Plum Jam Recipe

Recipe By:
Natalia
Updated:
Plum Jam Recipe

Plum Jam Recipe is a delightful way to capture the essence of summer in a jar. This sweet and tangy treat pairs wonderfully with toast, desserts, or even as a filling for pastries. Whether you’re an experienced canner or just starting out, this recipe offers simplicity and flavor that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for breakfast spreads or holiday gifts, this plum jam stands out with its vibrant color and rich taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: This plum jam recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for beginners.
  • Delicious Flavor: The combination of ripe plums and sugar creates a naturally sweet jam that enhances any dish.
  • Versatile Uses: Enjoy it on toast, pancakes, or even as a glaze for meats.
  • Seasonal Delight: Capture the fruity goodness of plums at their peak ripeness.
  • Homemade Gift Option: A jar of this plum jam makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To create your own Plum Jam Recipe, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. These tools will make the process easier and ensure your jam turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Canning jars
  • Large pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Food mill (optional)
  • Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

  • Canning jars: Essential for storing your jam safely; they provide an airtight seal to preserve freshness.
  • Large pot: Necessary for cooking the plums evenly without overflowing during the boiling process.
  • Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the mixture without scratching your pots, ensuring even heat distribution.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare your delicious Plum Jam Recipe.

For the Jam

  • 2 pounds ripe plums, pitted and chopped
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Plum

How to Make Plum Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by washing the plums thoroughly. Once clean, pit and chop them into small pieces.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large pot, combine the chopped plums, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Mixture

Heat the pot over medium heat. Allow it to come to a gentle boil while stirring frequently.
* Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, which may take about 20-30 minutes.
* Use a food mill if you prefer a smoother texture.

Step 4: Jar Your Jam

Once thickened, remove the pot from heat. Carefully ladle the hot jam into prepared canning jars.
* Leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top of each jar.
* Wipe any residue from the rims to ensure a good seal.

Step 5: Seal and Store

Place lids on each jar and screw on metal bands until fingertip tight. Process jars in boiling water for about 10 minutes to ensure preservation.
Allow jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.

Enjoy spreading your homemade Plum Jam on your favorite foods!

How to Serve Plum Jam Recipe

Serving your homemade plum jam is a delightful experience that can enhance various dishes. Here are some creative ways to enjoy your plum jam recipe.

On Toast

  • Classic Breakfast: Spread your plum jam on warm, toasted bread or bagels for a sweet breakfast treat.
  • French Toast: Use as a topping for French toast, adding an extra layer of flavor to your morning meal.

With Cheese

  • Cheese Platter: Pair plum jam with a selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an elegant appetizer.
  • Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Add a layer of plum jam inside your grilled cheese sandwich for a sweet and savory twist.

In Desserts

  • Ice Cream Topping: Drizzle warm plum jam over vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
  • Yogurt Parfait: Mix plum jam into yogurt layered with granola and fresh fruits for a satisfying snack.

As a Glaze

  • Meat Glaze: Brush plum jam onto grilled meats like chicken or pork during the last few minutes of cooking for added flavor.
  • Vegetable Glaze: Use it as a glaze on roasted vegetables to bring out their natural sweetness.

How to Perfect Plum Jam Recipe

To ensure your plum jam turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

  • Use ripe plums: Choosing ripe plums enhances the natural sweetness and flavor of the jam.
  • Sterilize jars properly: Ensure your jars are sterilized before filling them to prevent spoilage.
  • Check pectin levels: Make sure you use enough pectin if your plums are low in natural pectin for proper thickening.
  • Taste as you go: Adjust the sugar content based on how sweet or tart your plums are to suit your taste.
  • Cool completely before sealing: Let the jam cool fully to avoid condensation in the jars, which can lead to mold.
Plum

Best Side Dishes for Plum Jam Recipe

Plum jam pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its sweet and tangy flavors. Here are some excellent options:

  1. Savory Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits serve as an ideal base, allowing the sweetness of the jam to shine through.
  2. Baked Brie: Warm baked brie topped with plum jam creates an exquisite appetizer perfect for gatherings.
  3. Roasted Pork Tenderloin: The rich flavors of roasted pork balance well with the fruity notes of the plum jam.
  4. Crispy Potato Wedges: Serve potato wedges with plum jam as a dipping sauce for a unique twist on fries.
  5. Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad drizzled with vinaigrette made from plum jam adds sweetness and depth.
  6. Oven-Baked Scones: Serve scones warm, topped with butter and plum jam for an afternoon tea delight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making plum jam can be simple and rewarding, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

  • Ignoring ingredient ratios: Using too much or too little sugar can affect the jam’s consistency and taste. Always follow the Plum Jam Recipe measurements closely.
  • Skipping sterilization: Not sterilizing jars can lead to spoilage. Be sure to properly sterilize your containers before filling them with jam.
  • Not checking for doneness: If you don’t test for doneness, you may end up with runny jam. Use the plate test method to ensure it thickens correctly.
  • Overcooking the fruit: Cooking plums too long can break them down excessively. Cook just until they are tender but still retain some shape according to the Plum Jam Recipe.
  • Neglecting storage conditions: Improper storage can shorten your jam’s shelf life. Store it in a cool, dark place after sealing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • item Store your plum jam in an airtight container.
  • item It will last for about 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.
  • item Make sure the container is clean and dry before filling.

Freezing Plum Jam Recipe

  • item You can freeze plum jam for up to 1 year.
  • item Use freezer-safe jars or bags to prevent freezer burn.
  • item Leave space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Plum Jam Recipe

  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the jam in an oven-safe dish until warm.
  • Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between to avoid hot spots.
  • Stovetop: Place on low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Plum

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade plum jam last?

Homemade plum jam lasts about 2-3 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator and up to a year if frozen.

Can I use frozen plums for this Plum Jam Recipe?

Yes, frozen plums work well! Just thaw them before cooking as per the Plum Jam Recipe instructions.

What can I do with leftover plum jam?

You can use leftover plum jam as a topping for desserts, spread it on toast, or use it as a filling in pastries.

Is this Plum Jam Recipe suitable for canning?

Absolutely! This recipe can be canned using proper methods to ensure preservation and safety.

Final Thoughts

This Plum Jam Recipe embodies simplicity and flavor, making it a delightful addition to your kitchen staples. It’s versatile enough for breakfast spreads or dessert toppings. Feel free to customize it by adding spices like cinnamon or ginger for extra warmth!

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Plum Jam Recipe

Plum Jam Recipe

Indulge in the bright, sweet-tart flavor of homemade plum jam—an easy and delightful way to preserve summer’s essence. This recipe captures the vibrant taste of ripe plums, making it perfect for spreading on toast, enhancing desserts, or glazing meats. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced canner, this simple recipe will impress family and friends alike. Enjoy it as a delicious breakfast spread or gift it to loved ones for a personal touch this holiday season.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 16 servings (32 tablespoons) 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ripe plums, pitted and chopped
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Wash plums thoroughly, then pit and chop them into small pieces.
  2. In a large pot, combine chopped plums, sugar, and lemon juice; stir well.
  3. Heat over medium until boiling; cook for about 20-30 minutes until thickened.
  4. Ladle hot jam into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch space at the top.
  5. Seal jars with lids and process in boiling water for 10 minutes; cool completely before storing.
  • Author: Natalia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Preserve
  • Method: Canning
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 50
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Use ripe plums for superior sweetness. Always sterilize jars to prevent spoilage. Adjust sugar according to the natural sweetness of the plums.

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