Plum jam

Plum jam is a delight that reminds us of the flavors of childhood and autumn meals, filled with fruit preserves. It is a simple and quick recipe, perfect for cooking enthusiasts who want to transform seasonal fruits into something truly special. In this recipe, I will show you how to make a fragrant and smooth plum jam that will delight anyone who tastes it.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 5 jars of 400 g

Ingredients:
- 1 kg ripe plums
- 1 kg sugar
- 150 ml water
- 1 lemon (juice)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (optional)

Making the plum jam:

1. Preparing the plums: Start by washing the plums well under cold running water. Make sure to choose ripe but firm ones for a pleasant texture. After washing, remove the stems and pit. You can use a special pitting tool or, if you don't have one handy, make a small incision at both ends of the plum and carefully remove the pit.

2. Preparing the syrup: In a large pot, add the sugar and water. Place the pot over medium heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves in the water. This step is crucial, as a well-prepared syrup will contribute to a consistent and flavorful jam.

3. Adding the fruit: Once the syrup is ready, add the cleaned plums to the pot. Gently stir to coat the plums with syrup. Let the mixture boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Adding the lemon juice: About 10 minutes before turning off the heat, add the lemon juice and vanilla sugar. The lemon juice will not only provide a fresh taste but will also help preserve the jam due to its acidity.

5. Checking the consistency: To check if the jam is ready, you can do the plate test. Take a plate and put a few drops of jam on it, then tilt it. If the jam does not run quickly, it is ready.

6. Packing the jam: Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Fill the sterilized jars with the hot jam, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top. Seal the jars with airtight lids and turn them upside down for a few minutes to create the necessary vacuum.

Serving and variations:
Plum jam is perfect for serving on toast, in yogurt, or as a filling for pastries. You can also add some spices, such as cinnamon or cloves, to give it a more complex flavor. Additionally, you can experiment with other fruits, such as apricots or peaches, to create unique combinations.

Enjoy the plum jam and savor its comforting flavors that will bring a touch of autumn into every jar!