Plum jam

Plum Jam - a sweet and flavorful delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 10 jars

The history of plum jam is fascinating, as it is a recipe that has crossed generations, bringing together the sweet and tart taste of plums. This jam is not just a simple preservation of fruits, but also a way to keep the essence of summer in jars, ideal for cool mornings when you indulge in a slice of fresh bread spread with butter and a generous layer of jam.

Ingredients:
- 3 kg of ripe plums (choose plums with smooth skin and no signs of damage)
- 1 kg of sugar (preferably fine sugar for quicker dissolving)
- 1 lemon (to add a note of acidity and help with preservation)

Step by step for perfect jam:

1. Preparing the plums: Start by washing the plums thoroughly under cold running water. This step is essential to remove any pesticides or impurities.

2. Removing the pits: Cut the plums in half and carefully remove the pits. This step may seem a bit tedious, but it is crucial for achieving a smooth texture of the jam.

3. Layering: Place the plums in a pot, alternating with layers of sugar. Start with a layer of plums, then a layer of sugar, repeating until all ingredients are used. This technique allows the plums to release their natural juice and blend the flavors.

4. Marinating: Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This step is important to allow the sugar to dissolve and the plums to release their juice.

5. Cooking the jam: The next day, take the pot out of the refrigerator and place it on the stove over medium heat. Wait for it to start boiling, then reduce the heat to low. Once it boils, stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Thickening the jam: Let the jam simmer on low heat for about 45-60 minutes, or until it thickens. This is the perfect time to add the lemon juice, which will add a note of freshness and help preserve the jam.

7. Consistency test: To check if the jam is ready, place a teaspoon of jam on a small plate and let it cool for a few minutes. If it thickens and has a honey-like texture, it is perfect.

8. Sterilizing the jars: While the jam cools, prepare the jars. Wash them well and sterilize them by boiling. You can do this by placing the jars (without lids) in a tray and putting them in a preheated oven for 10-11 minutes. This will help form a protective crust over the jam, ensuring better preservation.

9. Packing the jam: Once the jam is ready and the jars are sterilized, carefully pour the hot jam into the jars. Screw the lids on tightly and let them cool in a warm place, wrapped in towels or a blanket. This will help retain heat and create a vacuum, ensuring greater durability.

Useful tips:
- Choose plums with a high sugar content for a sweeter and richer jam.
- You can experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or ginger for a unique flavor note.
- If you want a smoother jam, you can puree the plums with a blender or food processor after they have thickened.

Pairings and serving:
Plum jam is delicious on toast, but it can also be used as a filling for cakes, pancakes, or tarts. It pairs perfectly with a warm tea or a fragrant coffee.

Nutritional information:
A jar of plum jam (approximately 200g) contains about 300 calories. Plums are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making this jam not only delicious but also beneficial for health.

By trying this plum jam recipe, you will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a bit of summer magic into each jar. So, put on your chef's clothes and enjoy the cooking process, transforming plums into your favorite delicacy!