Both strawberry jam and strawberry puree are popular ways to enjoy strawberries in a variety of dishes, but they differ in texture, flavor, and culinary use. While both offer the delicious taste of strawberries, they serve different purposes in the kitchen. Understanding the difference between the two can help you choose the right one for your recipes.
This article breaks down their key differences, ingredients, and how each is typically used in cooking and baking.
What is Strawberry Puree?
Strawberry puree is a smooth, blended mixture made from strawberries, often with the addition of a little sweetener or lemon juice to balance the flavors. Unlike jam, which is cooked down with sugar and pectin to achieve a thick, spreadable consistency, puree maintains more of the natural texture and taste of fresh strawberries.
The simplicity of strawberry puree makes it incredibly versatile. It can be used in a wide range of dishes, from smoothies to desserts. For example, it’s often used in recipes like this strawberry tart, where the fresh flavor of strawberries complements the buttery crust perfectly.
Ingredients for Strawberry Puree:
- Fresh or frozen strawberries
- Sweetener (optional)
- Lemon juice (optional)
Strawberry puree is easy to make and can be adjusted to fit the sweetness level you prefer. It’s typically blended raw, keeping the flavors fresh and vibrant.
What is Strawberry Jam?
Strawberry jam, on the other hand, is a cooked product that combines strawberries with sugar and often pectin to create a thick, spreadable consistency. The cooking process intensifies the sweetness and changes the texture of the strawberries, making jam much thicker and richer than puree.
Jam is typically used as a spread for bread, pastries, or desserts, but it can also be incorporated into recipes like cakes and cookies. Its long shelf life and concentrated flavor make it a pantry staple for many homes. If you’re looking for a rich strawberry flavor in a dessert, try it in a no-bake strawberry cheesecake for a delightful burst of flavor.
Ingredients for Strawberry Jam:
- Fresh or frozen strawberries
- Sugar
- Pectin (optional)
Strawberry jam is cooked, which reduces its water content and gives it a more solid, spreadable texture compared to puree.
Key Differences Between Strawberry Jam and Strawberry Puree
Now that we’ve covered what each one is, let’s dive into the major differences between them:
1. Texture
- Strawberry puree is smooth, thin, and pourable, making it ideal for use in smoothies, sauces, and as a topping for desserts.
- Strawberry jam, on the other hand, is thicker and more spreadable due to the cooking process and the sugar or pectin used to thicken it.
2. Sweetness
- Jam is usually much sweeter than puree because it contains a higher amount of sugar. This makes it perfect for spreading on toast or incorporating into baked goods where sweetness is key.
- Puree retains the natural flavor of the strawberries, often with only a little added sweetener. Its flavor is fresher and lighter compared to jam.
3. Culinary Uses
- Strawberry puree is commonly used in fresh or cold dishes such as smoothies, cocktails, sauces, and desserts like no-churn strawberry ice cream. It works best when you want the fresh taste of strawberries to shine.
- Strawberry jam is ideal for spreading on toast, filling baked goods, or using in recipes where a thicker, sweeter strawberry component is needed, such as in cookies or cakes.
4. Shelf Life
- Jam has a longer shelf life due to its sugar content and cooking process. It can last for months when properly sealed in jars.
- Puree, however, is perishable and should be refrigerated or frozen. It will last about a week in the fridge or up to three months in the freezer.
When to Use Strawberry Puree vs. Jam
Choosing between strawberry puree and jam depends on what you’re making. If you’re looking for the fresh, natural flavor of strawberries, puree is the way to go. It’s excellent for recipes like sauces, smoothies, or as a topping for pancakes and waffles. For example, you might use strawberry puree as a base in an easy summer pudding, where its natural flavor shines through.
Jam, however, is perfect for when you need a sweet, thick, spreadable ingredient. Whether you’re layering it on toast or baking it into cookies, jam’s concentrated flavor and texture make it a wonderful addition to pastries and baked goods.
How to Store Strawberry Jam and Puree
Storing Jam:
Strawberry jam is relatively simple to store because it has a long shelf life. Homemade jam should be stored in sterilized jars with a tight seal. Once opened, store it in the refrigerator for up to a month. Unopened, it can last for several months in the pantry.
Storing Puree:
Strawberry puree should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator and used within five days. If you’ve made a large batch, you can freeze it by pouring the puree into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag, and they’ll last for up to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use strawberry puree as a substitute for strawberry jam?
Yes, you can use strawberry puree in place of jam for certain recipes, particularly if you’re looking for a fresher, less sweet flavor. However, since puree is thinner and less sweet, you might need to adjust the recipe by adding sugar or a thickening agent.
Can I make strawberry jam from strawberry puree?
Yes, strawberry puree can be cooked down with sugar and pectin to create jam. The key difference is that you’ll need to cook the puree until it reaches the desired thickness, which typically takes around 20-30 minutes.
Which is healthier, strawberry jam or puree?
Strawberry puree is generally considered healthier because it contains less sugar and retains more of the natural nutrients from the strawberries. Jam, while delicious, tends to have higher sugar content, which makes it more of a treat.