Step 1

Prepare the fruit. Rinse the strawberries under cool water. Remove their stems and halve. (For other fruit, peel or pit as needed, then cut into 1-inch chunks).

Step 2

Season. Put the strawberries or fruit into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the sugar and salt and stir to combine.

Step 3

Slow-cook for 10 to 12 hours. Place a wooden spoon or wooden chopsticks across the top of the slow cooker, then place the lid on top (this will allow the fruit butter to vent and reduce). Cook on the LOW setting, stirring every few hours, until thick and spreadable, 10 to 12 hours. Make sure to re-vent the lid after each stir.

Step 4

Cool. Turn off the slow cooker, add the lemon juice, stir to combine, and let cool completely uncovered. If you want a smooth consistency, blend with an immersion blender or transfer to a stand blender and blend.

Step 5

Store. Transfer to sealed containers and refrigerate or freeze.