Plum jam

Fragrant Plum Jam: Step by Step Recipe

If you are looking for a plum jam recipe that will delight your senses and bring back childhood memories, you have come to the right place! Plum jam is not only a delicacy but also an excellent way to preserve the taste of summer in jars, allowing you to enjoy its flavors throughout the year. In this recipe, we will explore each step of the process, sharing tricks and tips to help you achieve perfect jam.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of Servings: Approximately 6 jars of 400 g

Ingredients:
- 4 kg of large, ripe plums, pitted (ideally, choose 'brumării' plums, which have an intense flavor and a ruby color)
- 2 kg of sugar (if you prefer a tarter jam, you can reduce the sugar by 500 g)

Necessary Utensils:
- A large cast-iron pot (this helps to distribute heat evenly and prevents the jam from sticking)
- A skimmer
- A wooden spoon
- Clean and sterilized jars
- A very cold plate (for the jam consistency test)

Step 1: Preparing the Plums
Wash the plums under a stream of cold water to remove impurities. Remove the pits and cut the plums in half or quarters, depending on their size. It is important to choose ripe plums, as they will provide a jam with a richer flavor.

Step 2: Cooking the Jam
In the cast-iron pot, add the plums and sugar. Gently stir to combine the ingredients. Place the pot over high heat and let it boil for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

After 10 minutes, reduce the heat to low and let the jam simmer slowly. You will notice foam starting to form on the surface; this is a sign that the sugar is dissolving and the plums are releasing their juice.

Step 3: Removing the Foam
As the jam boils, use the skimmer to remove the foam that forms on the surface. This step is essential for obtaining a clear jam with a fine texture.

Step 4: Consistency Test
When the jam starts to bubble and splatter on the stove, it's time to perform the consistency test. Take the cold plate from the fridge and place a few drops of jam on it. If the drops hold their shape and do not spread, the jam is ready to be bottled. If not, let it cook for a few more minutes.

Step 5: Bottling the Jam
When the jam is ready, pour it hot into the cleaned jars. Ensure that the jars are perfectly sterile to prevent bacterial growth. Seal the jars tightly and turn them upside down. Cover them with a thick blanket and let them cool slowly until the next day. This process helps create a vacuum, keeping the jam fresh and aromatic.

Step 6: Serving
Plum jam can be enjoyed simply on a slice of fresh bread or used as a filling for cakes, pancakes, or muffins. You can also try serving it with fresh cheese for a delicious combination of flavors.

Nutritional Information
Each serving of plum jam contains approximately:
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Sugars: 60 g
- Protein: 1 g

Variations and Practical Tips
1. Adding Spices: You can experiment by adding cinnamon or cloves for a more complex flavor.
2. Natural Sugar: If you want to reduce the amount of sugar, you can use natural sweeteners, but keep in mind that the consistency may vary.
3. Plum Jam with Nuts: Another delicious variation is to add chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should I use a cast-iron pot?
Cast-iron pots provide even heat distribution, preventing sticking and ensuring a better flavor of the jam.

2. How can I make the jam thicker?
If you want a thicker jam, you can let it cook longer, making sure to stir constantly.

3. How can I store plum jam?
The jam can be stored in a cool, dark place, and once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator.

Now that you have this detailed plum jam recipe, all that's left is to start cooking. Share your impressions with me, and most importantly, enjoy every spoonful of this fragrant jam that will bring a touch of spring to your table, even on the coldest winter days! Happy cooking!