Plum and pear jam

Plum and Pear Jam

Who doesn't love the sweetness of homemade fruit jam? This plum and pear jam recipe not only combines the delicious flavors of these two fruits, but also provides an ingenious way to make use of leftover plum jelly. So, let's begin our culinary journey!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 5 jars of 300 ml

Ingredients:
- 2 kg of ripe plums
- 1 kg of juicy pears
- 1 kg of sugar (or more, depending on desired sweetness)

The history of plum and pear jam

Fruit jam is an ancient tradition practiced by many cultures over time. It not only preserves fruits but also transforms their flavors into sweet delights, perfect for enjoying on toast or as a filling for pastries. Combining plums with pears adds a complexity of taste, with pears contributing a note of freshness and juiciness.

Steps to prepare plum and pear jam

1. Preparing the fruits
The first step in making the jam is to take care of the fruits. Wash the plums and pears well under cold running water. Then, easily remove the skin from the plums using a knife or simply with your fingers, and cut them in half to remove the pits. Similarly, peel the pears and cut them into pieces.

2. Blending the fruits
Place the cleaned plums and pears in a blender. Blend them until you achieve a smooth paste. Don’t be afraid to leave a few larger pieces for an interesting texture in the jam.

3. Boiling the mixture
Pour the fruit paste into a large pot and add the sugar. Mix well to combine. Then, place the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Make sure to stir constantly to prevent sticking.

4. Cooking the jam
Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You will notice how the jam begins to thicken, and the aroma will fill the kitchen. If you want a sweeter jam, you can add extra sugar at this point.

5. Testing the jam
To check if the jam is ready, you can use the “cold plate” method. Place a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, tilt the plate; if the jam doesn’t run, it’s ready to be jarred.

6. Jarring
Fill the sterilized jars with hot jam, leaving a little space at the top. Seal the lids tightly and turn the jars upside down for 10 minutes. This method helps create a vacuum that will keep the jam fresh for a longer time.

Useful tips:
- Make sure the fruits are well ripened to achieve a jam with a rich flavor.
- You can add spices like cinnamon or ginger to give your jam an exotic note.
- If you desire a smoother texture, you can strain the jam after boiling.
- The jam can be stored in the pantry for a year, but it is so delicious that it probably won’t last that long!

Frequently asked questions:
- How can I tell if the jam is ready?
- If the jam hasn’t thickened, can I add more sugar?
- How can I better preserve the jam?

Perfect pairings:
This plum and pear jam goes wonderfully with toasted bread with butter or as a filling for pancakes. You can also use the jam in pastry dishes like pies or tarts. I recommend serving it alongside a fragrant tea or a sweet wine for a complete culinary experience.

Nutritional benefits:
Plums are rich in vitamins A and K, while pears contain fiber that aids digestion. This recipe is not only delicious but also beneficial for your health.

Customized version:
If you want to experiment, replace the pears with apples or add a splash of lemon juice for an extra touch of acidity. Regardless of the chosen variation, your jam will be a guaranteed success!

I hope this plum and pear jam recipe inspires you to explore your culinary skills. Whether you use it as a gift for loved ones or as a treat for yourself, each jar will bring a smile to the faces of those who taste it!