hull your strawberries in 2 different ways.
Method #1
Grab your strawberry and gently pull off the green leaves. Then, using a small knife, carefully insert the tip around the stem area and slowly cut in a circular motion to remove the hull.
Method #2
Take your strawberry and press a straw straight through the bottom, aiming for the center. Push with steady pressure until the hull pops out the top. For larger strawberries, you may need to repeat this step to fully remove the core.
Did you make this recipe?
Mention me @wifeandherhome so I can see your creations!
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Jam with No Pectin
Ingredients
- 1 pound of strawberries
- 1/8 cup of honey
- 1/3 cup of water
- half a lemon
Instructions
- Wash your strawberries and hull them.
- Preheat a 2-quart (or similar-sized) saucepan over low heat. Once the pan is heated, add the strawberries and water, stirring frequently to prevent burning for approximately 5 minutes. Add water gradually as needed to keep the mixture from sticking while it simmers.
- Once your strawberries are fork tender use an immersion blender or smasher to blend your strawberries to your desired consistency.
- Add the honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pan, then stir well to combine.
- Turn the heat up to medium high and allow the jam to come to a boil and simmer for approximate 18-20 minutes or use a candy thermometer and cook until it reaches 220°F.
- Transfer your strawberry jam into a clean jar and let it cool completely before sealing and storing. Label your jar with the date and refrigerate.