Fresh and sweet (No Added Pectin) Strawberry Fruit Spread

This strawberry fruit spread is delicious, extremely versatile, and requires only 4 ingredients!

Fresh strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a dash of salt are all you need to make this fresh and sweet strawberry fruit spread. For many people, the thought of fruit spread brings toast to mind. I can’t lie, I do love toast and jam, but there are so many other uses for fruit spread other than spreading it on bread.

The Many Uses of Fruit Spread

• A spread for crackers
• Add it to your homemade charcuterie or cheese board
• Pork, chicken or beef marinade
• Sauce for chicken, pork, or steak
• Put it on a salad
• Add it to yogurt or ice cream
• Spread it on a sandwich

The list of uses goes on and on and is only limited by one’s imagination 🤔

Pectin or no Pectin?

Pectin is a soluble fiber and natural thickener found in plants, meaning most fruits and vegetables naturally contain pectin in varying levels.

Whether or not pectin should be used is dependent upon different variables. Two of the most important variables include how much fruit spread you want to make and how much time you have to make it.

Additional pectin may be added during the cooking process to thicken fruit spreads into jams and jellies faster than they would thicken without the use of additional pectin. Using pectin will also yield a larger amount of fruit spread.

If you’re not in a rush, and only need a smaller amount (about 1 cup) of the fruit spread, you can skip the pectin. Eliminating the added pectin yields a smaller amount because you have to cook the strawberries down for a longer period of time, for thickening.

Strawberry Fruit Spread Ingredients

• 1 pound of fresh strawberries, stems removed
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Equipment Needed for Strawberry Fruit Spread

• 1 medium-sized pot
• 1 potato masher

How to Make Strawberry Fruit Spread

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized pot and cook over low heat for 30 minutes, covered, stirring constantly.
   
2. Using a potato masher, mash the strawberries and continue to cook uncovered for approximately 15-20 more minutes to your desired consistency. Cook longer for a thicker spread and less time for a thinner spread.
   

How to Use This Strawberry Fruit Spread Recipe

You can use this fruit spread for so many different things. For some ideas, check out “The Many Uses of Fruit Spread” earlier in this post. I highly recommend using it as a sauce and adding some jalapeño and habanero peppers to make some delicious Strawberry Habanero and Jalapeño Pepper Wings!

The beauty of Flavor Ratios is that we blend flavor combinations according to OUR own preferences. All recipes you find on this site serve as a guide. Who am I, to limit the amount of sugar you put in your fruit spread? That would be wrong, and honestly, it’d keep me awake at night knowing your spread could’ve been better!

Watch How to Make Strawberry Fruit Spread

I love seeing all of your flavorful creations! Don’t hesitate to leave a review or comment and be sure to connect with me on Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube!