Description
A delightful and sweet homemade jam made from ripe plums, perfect for spreading on toast, using in desserts, or gifting. This simple recipe preserves the juicy flavor of plums with a touch of citrus for a refreshing twist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1kg/2lb 4oz plums, halved and stones removed
- Juice of 1 large lemon or orange
- 700g/1lb 9oz granulated sugar
Instructions
-
Cook the Fruit:
- Place the plums, lemon juice, and 150ml/5fl oz water in a large, heavy-based saucepan or preserving pan. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for about 5 minutes until the plums start to soften.
-
Add Sugar:
- Gradually add the sugar, about a third at a time, stirring until fully dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let the mixture cool for a couple of hours or overnight. The plums will absorb the sugar and become heavier.
-
Boil the Jam:
- Once cooled, return the pan to the heat, stirring to dissolve any remaining sugar. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then increase the heat and boil rapidly for about 10 minutes, until the jam reaches its setting point (see tips below).
-
Finish:
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the jam sit for 5 minutes to allow the fruit to settle.
- Pour the jam into a wide-necked jug, then carefully fill four sterilized jars to the brim. Seal immediately with lids and store in a cool, dark place. The jam is best consumed within a year.
Notes
- Plum Varieties: Use Victoria plums for the best results due to their high pectin content. Avoid imported dessert plums as they may lack flavor.
- Setting Point Test: When the jam is ready, it will have fewer and slower bubbles. Perform the gel test by dropping a bit of hot jam on a cold plate. If it forms a light gel, it’s ready. If still runny, boil for another few minutes and test again.
- Flavor Variations: Add 2-3 star anise or cinnamon sticks for a spiced touch, or stir in 1-2 tsp brandy for a richer flavor. For added texture, fold in walnut pieces towards the end of boiling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg