Plum Jam Recipes

PLUM JAM

Steps:

• Wash the plums, cut them in half, discard the pits and place the plums in a large pot.To chop or not to chop:If you're NOT using pectin and are letting the jam simmer for a long time, there's no need to chop them because they'll break down by themselves and you can always give the jam a mash or use a hand blender to puree part of it later on if you don't want as many chunks.If you ARE using pectin the jam will only need boil for a few minutes and the plums will not break down, so go ahead and chop the plums up.Add the sugar and lemon juice and heat the pot, initially over medium heat so the plums or sugar don't scorch. Once the plums juices start to run you can increase the heat.
• If you're NOT using pectin: Simmer the plum uncovered until an instant read thermometer reads 220 degrees F. That's important in order for the jam to set and not be too runny. (Alternatively, freeze a couple of spoons and drop some jam onto them: If the jam sets and is spreadable, but not runny, it is done.) Don't bother skimming off the foam because that will all dissolve by itself towards the end.If you ARE using pectin: Follow the package instructions of whatever pectin you are using. Skim off the foam.If you like you can use a potato masher or a hand-held immersion blender to mash/blend part of the jam until the desired amount of chunkiness is reached.
• Using sterilized jars, ladle the hot jam into the jars and wipe off the rims with a moist towel to make sure no jam is on the rims. Fill each jar to no less than 1/4 inch from the top. Wash the lids with soapy water and, place them on the jars and screw on the sterilized rings. Boil them in a water bath canner for 10 minutes.Carefully remove the jars and let them sit undisturbed for 24 hours before removing the rings (optional) and storing them in a cool place. They will keep for up to a year. Once opened, store in the fridge, will keep for at least a month.
• Makes about 7 half pints.

CANNED PLUM JAM

Steps:

• Prepare jars as described in General Rules.
• Combine plums, sugar, lemonjuice, and salt in a stockpot overhigh heat. Bring to a boil,mashing with a potato masher.Skim scum off top.
• Boil, skimming and stirring frequently,until bubbles slow, youcan see chunks of fruit showingthrough top, and mixtureclings to a spoon, falling offin languid clumps, 10 to 12 minutes.Pick up and discard skinswith a fork, if desired.
• Lift jars out of hot water oneat a time, draining water. (See General Rules for how-to's.) Ladlehot jam into hot jars using awide-mouth funnel, leaving1/2-inch headspace. Slide a nonmetallicspatula or chopstickbetween jam and jar to releasetrapped air bubbles.
• Wipe rim and threads of jarwith a clean, damp cloth. Removelid from hot water. Placelid on jar. Screw band downevenly and firmly, just until resistanceis met. Place in cannerand lower into water.
• Put lid on canner. Bring waterto a boil. Start keeping time afterwater comes to a rolling boil.Process 1/2 pints 10 minutes at agentle but steady boil.
• Turn off heat and remove cannerlid. Let canner cool 5 minutes,then remove jars and set themupright on a dry towel or rack.Do not retighten bands. Let jarscool 12 to 24 hours.
• After jars have cooled, checklids for a good vacuum seal by pressing on center of each. If center is pulled down and does not flex, remove band and gently try to lift lid off with your fingertips. If lid does not flex and you cannot lift it off, seal is set. Wipe lid and jarsurface with a clean, damp clothto remove food particles andresidue. Label. Store jars in acool, dry, dark place.

PLUM JAM

Steps:

• Stir together plums, sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved and mashing plums with a potato masher. Add lemon juice; continue to boil, stirring frequently, until bubbles slow, chunks of fruit show at top, and mixture clings to a spoon but falls off in clumps, 10 to 12 minutes. Skim foam from top.
• Ladle jam into clean containers, leaving 3/4 inch of headroom. Let cool completely. Cover, label, and refrigerate up to 1 month, or freeze up to 1 year.

PLUM JAM

Steps:

• In large non-aluminum kettle, combine plums, water, and lemon juice. Bring mixture to boiling over high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, 10 minutes or until soft, stirring occasionally. Mixture should have reduced to about 4 1/2 cups.
• Add sugar and heat mixture to full, rapid boiling over high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in pectin; return to full, rapid boiling and boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Set aside 1 minute and skim off any foam that has formed.
• Meanwhile, sterilize 8 half-pint jars or jelly glasses and the necessary lids, and bands, according to manufacturer's directions. Divide jam among sterilized jars, leaving 1/8-inch space at top of jar. Wipe rims of jars to remove any jam and seal with lids and bands.
• Process jars in boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove jars, label, and store in cool, dry place

EASY PLUM JAM

Steps:

• Sterilise the jars and any other equipment before you start (see tip). Put a couple of saucers in the freezer, as you'll need these for testing whether the jam is ready later (or use a sugar thermometer). Put the plums in a preserving pan and add 200ml water. Bring to a simmer, and cook for about 10 mins until the plums are tender but not falling apart. Add the sugar, ground cinnamon and lemon juice, then let the sugar dissolve slowly, without boiling. This will take about 10 mins.
• Increase the heat and bring the jam to a full rolling boil. After about 5 mins, spoon a little jam onto a cold saucer. Wait a few seconds, then push the jam with your fingertip. If it wrinkles, the jam is ready. If not, cook for a few mins more and test again, with another cold saucer. If you have a sugar thermometer, it will read 105C when ready.
• Take the jam off the heat and add the cinnamon sticks (if using) and the knob of butter. The cinnamon will look pretty in the jars and the butter will disperse any scum. Let the jam cool for 15 mins, which will prevent the lumps of fruit sinking to the bottom of the jars. Ladle into hot jars, seal and leave to cool. Will keep for 1 year in a cool, dark place. Chill once opened.