Plum jam

Plum Jam: A Sweet and Fragrant Delight

I present to you a plum jam recipe that will surely delight your taste buds and bring a touch of nostalgia to every morning on a slice of toast. This jam is an excellent choice for those who prefer a natural, less sweet taste, but full of flavor. I will show you how to make a delicious plum jam with reduced sugar content, but feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your preference.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 3 jars (two large and one small)

Ingredients:
- 2 kg of ripe plums (weighed without pits)
- 300 g of sugar (or to taste)

Steps to prepare the plum jam:

1. Preparing the Plums:
Start by selecting juicy, ripe plums to ensure a rich and aromatic jam. Wash the plums well under cold running water. Then, cut each plum in half and remove the pits. You can chop the plums into cubes or thin strips, depending on the desired texture of the jam.

2. Macerate the Fruits:
Place the chopped plums in a large pot and sprinkle sugar over them. Let the plums sit overnight. This step is essential as it allows the fruits to release their juice, which will reduce cooking time and intensify flavors.

3. Boiling the Jam:
The next day, place the pot over low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. It is very important to stir constantly to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot. During boiling, a foam will form on the surface – be sure to remove it with a spoon for a cleaner and smoother jam.

4. Checking the Consistency:
After about an hour, the jam will start to thicken. You can check its consistency with a simple test: drop a few drops of jam on a cold plate and let it cool for a few seconds. Then, tilt the plate; if the jam does not run too quickly, it is ready!

5. Jarring:
Once the jam is ready, take it off the heat and pour it hot into sterilized jars. Make sure the jars are warmed to prevent cracking. Seal the jars and turn them upside down to create a vacuum, which will help preserve the jam.

6. Cooling and Storing:
Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, label them with the date of preparation and store them in a cool, dark place. Plum jam can be kept for several months, and the flavor will intensify over time.

Nutritional Benefits:
Plums are an excellent source of vitamins (especially vitamin K and vitamin C) and minerals like potassium. Plum jam, consumed in moderation, can add a touch of healthy sweetness to your diet, being a good option for those looking to avoid excess sugar.

Serving Suggestions:
This plum jam is delicious on toast, but you can also use it as a filling for cakes, pancakes, or cookies. Additionally, you can serve it alongside cheeses for a sophisticated appetizer.

Possible Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add cinnamon or vanilla during boiling for an even more aromatic flavor. You can also combine plums with other fruits, such as apples or peaches, for a variety of flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dried plums? No, for this recipe, it is recommended to use fresh plums.
- How can I tell if my jam has gone bad? If you notice an unpleasant smell or mold on the surface, it is best not to consume the jam.
- What other jams can I make? You can try making strawberry, raspberry, or peach jam, all of which are just as delicious!

Share this recipe with your friends or use it as a delicious gift, making them a pleasant surprise in the cold season. Enjoy!