Sweet and Tart Homemade Plum Jam
How to Make Delicious Plum Jam at Home: A Homemade Fruit Jam Recipe
Even slightly underripe or imperfectly shaped plums can be transformed into wonderful plum jam! Make it easily at home.
Ingredients
- 20 ripe plums (approx. 650g, pitted and flesh only)
- 200g granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice (optional, adds brightness and helps preserve)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the plums thoroughly under running water. For extra peace of mind, you can dissolve a little baking soda in water and gently scrub the plums to remove any residual pesticides or impurities.
Step 2
Next, we’ll remove the pits and prepare the plum flesh. Make a circular cut around the circumference of each plum with a knife. Then, gently twist the plum halves by hand to separate them.
Step 3
On the side with the pit, carefully carve around it with a knife to remove the pit cleanly. Try not to mash the plum flesh as you do this.
Step 4
Place the pitted plum flesh into a pot. Do not add any water, as the plums will release enough of their own juice as they cook.
Step 5
Cook the plums until they become very soft and tender. Once they are easily mashable, use a potato masher directly in the pot to break them down. You don’t need a hand blender or food processor to achieve a smooth jam texture.
Step 6
Once the plums are mashed smoothly, stir in the 200g of sugar and 1 Tbsp of lemon juice. (Tip: Adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of your plums and your personal preference. I found that even with about 1/3 of the suggested sugar, it was plenty sweet.) Continue to stir constantly over medium-low heat, scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking, until the jam thickens.
Step 7
There are two common ways to check for the jam’s readiness. You can drop a small amount of jam onto a cold plate; if it doesn’t spread and holds its shape, it’s ready. Alternatively, scrape the bottom of the pot with your spatula. If the line you create takes 2-3 seconds to slowly close, the jam has reached the right consistency. Remember, the jam will thicken further as it cools, so don’t overcook it to a completely solid state initially.
Step 8
Your delicious and fragrant plum jam is ready! Transfer the finished jam into sterilized jars and store them in the refrigerator for long-lasting enjoyment. Serve it with toast, yogurt, or your favorite treats!
