Xanthan Gum Free Strawberry Honey Jam
Bright, sun-ripened strawberries meet floral honey and a double hit of lemon in this simple stovetop jam that tastes like the best version of summer you can spoon onto toast. Many commercial jams and even homemade recipes lean on xanthan gum or other gelling additives to get that thick, spreadable texture — this one skips all of that entirely. Instead, a small arrowroot starch slurry stirred in at the end does the thickening work beautifully, leaving you with a glossy, clean-tasting jam that sets up perfectly in the fridge. You control the texture too: leave a few rustic strawberry chunks in for something that feels homemade in the best way, or mash it smooth if you want a more polished spread. The lemon zest is a quiet hero here, lifting the sweetness and giving the whole jar a brightness that store-bought versions rarely manage. It comes together in one saucepan with ingredients you can actually pronounce, and the result is a jar worth keeping on the door of your fridge all week long.
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Learn more →Ingredients
16 servings
- 1 lb fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch
- 1 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- 1
Combine the strawberries, honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to coat the fruit, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture begins to bubble, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Use a potato masher or fork to crush the strawberries to your preferred texture — a few larger pieces left in gives a rustic jam, or mash thoroughly for a smoother spread.
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