Description
This Plum Jam is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, made with ripe plums that are transformed into a luscious, thick spread. With just a few ingredients, this homemade jam can be enjoyed on toast, in desserts, or as a topping for pancakes and waffles. A great way to preserve the fresh flavors of plums, this jam will bring a burst of fruity goodness to your kitchen all year round.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds ripe plums, pitted and chopped
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon pectin (optional, for quicker setting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Plums:
Wash, pit, and chop the plums into small pieces, leaving the skin on. - Cook the Jam:
In a large saucepan, combine the chopped plums, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. The plums will break down, and the mixture will begin to thicken. - Test the Jam:
To test the jam’s consistency, place a spoonful of the jam on a cold plate. Let it sit for a minute and then run your finger through it. If the jam wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s ready. If not, continue simmering and test again every 10 minutes. - Add Pectin (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker, quicker-set jam, add 1 tablespoon of pectin during the last 10 minutes of simmering, following the package instructions. - Jar the Jam:
Once the jam has reached the desired thickness, remove it from heat. Let it cool slightly before transferring it into sterilized jars. Be sure to leave about 1/2-inch of space at the top of each jar. - Seal and Store:
Seal the jars with lids and let them cool completely. Store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or process the jars in a hot water bath for 10 minutes for long-term storage.
Notes
- Sweetness: Adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of your plums. If they are very sweet, you may reduce the sugar by 1/2 cup.
- Spices: For a spiced twist, you can add ground cinnamon, ginger, or cloves to the jam while simmering.
- Canning Tip: If you’re using the hot water bath method to can the jam, make sure the jars are completely sterilized and that you process them for at least 10 minutes to ensure they seal properly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Condiments, Sauces
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0g