Add cleaned berries and sugar into a large pot. 1/2 to 3/4 cups per each 4 cups strawberries.
Let stand 5-6 hours in the refrigerator.
Heat berry sugar mixture on low until sugar is dissolved and the juices come to a lot boil and the strawberries are heated.
If you did not add sugar, include about 1/4 cup water to avoid sticking. The berries will produce juices.
Packing the Jars
Pack berries carefully into jars, leave 3/4 inch headspace.
Add berry juice to cover strawberries. If there is not enough juice, split avialable juices between all jars and top off the jar with hot water. You should have 3/4 inch headspace.
Remove air bubbles and check your headspace again. Adjust if needed.
Wipe rims of jar clean with damp towel or paper towel.
Add your canning lids and rings, finger tight.
Place jars in the canner.
Process according to the instruction and chart in the notes area below.
Canning Strawberries with a Waterbath Canner
Put the lid on the canner. Bring to a boil.
When you have a rolling boil, reduce heat just enough to maintain a low boil.
Process pints for 15 minutes
These times are for altitudes below 1,000 feet. Adjust your processing time according to the chart in the notes below.
As the jars process adjust the heat as needed. The canner should be boiling the whole processing time.
When processing time is completed turn off the heat.
Remove the lid from the canner. Allow the canner to rest 5 minutes.
Remove the jars. Place them a few inches apart on a thick towel and allow them to cool to room temperature undisturbed. 12 hours is suggested.
When the jars are cool, remove the metal bands, check the seals, wash jars, dry completely, and store in a cool dark place.
Notes
NOTES:Note, it is normal for the jars to be a bit sticky.Just rinse the jars off with some clear water after cooled. And store away. Altitude adjustments - If you live above 1,000 feet you need to add processing time.Check the chart below. Altitude - time increase1,001-3,000 – increase 5 minutes3,001-6,000 – increase 10 minutes6,001-8,000 – increase 15 minutes8,001-10,000 – increase 20 minutes