Description
Canning Plum Jam is the art of transforming fresh, ripe plums into a luscious, sweet and tangy spread that can be safely stored for months. This homemade jam captures the essence of plums with their natural sweetness and subtle tartness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 lbs fresh plums, ripe but not overripe (washed, pitted, coarsely chopped)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 package (1.75 oz) pectin (for jams and jellies)
- 1/2 cup water
- Optional: pinch of ground cinnamon or 1 tsp almond extract
Instructions
- Wash, pit, and coarsely chop plums into 1/2-inch pieces. Place in a large pot.
- Add sugar, lemon juice, and water. Stir to combine.
- Bring mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Quickly add pectin and stir until dissolved.
- Return to a full rolling boil and cook exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
- Skim off any foam with a metal spoon.
- Sterilize jars in boiling water for 10 minutes and keep hot until use. Prepare lids as directed.
- Ladle hot jam into jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean.
- Place lids and screw on bands until fingertip tight.
- Process jars in a boiling water bath: 10 minutes for half-pint, 15 minutes for pint jars (adjust for altitude).
- Remove jars and let cool 12–24 hours. Listen for “pops” indicating seals.
- Check seals: if lid center is firm, it’s sealed. If not, refrigerate and use soon or reprocess.
- Label sealed jars and store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Notes
This jam balances sweet and tangy flavors beautifully. Experiment with cinnamon, vanilla, or chili for unique twists. Serve on toast, with cheese, swirled into yogurt, as a glaze for meats, or in baked goods.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Preserves & Canning
- Method: Boiling Water Bath
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg