Easy Homemade Plum Jam Recipes to Savor

Plum jam, with its rich color and sweet-tart flavor, is a delightful addition to any pantry. Whether spread on toast, served with cheese, or used as a glaze, homemade plum jam captures the essence of summer and brings it to your table year-round. This blog post explores several easy homemade plum jam recipes, ensuring you have everything you need to create your own jars of this delicious preserve.

Choosing the Right Plums

Before diving into the recipes, it's crucial to select the best plums for jam-making:

• Variety: Choose varieties like Damson, Italian, or Santa Rosa for their high pectin content and vibrant flavor.
• Ripeness: Use plums that are ripe but not overly soft; they should yield slightly to pressure.
• Freshness: Ensure the plums are fresh, as mold or over-ripening can affect the jam’s quality.

Classic Plum Jam

To make a classic plum jam, you'll need:

• 4 cups of chopped plums (about 2 lbs)
• 3 cups of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 package of powdered pectin or 1 lemon's zest for natural pectin

Steps:

1. Prepare the Plums: Wash, pit, and chop the plums, removing any bruised parts.
2. Cook: In a large pot, combine the plums, sugar, and lemon juice. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Simmer: Let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until it thickens.
4. Add Pectin: If using, stir in the pectin or lemon zest. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Test: Perform the gel test. A small amount of jam should hold its shape when dropped on a cold plate.
6. Can: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

🍏 Note: The amount of sugar can be adjusted to taste, but it helps in preservation and texture.

Spiced Plum Jam

For a twist on the classic, add spices for a deeper, more complex flavor:

• 4 cups chopped plums
• 3 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

Steps:

1. Follow the same preparation method for the plums as in the classic recipe.
2. Add the spices when you start cooking the plums with sugar.
3. Cook for the same time, adjusting as needed for desired thickness.
4. Remove the cinnamon stick and star anise before jarring.

🌶️ Note: The spices can be adjusted or omitted to suit your taste.

Layered Plum and Berry Jam

For a more visually appealing jam, you can layer plum jam with berry jam:

• Plum Jam Recipe above
• Your choice of berry (strawberry, raspberry, etc.)

Steps:

1. Prepare your berry jam in a separate pot following your preferred berry jam recipe.
2. Once both jams are ready, layer them in jars, alternating between the plum jam and berry jam.
3. Process as usual in a boiling water bath.

Low-Sugar Plum Jam

For those watching their sugar intake:

• 4 cups of chopped plums
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon agar-agar or no-sugar pectin

Steps:

1. Prepare the plums as previously described.
2. Mix with the reduced amount of sugar, honey, and lemon juice.
3. Follow the cooking steps, adding agar-agar or pectin when directed.
4. Test for gel formation and jar as directed.

🍐 Note: Using pectin substitutes like agar-agar requires precise measurement for the desired gel consistency.

As we wrap up our journey through homemade plum jam recipes, the main takeaway is the simplicity and satisfaction of crafting your preserves. From choosing the right plums to adjusting sweetness, each step offers room for personalization. Plum jam not only serves as a delicious spread but also brings back memories of summer with every taste. Now, you're equipped with recipes to preserve your own plums or experiment with flavors in your kitchen. Enjoy the process of making and savoring this delightful spread.

Can I make plum jam with green plums?

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Yes, green or underripe plums can be used to make jam, although they will be less sweet. You might need to adjust the amount of sugar and cook for longer to achieve the right consistency due to their higher pectin content.

How long does homemade plum jam last?

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When properly canned and stored in a cool, dark place, homemade plum jam can last up to a year or even longer. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a month for best quality.

Is it necessary to use pectin in plum jam?

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Plums have a good amount of natural pectin, especially the skin and seeds, so you can often skip commercial pectin. However, using pectin can ensure a firmer set, especially if you prefer less sugar.