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In the Test Kitchen, there’s no higher compliment than calling something good as homemade. That’s the case with Trappist Strawberry Preserves. These preserves are made by monks at St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts and are available at gift shops nationwide.
When you look at the ingredient list for Trappist preserves, you’ll find a short list and one that’s similar to a scratch-made jam: berries, sugar, corn syrup, citric acid, fruit pectin—that’s it! This allows the strawberry flavor to really shine. This jam is a rich red color with plenty of strawberry pieces and a few seeds.
“This is unmistakeably strawberry,” says Mark. “It reminds me of a homemade jam and would be so good slathered on homemade bread with butter.”
No, these preserves are not the easiest to spread, but that’s part of the rustic appeal.
How We Picked the Best Strawberry Jam
Our Test Kitchen selected some of the most popular strawberry jam and preserve brands plus a few fan favorites for this taste test. Each was judged according to these categories:
- Appearance:Â Our Test Kitchen wants a strawberry jam that’s a beautiful red color without being artificial. Seeds are definitely welcome!
- Texture:Â Jams and preserves, unlike jellies, contain bits of fruit. A great strawberry jam should be spreadable but can still have some fruit texture.
- Flavor:Â Real strawberry flavor is what our Test Kitchen is looking for! Jam should preserve the flavor of farm-fresh berries while adding just a bit of sweetness. Jams that are too sugary are often unpleasant and cloying.
Many slices of toast later, our team selected four top-notch strawberry jams that they think will be welcome on your breakfast table. Check out our Test Kitchen-Preferred picks.
Our Test Kitchen is constantly testing kitchen gadgets, cleaning gear and food looking for brands that deserve the right to be called Test-Kitchen Preferred.
If you’re looking to fill your pantry and fridge with the best products, check out these tests: