Mirabelle jam

Plum Jam - A Sweet and Sour Delight

If you are looking for a jam recipe that brings a touch of freshness and a hint of summer nostalgia to your jars, plum jam is the perfect choice. This jam excels with its subtle, sweet-sour flavors and is a delicious accompaniment to toast, pancakes, or even cheeses. Here’s how to prepare this delight step by step, with useful tips and ingredient information to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Boiling: 40 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
- Servings: 10 jars of 400 g

Ingredients
- 2 kg fresh plums
- 1 kg granulated sugar

Necessary Utensils
- Large pot for boiling
- Sieve or blender (optional)
- Sterilized jars
- Wooden spoon
- Water jug (if necessary)

A Brief Story about Plum Jam
Plum jam has a long-standing tradition, being made in rural households, especially during the harvest season. Plums, with their distinct flavor and pleasant acidity, have always been appreciated for their versatility. From delicious jams to various culinary preparations, plums are an ingredient that connects us to childhood memories, when many of us helped our grandmothers make jams. Now is the time to recreate this tradition!

Step by Step for Perfect Plum Jam

1. Preparing the Plums
- Wash the plums thoroughly under cold running water to remove impurities. Check if the fruits are ripe but not overly soft. Overripe plums can cause the jam to become too liquid.
- If you want a jam without pits, cut the plums in half and remove them, although many prefer to leave them for the flavor and texture they provide.

2. Boiling the Plums
- Place the plums in a large pot. If you notice they are not releasing enough juice, add a little water (about 100 ml) to help with the boiling process.
- Boil the plums over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they soften, about 15-20 minutes.

3. Making the Puree
- After the plums have softened, pass them through a sieve to obtain a fine puree. If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can skip this step and leave the fruit pieces whole.

4. Boiling the Jam
- Put the plum puree back into the pot and add the sugar. Mix well to evenly incorporate it.
- Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. This step is essential to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Boil for about 30 minutes or until the jam thickens and you achieve the desired consistency.

5. Sterilizing the Jars
- While the jam is boiling, prepare the jars. Wash them well and sterilize them either in the oven at 100°C for 10 minutes or by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Make sure the lids are also sterilized.

6. Filling the Jars
- Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, carefully pour it into the sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top. Close the jars with the sterilized lids.

7. Water Bath for the Jam
- Place the jars in a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Let them process for 10-15 minutes, starting the timer from the moment the water begins to boil. This process helps preserve the jam for a longer period.

8. Cooling and Storing
- After the water bath, remove the jars from the water and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store them in a cool, dark place.

Practical Tips
- Choosing Plums: Choose ripe but firm plums to achieve a good-textured jam. Overripe fruits can lead to a jam that is too soft.
- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar according to personal preferences. You can also experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Additional Flavors: Add half a teaspoon of vanilla or cinnamon for an extra flavor boost. These flavors can transform the jam into a unique delicacy.

Nutritional Information
Plum jam is a good source of vitamins, especially vitamin C, and provides beneficial antioxidants. It is also relatively low in calories, with each serving (20 g) containing approximately 50-60 calories, depending on the amount of sugar used.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen plums? Yes, but make sure to completely thaw them before using.
- How can I check the consistency of the jam? Do the plate test. Put a drop of jam on a cold plate and tilt it; if it doesn’t spread much, the jam is ready.
- My jam turned out too liquid. What can I do? If the jam is too liquid, return it to the heat and boil it again, stirring constantly, until it thickens.

Serving and Pairing
Plum jam is delicious on slices of toast, in pancakes, or as a filling for cakes. It also pairs perfectly with cheeses, bringing a pleasant contrast between the sweetness of the jam and the saltiness of the cheese. Try it with goat cheese or aged cheddar for a delicious snack.

Interesting Variations
- Mint Plum Jam: Add a few fresh mint leaves during boiling for a refreshing scent.
- Spicy Jam: Add a pinch of chili pepper or grated ginger for a spicy note that will pleasantly surprise.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to put on your apron and start making this delicious plum jam! Experiment and adapt the recipe, turning it into a personalized dish that brings you joy and nostalgia every time you open a jar.