Recipe: Lulu’s Rose & Strawberry Jam
National Preserving Week runs from 24 July – 1 August 2023. This dedicated week is designed to encourage people to preserve their own foods. This is an online event run in the style of an old-fashioned village festival, with competitions, demonstrations and events such as Jampaign and Swapcrop for all the family. At Social Pantry, we’re inviting you to get involved with a recipe for Rose & Strawberry Jam from our fabulous CDP, Lulu.
Why preserve?
In short, to keep it in an edible state for longer. Preserving helps to reduce food waste and allow access to food year round, therefore increasing food security and indulging our appetite for certain foods out of their natural season. Preservation techniques can also alter the flavour and textures of foods, unlocking new creative possibilities. Which is exactly what this jam does!
Why we love it…
This delicious and distinctive jam combines the comforting familiarity and nostalgic sweetness of strawberries with the delicate flavour of rose. Rose is the national flower of England, and nothing says quintessential English summertime like strawberries. This recipe preserves exclusively British seasonal produce but takes global inspiration from the Lebanese tradition of rose-flavoured desserts. Try sandwiching in a Victoria Sponge or layer cake for a unique, floral twist on tradition. Use to fill doughnuts, slather over crumpets or enjoy with live yoghurt and granola. It can even be diluted to form a syrup for cocktails!

Lulu’s Rose & Strawberry Jam
Ingredients
1 kilo fresh strawberries
750g sugar
Large handful of fresh, fragrant rose petals
2 lemons, juiced

Method
First, place a couple of small saucers in the freezer.
Prepare the strawberries by washing and carefully removing the tops without hulling or wasting any flesh.
Add all the ingredients into a large heavy-based pan over a low heat. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar.
Increase the heat and boil briskly for about 20 minutes to reach the setting point. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking or burning. Do not leave it unattended.
Check the jam is ready to come off the heat once it has reached the setting point of 105C using a jam thermometer. Alternatively, place a little jam on one of the frozen saucers. Allow it to cool and observe. If a skin forms or wrinkles when pushed with your finger, the jam is ready. If not, boil a little longer and test again.
Once it has reached the setting point, pour into hot sterilised jars. This prevents the jars from cracking. Seal when cool and store in a cool, dark place.
