Looking for a sweet and healthy treat that won't break the calorie bank? Look no further than 1 package of strawberry jam, which contains just 40 calories. But what exactly is strawberry jam, and what makes it so special? Let's explore!

Strawberry jam is a type of fruit preserve made from ripe strawberries, sugar, and pectin. It's a delicious way to enjoy the natural sweetness of strawberries all year round, and it's a great source of vitamins and minerals. Just one tablespoon of strawberry jam contains about 50% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C!

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of strawberry jam, how to make it at home, nutritional facts, creative ways to use it, different types of strawberries used in jam, the best brands to buy, how to store it properly, and how it can benefit your health and weight loss goals.

Benefits of Strawberry Jam

Strawberry jam isn't just delicious – it's packed with health benefits too! Here are a few reasons to add it to your diet: - High in vitamin C: as mentioned before, strawberry jam is an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system and helps your body absorb iron. - Antioxidant-rich: strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and lower your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Jam

Making your own strawberry jam is easier than you might think – and it's a great way to control the ingredients and sweetness level. Here's a basic recipe to get you started: - Start with 2 pounds of fresh strawberries, hulled and mashed. - Stir in 4 cups of sugar and 1 pouch of liquid pectin, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Skim off any foam that accumulates on top.

Strawberry Jam Nutrition Facts

Here's a breakdown of the nutritional content of 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam: - calories: 40 - Total fat: 0g

Creative Ways to Use Strawberry Jam

While strawberry jam is delicious simply spread on toast or biscuits, there are plenty of other creative ways to use it too! Here are a few ideas: - Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt for a sweet and creamy breakfast - Use as a glaze for grilled meat or roasted vegetables

Types of Strawberries Used in Jam

Not all strawberries are created equal – some varieties are better for jam-making than others. Here are a few popular types of strawberries used in jam: - Honeoye: a firm, juicy strawberry with a rich red color and strong berry flavor - Jewel: a large, sweet strawberry with a firm texture and bright red color

Best Brands of Strawberry Jam

While homemade strawberry jam is always the best option, sometimes you just don't have the time or resources to make it yourself. Here are a few highly-rated store-bought brands of strawberry jam: - Bonne Maman - Smucker's

How to Properly Store Strawberry Jam

Once you've made or opened a jar of strawberry jam, it's important to store it properly to maintain freshness and flavor. Here are a few tips: - Store in the refrigerator after opening and use within 1-2 months - Keep in a cool, dark, dry place before opening (a pantry or cupboard is ideal)

Strawberry Jam and Health

In addition to being a delicious treat, strawberry jam may offer several health benefits. Here are a few potential health benefits of strawberry jam: - May aid in digestion thanks to its high fiber content - May help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation due to its high levels of antioxidants

Strawberry Jam and Weight Loss

While you might not expect a sweet jam to be a weight loss aid, there are ways that adding strawberry jam to your diet could help you slim down. Here's how: - It's low in calories: with just 40 calories per tablespoon, strawberry jam can be a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without wrecking your diet. - It's high in fiber: thanks to the strawberries, strawberry jam is also a good source of fiber, which can help keep you full and reduce your overall calorie intake.

Strawberry Jam Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Ready to start using strawberry jam in your favorite recipes? Here are a few ideas to get you started: - Breakfast: try swirling strawberry jam into oatmeal, yogurt, or even pancake batter for a sweet and delicious breakfast treat. - Lunch: add a dollop of strawberry jam to your favorite sandwich or wrap for a sweet and savory twist.