Imagine indulging in the sweet taste of summer all year round! With our delightful Freezer Fruit Preserves recipe, you can capture the essence of fresh, juicy fruit and savor it whenever you like. This simple yet rewarding method requires just 30 minutes of your time and yields four jars of vibrant, homemade preserves that are perfect for spreading on toast, topping desserts, or even stirring into yogurt. Don't miss out on the chance to transform your favorite seasonal fruits into a luscious treat that will brighten up any meal. Ready to dive into this fruity adventure? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Preserving
Serves: 4 jars
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 packet fruit pectin
- Jars for storage
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your workspace and gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools. Ensure you have clean jars ready for storing the fruit preserves.
- Wash the mixed fruit thoroughly under cold running water. If using strawberries, remove the stems and slice them into smaller pieces. Leave blueberries and raspberries whole.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the washed mixed fruit. Gently stir them together to ensure an even distribution.
- In a separate bowl, mix the sugar with the packet of fruit pectin. This will help to ensure that the pectin is evenly distributed when added to the fruit.
- Pour the lemon juice over the mixed fruit. The acidity of the lemon juice will enhance the flavor and help preserve the fruit.
- Add the sugar and pectin mixture to the fruit and lemon juice. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Make sure the sugar is dissolved and the fruit is coated.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the fruit to release some of its juices, which will help in the preservation process.
- After 10 minutes, give the mixture another gentle stir. You should see some syrup forming as the sugar begins to dissolve.
- While the fruit mixture is resting, prepare your jars. Ensure they are clean and dry. You can sterilize them by placing them in a hot oven or boiling them in water for a few minutes.
- Once the fruit mixture is ready, carefully spoon it into the prepared jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top. This space is important for the expansion of the fruit when frozen.
- Seal the jars tightly with their lids. Make sure there are no gaps or leaks to ensure the preserves stay fresh.
- Label each jar with the date and type of fruit preserves. This will help you keep track of your creations in the freezer.
- Place the jars in the freezer. They can be stored for up to a year, but for the best flavor, use them within 6 months.
- When you're ready to use the preserves, simply remove a jar from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips
- Choose the Right Fruit: Use a mix of your favorite berries for a colorful and flavorful preserve. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries work wonderfully together, but feel free to experiment with other fruits like peaches or blackberries.
- Prep Your Jars: Make sure your jars are properly sterilized before filling them with preserves. This can be done by boiling them for a few minutes or placing them in a hot oven to ensure they are clean and ready for storage.
- Mix it Up: After combining the fruit with sugar and pectin, let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the fruit to release its natural juices, enhancing the flavor and texture of your preserves.
- Leave Space in the Jars: When filling your jars, remember to leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top. This is crucial for allowing the fruit to expand when frozen, preventing any spills or jar breakage.
- Label and Date: Don’t forget to label each jar with the date and type of fruit preserves. This helps you keep track of your delicious creations, ensuring you enjoy them at their best!
- Thawing Tips: When you're ready to enjoy your preserves, simply take a jar out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the flavor and texture of the fruit.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 465kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
