Devonshire Delight Strawberry Conserve
Indulge in the taste of the West Country with this luscious Devonshire Delight Strawberry Conserve. This recipe features plump strawberries, gently suspended in a sweet, dreamy syrup that beautifully preserves their natural form and flavor. Perfectly suited for slathering on freshly baked scones with clotted cream and a steaming cup of tea, this conserve captures the essence of traditional cream tea experiences in Devon and Cornwall. Reminiscent of the French approach to softer jams, this preserve keeps whole pieces of juicy fruit for a delightful texture and appearance, making it an exquisite addition to your breakfast table, afternoon tea, or even as an accompaniment to a warm sponge pudding. The preparation may span two days, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen, but the effort is entirely worth it for this delectable treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Small strawberries
2 lbs (Clean and hull, keeping whole)
Sugar
2 lbs (Granulated or preserving sugar)
Lemon
1 (Juice only, add if using granulated sugar)
Instructions
1
Clean and hull the strawberries, then place them in a non-metallic bowl in alternating layers with the sugar. If you are using granulated sugar, add the fresh lemon juice for a bright flavor boost. Cover the bowl and let the strawberries macerate overnight, allowing the juices to meld with the sugar.
2
The next day, transfer the macerated strawberries and the syrup into a saucepan. Heat the mixture slowly, bringing it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, simmer for about 5 minutes to enhance the flavors. After 5 minutes, return the mixture to the bowl, cover it, and let it rest for another 24 hours.
3
On the third day, pour the mixture into a preserving pan. Bring the conserve to a vigorous boil and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the setting point is reached. This typically takes around 10 minutes. To check for setting point, you can perform a wrinkle test on a chilled plate.
4
Once the mixture reaches the setting point, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Stir gently to evenly distribute the fruit throughout the syrup.
5
Prepare hot sterilized jars and immediately pour the conserve into them, sealing the jars while the conserve is still warm to ensure freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Devonshire Delight Strawberry Conserve?
It is a luscious, West Country style preserve featuring whole strawberries in a sweet syrup, perfect for traditional cream tea.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 3 main ingredients: small strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
What type of strawberries are best for this conserve?
Small strawberries are recommended as they are kept whole to provide a delightful texture and appearance.
Can I use granulated sugar instead of preserving sugar?
Yes, you can use granulated sugar, but it is advised to add fresh lemon juice to help with the setting and flavor.
How long does the entire process take?
The preparation spans three days to allow the flavors to meld and the fruit to properly macerate.
What is the first step in making the conserve?
Clean and hull the strawberries, then layer them with sugar in a non-metallic bowl to macerate overnight.
Why do I need to add lemon juice?
Lemon juice provides a bright flavor boost and helps the conserve reach its setting point, especially when using granulated sugar.
What happens on the second day of preparation?
You heat the macerated mixture slowly, simmer for 5 minutes, then let it rest covered for another 24 hours.
Why is the mixture rested for 24 hours after the first simmer?
Resting allows the syrup to penetrate the fruit and deepens the overall flavor profile of the conserve.
How do I reach the setting point on the third day?
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil in a preserving pan and simmer for approximately 10 minutes until it sets.
What is the wrinkle test?
It is a method to check for the setting point by placing a small amount of jam on a chilled plate and seeing if it wrinkles when pushed.
How long should the conserve cool before jarring?
Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes until it thickens slightly before transferring to jars.
Why should I stir the conserve after it cools slightly?
Stirring gently helps to evenly distribute the whole strawberries throughout the syrup before they are sealed in jars.
What type of jars should be used for storage?
Hot sterilized jars should be used to ensure the conserve stays fresh and safe for consumption.
When should I seal the jars?
Seal the jars immediately while the conserve is still warm to ensure an airtight freshness seal.
What makes this conserve different from standard jam?
Unlike some jams that break down the fruit, this conserve keeps whole pieces of juicy fruit suspended in syrup, similar to French preserves.
What is the best way to serve Devonshire Delight Strawberry Conserve?
It is best served on freshly baked scones with clotted cream, typical of a Devon or Cornwall cream tea.
Can this conserve be used for other desserts?
Yes, it makes an excellent accompaniment to warm sponge puddings or as a premium breakfast spread.
Is a non-metallic bowl necessary for maceration?
Yes, a non-metallic bowl prevents any metallic taste from reacting with the acidic fruit and sugar mixture.
What is the ratio of strawberries to sugar?
The recipe uses an equal weight ratio, specifically 2 lbs of strawberries to 2 lbs of sugar.
Does this recipe include any artificial pectin?
No, this recipe relies on the natural pectin in the fruit and the interaction with sugar and lemon juice to set.
How many grams is 2 lbs of strawberries?
2 lbs is approximately 907 grams of strawberries.
What does 'hulling' a strawberry mean?
Hulling is the process of removing the green leafy top and the woody core from the strawberry.
Should the strawberries be sliced?
No, the recipe specifies keeping the small strawberries whole for the best texture.
Is a preserving pan required?
While a preserving pan is ideal for a vigorous boil, any heavy-bottomed large saucepan can work.
What is the texture of the finished conserve?
It has a softer, more delicate texture than traditional jam with whole fruit pieces in a thick syrup.
Can I make this in one day?
It is not recommended, as the three-day process is essential for the fruit to maintain its shape and for the flavors to develop.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, although it takes patience over three days, the steps themselves are straightforward and use few ingredients.
What color should the final conserve be?
It should be a bright, translucent red reflecting the natural color of the strawberries.
How many jars does this recipe yield?
Depending on the jar size, this 4lb mixture typically yields approximately 4 to 5 standard 8oz jars.