Yellow mirabelle jam and nectar

Yellow Cherry Plum Jam and Nectar

Cherry plums are true treasures of nature, often overlooked, yet with a taste and aroma that deserve all the attention. These small yellow fruits, with a sweet-tart flavor, are perfect for creating delights that can bring a touch of summer into every jar. Making cherry plum jam and nectar will not only enrich your pantry but also give you the opportunity to experience the flavors of these wonderful fruits.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10 jars of 400 g
Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients

For the jam:
- 6 kg of ripe cherry plums
- 1.5 kg jam sugar
- 1 packet citric acid
- 2 packets of gelling agent 3:1

For the nectar:
- 200 g nectar sugar
- 2 liters of water

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the cherry plums

Start by thoroughly washing the cherry plums. Place them in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for a few minutes. This step will help remove dirt and impurities. Once cleaned, drain them well.

2. Making the jam

In a large pot, add the cleaned cherry plums and 500 g of sugar. Bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the mixture to simmer for about an hour. This process will release the natural juice of the fruit and begin to form the base of the jam.

3. Extracting the juice

After an hour, strain the cherry plums through a large-holed sieve to separate the pulp from the pits and skins. The entire mixture will now be a fragrant fruit puree. Return the puree to low heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring constantly.

4. Adding the gelling agent and sugar

In a separate bowl, mix 1 kg of sugar with the gelling agent and citric acid. Add this mixture to the pot with the cherry plum puree and boil for 3-4 minutes, following the instructions on the gelling agent packet. You will notice the jam starting to thicken.

5. Making the nectar

Once you have the jam, use the leftover pits and skins to make the nectar. Place them in a pot with 2 liters of water and 200 g of sugar. Boil the mixture for 20 minutes, then strain the liquid through a fine sieve. This method will extract the remaining flavors from the fruit, yielding a delicious nectar.

6. Sterilizing the jars

To preserve the jam and nectar, it is essential to sterilize the jars. Place clean, dry jars in a pot of water, ensuring they are covered to a height of 4-5 cm. Bring the water to a boil and let the jars boil for 10-15 minutes.

7. Filling the jars

When the jars are sterilized, use a ladle to fill each jar with jam, making sure to leave as little air as possible. Even if the jam seems soft, don’t worry; it will thicken as it cools. Place the lids on the jars and carefully transport them to a place where they will rest on "pillows."

8. Completing the process

Cover the jars with pillows and blankets to keep them warm and allow the sterilization to finish. Let them sit like this until the next day. Once they have completely cooled, label them and store them in the pantry, ready to be enjoyed on toast, pancakes, or in various desserts.

Helpful Tips

- Choosing cherry plums: Make sure to select fully ripe cherry plums, as they will provide the jam with a rich flavor. Less ripe cherry plums can lead to a tarter jam.
- Using the pits: Don’t throw away the pits and skins after making the jam. The nectar made from them can become a highly appreciated drink, and many confuse it with apricot nectar due to its intense flavor.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or vanilla to the jam for a unique touch. You can also replace some of the sugar with honey for a more natural taste.

Nutritional Benefits

Cherry plums are a good source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them excellent for supporting the immune system and digestion. Additionally, their low calorie content makes them ideal for those looking to maintain their weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

- How can I use cherry plum jam? Cherry plum jam is delicious on toast, in pancakes, or as a filling for pastries.
- Can the jam be frozen? Typically, the jam keeps well at room temperature, but if you wish, you can freeze it in airtight containers.
- Is it suitable for vegans? Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal-derived ingredients.

Delicious Combinations

Cherry plum jam and nectar pair wonderfully with various cheeses, such as goat cheese or brie. Additionally, cherry plum nectar is delightful served with sparkling water or soda, providing a refreshing drink ideal for warm summer days.

Enjoy every spoonful of cherry plum jam and every drop of nectar, knowing that you have created not just a delicacy but a beautiful memory from your own kitchen!