Description
This Sweet and Tangy Homemade Plum Jam recipe offers a delightful blend of ripe plums, sugar, and citrus notes, enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon and ginger. Perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on yogurt, or gifting in charming jars, this jam is a delicious way to preserve the vibrant flavors of fresh plums.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups ripe plums, pitted and chopped
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the plums: Wash the plums thoroughly, remove the pits, and chop them into small pieces. Measure out 4 cups of chopped plums to ensure the right quantity.
- Combine plums and sugar: Place the chopped plums in a large non-reactive pot and add the granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 30 minutes to help draw out the natural juices from the plums, creating a juicy base.
- Add flavorings: Mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt into the plum and sugar mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bring to a boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir frequently to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot and watch carefully as it can bubble vigorously.
- Simmer the jam: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the jam to simmer, stirring occasionally for about 25-30 minutes until it thickens to the desired consistency.
- Test the jam setting: To check if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful onto a chilled plate and let it sit for one minute. If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, the jam has set. Otherwise, continue simmering and test again.
- Jar the hot jam: Remove the pot from heat and carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace to allow for expansion during processing.
- Seal the jars: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills, then seal them with lids and rings to ensure airtight closure.
- Process in boiling water bath: For long-term storage, process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
- Cool and store: Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. Check the seals and store the jam in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep refrigerated for freshness.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm plums for the best texture and flavor in your jam.
- The optional spices, cinnamon and ginger, add warmth and complexity but can be omitted if desired.
- Ensure all jars and lids are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage.
- Adjust sugar quantity slightly based on plum sweetness and personal preference.
- Cooling the jam on a chilled plate is a traditional and effective method to test readiness.
- Store opened jam refrigerated and consume within a few weeks.
