The Ultimate Summer Jam

Strawberries and roses are the ultimate heralds of high summer. When the roses burst into full, fragrant bloom and the strawberries ripen to perfection under the warm sun, you know the season has truly arrived.

What better way to capture this fleeting magic than by preserving it in a jar? Combining the bright sweetness of fresh strawberries with the intoxicating floral notes of garden roses creates a luxurious, summery jam perfect for brightening up a rainy day or lifting your spirits during the long winter months.

You need:

• 1 kg fresh strawberries, remove the green part

• 700g – 800g granulated sugar (adjust depending on how sweet want the jam)

• 1 juicy lemon (freshly squeezed)

• 3–4 cups highly fragrant rose petals (loosely packed; look for your biggest, most scented blooms like Augusta Luise)

Essential Equipment:

• A few sterilized jars with tight-fitting lids.

• A metal spoon placed in the fridge (your secret weapon for checking if the jam is set!).

1. Dissolve and Simmer

Combine your fresh strawberries and sugar in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Place it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar crystals have completely dissolved.

2. The Big Boil

Once the sugar is fully melted, turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Let it bubble away for about 20 minutes. As it cooks, use a slotted spoon to skim off any white foam that rises to the surface—this keeps your final jam beautifully clear and glossy.

3. Test the Set

When the jam begins to look thick and glossy, take your cold spoon out of the fridge. Drop a small dollop of hot jam onto it and let it sit for 30 seconds. Push the jam gently with your finger; if it wrinkles and feels thick rather than runny, your jam has reached its setting point and is ready! If not, keep it boiling till it sets.

4. The Floral Finale

Turn the heat down to a low simmer and stir in the fresh rose petals and lemon juice. The lemon juice balances the sweetness and brings out the vibrant color, while the heat gently releases the rose oils. Let it simmer for just one minute to infuse.

5. Jar and Store

Carefully ladle the hot, aromatic jam into your sterilized jars, leaving a tiny bit of headspace at the top. Seal the lids tightly. Once completely cooled, store your jars in a cool, dark place.

Serving Suggestion: This jam is incredible on warm, buttery scones, swirled into creamy vanilla yogurt, served alongside a sharp cheese platter for a summer garden party, or why not use it as a filler in a swiss role or a cream cake!