Plums are often overlooked as a jam flavour option but there’s nothing quite like the taste of good plum jam. When it comes to plum jam, there are many recipes out there. But this one is better than all the rest. Why? Because it has delivered time and again and has the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. So if you are looking for a plum jam recipe that will knock your socks off, this is it!
Though plum jam might not be as well-known as strawberry or grape, this unique flavour is a favourite of many who have had the chance to try it. Sweet yet tart, plum jam is the perfect addition to any breakfast spread.
Plum jam is popular in many countries. It is made and enjoyed in a wide variety of ways.
A delicious plum jam is relatively easy to make at home. The key to making a good plum jam is to use lovely ripe plums and to cook the jam long enough until it reaches the desired consistency. Plums, sugar, and lemon juice are all you need to create this delicious treat. The next time you have an abundance of plums, be sure to give the plum jam a try. You’ll be glad you did!
The Making of Plum Jam
Plums are a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of jams, jellies, and sauces. The first step in making plum jam is to select the ripe fruit. Plums should be firm but not hard, and they should have a deep purple colour.
Once you select the plum, wash and pit them. Place the pitted plums in a large pot with water and sugar, and bring this to a boil. Leave the boiling plum mixture to simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.
Finally, pour the jam into sterilized jars and seal.
Making plum jam is a satisfying process which ends with a delicious jam to enjoy all year long.
TIPS for making this jam
1. Start with choosing ripe plums. This will ensure that your jam has the right balance of sweetness and acidity. Ripe plums will be soft to the touch and deep in colour. They’ll also have a sweet fragrance. Avoid using overripe plums, as they’ll be mushy and difficult to work with. Do not use plums that are too soft or bruised as they may cause the jam to spoil.
2. Remove the plum pits before cooking. You can do this by cutting the plum in half and using a spoon to scoop them out. This will make it easier to achieve a smooth consistency, and make it less likely that you have a broken tooth when enjoying the jam.
3. You don’t need to peel the plums. The plum skins are thin and contain pectin which aids with getting the jam to set. While this recipe is ‘pectin-free’, you can use additional commercial pectin to thicken the plum jam to your preferred consistency.
4. Cook the plum mixture over steady low heat, stirring frequently. This will prevent the jam from scorching or burning.
5. If you prefer a smoother consistency to your jam, you could blend it using a blender or immersion blender
Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious plum jam that your friends and family will love.
Personalising your Plum Jam
Plum jam is a delicious and versatile condiment that you can be use in many ways. Here are five different ways to customise plum jam to suit your taste:
1. Add spice: For a plum jam with a little kick, try adding some ginger, cloves, nutmeg or cinnamon to the recipe. Start with a small amount of spice, and then adjust according to your preferences.
2. Make it fruity: plum jam is delicious on its own, but you can also add other fruits to the mix for a more festive flavour. Try adding cranberries, apricots or even apples.
3. Go nuts: Adding chopped almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts to plum jam is a great way to add texture and flavour. Just be sure not to add too much or the nuts will overpower the plum flavour.
4. Get tangy: If you like your plum jam with a bit of zing, try adding a bit more lemon juice or some lime juice to the recipe. ( Do not add too much as this could have the effect of making the jam firmer). You can also choose to use the lemon/lime zest instead of or in addition to the juice.
You could also add grated ginger for extra warmth to the flavour.
5. Make it boozy: For an adult twist on plum jam, try adding a shot of rum, brandy or whiskey to the recipe. Add this towards the end of the boiling period, and allow the alcohol to boil off to retain the flavouring benefit. Cheers!
Ways to Enjoy Plum Jam
Plum jam is a delicious and versatile food product. Here are some different ways to enjoy plum jam:
- On toast is a classic breakfast treat.
- It can be used as a filling for pies or pastries.
- Plum jam makes a great topping for ice cream.
- This jam can also be mixed into oatmeal or yoghurt for a healthy and tasty snack.
- It can be used as a glaze for meat or poultry.
- Jam can be added to cocktails or mocktails for a unique flavour twist.
- Plum jam makes a delicious and beautiful topping for cakes or cupcakes.
So, if you are looking for a delicious way to use up some plums, or want to make a unique gift for someone special, give this plum jam recipe a try. You have a delicious plum jam recipe that is perfect for the winter months. It is really easy and you can be tailor it to your tastes. Experiment and see what you come up with
And the best part? Once you have made your plum jam, you can enjoy it on all sorts of things! No matter how you choose to enjoy your homemade plum jam, we guarantee that you will love its sweet and tangy flavour. Why not give it a try today?
For more information see RESOURCES and RECIPES.
Plum Jam Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen scales
- Chopping board and knife
- 1 Small spoon for 'de-pipping'
- 1-2 small plates for testing the set
- 1 Large saucepan
- 1 Long-handled spoon for stirring
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Jam Funnel
- Clean, sterilised glass jars with sealable lids
- Adhesive labels and pen
Ingredients
- 1 kg plums
- 125 ml water
- 1 kg sugar
- 15 ml lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
Instructions
- Place the small plates into the freezer to chill ahead of testing for the set of the jam.
- Wash the plums and remove any stalks and pits. Wash the lemon, if you are using a fresh lemon.
- Slice the plums into quarters.
- Weigh the plums and put them into the saucepan.
- Add the sugar and lemon juice to the plums.
- Stir constantly until the mixture, to ensure that the sugar dissolves completely and until it comes to a boil.
- Reduce to a steady heat until the plum mixture is soft – 15-20min.
- Increase the heat to a rolling boil for a further 5-15min, stirring frequently. (how long this takes at this stage depends on the amount of heat and also the size of your saucepan). Prepare to check the set of the jam in 5 min intervals, repeating for 5 min further boiling at a time, before repeating the set test, until you are satisfied with the consistency. (You can also use a sugar thermometer to check for the setting point (104C/220F).
- Remove from heat, and let the jam stand for about 10 minutes so the fruit can be evenly distributed throughout the jam.
- Then you can ladle the jam into your warm, sterilised jars. Wipe the rims of the jars and seal them tightly with the lids.
- Apply labels to the jars and store the jam in a cool, dark place. The jam can last in your cupboard for 12 months if you can resist it that long!
- When you're using the jam, use a clean, dry spoon to avoid cross-contamination. You can store opened jam in the refrigerator for extra safety.
Notes
TIPS for making this jam
1. Start with choosing ripe plums. This will ensure that your jam has the right balance of sweetness and acidity. Ripe plums will be soft to the touch and deep in colour. They’ll also have a sweet fragrance. Avoid using overripe plums, as they’ll be mushy and difficult to work with. Do not use plums that are too soft or bruised as they may cause the jam to spoil. 2. Remove the plum pits before cooking. You can do this by cutting the plum in half and using a spoon to scoop them out. This will make it easier to achieve a smooth consistency, and make it less likely that you have a broken tooth when enjoying the jam. 3. You don’t need to peel the plums. The plum skins are thin and contain pectin which aids with getting the jam to set. While this recipe is ‘pectin-free’, you can use additional commercial pectin to thicken the plum jam to your preferred consistency. 4. Cook the plum mixture over steady low heat, stirring frequently. This will prevent the jam from scorching or burning. 5. If you prefer a smoother consistency to your jam, you could blend it using a blender or immersion blender Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious plum jam that your friends and family will love.Personalising your Plum Jam
Plum jam is a delicious and versatile condiment that you can be use in many ways. Here are five different ways to customise plum jam to suit your taste: 1. Add spice: For a plum jam with a little kick, try adding some ginger, cloves, nutmeg or cinnamon to the recipe. Start with a small amount of spice, and then adjust according to your preferences. 2. Make it fruity: plum jam is delicious on its own, but you can also add other fruits to the mix for a more festive flavour. Try adding cranberries, apricots or even apples. 3. Go nuts: Adding chopped almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts to plum jam is a great way to add texture and flavour. Just be sure not to add too much or the nuts will overpower the plum flavour. 4. Get tangy: If you like your plum jam with a bit of zing, try adding a bit more lemon juice or some lime juice to the recipe. ( Do not add too much as this could have the effect of making the jam firmer). You can also choose to use the lemon/lime zest instead of or in addition to the juice. You could also add grated ginger for extra warmth to the flavour. 5. Make it boozy: For an adult twist on plum jam, try adding a shot of rum, brandy or whiskey to the recipe. Add this towards the end of the boiling period, and allow the alcohol to boil off to retain the flavouring benefit. Cheers!Ways to Enjoy Plum Jam
Plum jam is a delicious and versatile food product. Here are some different ways to enjoy plum jam:-
- On toast is a classic breakfast treat.
-
- It can be used as a filling for pies or pastries.
-
- Plum jam makes a great topping for ice cream.
-
- This jam can also be mixed into oatmeal or yoghurt for a healthy and tasty snack.
-
- It can be used as a glaze for meat or poultry.
-
- Jam can be added to cocktails or mocktails for a unique flavour twist.
-
- Plum jam makes a delicious and beautiful topping for cakes or cupcakes.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.