Simple Plum Jam Recipe

Name: Simple Plum Jam Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Plums (Pitted and sliced); ¾ cup Granulated Sugar; ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt; 5 Whole Cardamom Pods; 1 ½ tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice

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Head on over to your local Farmer’s Market this summer and fall and stock up on the star of our homemade jam – Plums! This Simple Plum Jam Recipe is a great addition to your morning yogurt, a slice of toast, or added to your sparkling water!

What are plums?

Plums are a type of stone fruit that contains one large stone or pit in the middle. The stone itself isn’t a seed, though a lot of people think that’s the case! The actual seed is actually found inside the stone once it’s cracked open. Some other common stone fruits are peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums, and apricots!

It's the season for plums and stone fruit!

Of course, this will vary depending on where you live, but generally, stone fruit season tends to span from late spring to early fall!

Which Type of Plums should I use?

There is such a large variety of plums and stone fruits that you can use - don’t be afraid to substitute the plums of your choice for this jam! Use whatever your heart desires.

How to Store your Plums

After purchasing and washing your plums, leave them out at room temperature for a day or two so they have a chance to ripen. You’ll be able to tell that they’re ready when they become slightly tender to the touch. Once ripe, you can place them in the fridge to prolong their shelf life!

The Difference Freezer Jam vs. Cooked Jam

When making freezer jam, the fruit is not or only briefly cooked before storing in the fridge or freezer. On the other hand with traditional jam, the fruit is simmered together with sugar, and a range of other ingredients before storing.

Using Pectin in Plum Jam

Depending on the fruit jam you are making, you may be instructed to add an ingredient called pectin that helps to thicken the mixture. Some fruits are higher in pectin than others and work better in no pectin jam recipes, such as this one! Plums are naturally rich with pectin, so I would advise not adding more to this recipe.

Can I Use Frozen Plums for this recipe?

You certainly can! Follow this recipe as directed, just note that it will of course take a bit longer for your plums to break down as they will be cold.

Ingredients You'll Need for making Plum Jam

Sugar
Plums
Cardamom Pods
Salt
Lemon Juice

How to make Plum Jam

Add the sliced plums, sugar, whole cardamom pods and salt into a saucepan stirring to combine. Bringing the stove to medium high, bring the mixture to a boil and continue heating until the sugar dissolves. During this process, use a utensil similar to a potato masher to mash the plums, breaking them down.
Add lemon juice and stir to combine.
Lower the heat to a simmer and keep stirring while boiling, skimming off any foam.
Continue stirring for about 20-30 minutes total. You’ll know that the jam is ready when the juices have thickened significantly.
Finally, strain into airtight heat proof container and allow to cool before using.

Tips & Tricks for Making Plum Jam

Do I need to peel my plums before making jam?

You certainly can peel your plums before starting the process of making jam! I tend to let the skin remain on the plums and then strain my jam once it's finished cooking. That will allow me to discard the cardamom pods and the skins for a smooth, consistent texture.

Cold Plate Trick

You can also test whether your jam is ready by using a cold plate! To do this, add a small plate to the freezer and place a spoonful of jam on the plate. If your jam sets within one minute on the cold plate you’re finished! If not, you’ll need to continue cooking a bit longer.

How Long will my Jam last

After making your jam, you'll want to store it in the refrigerator and use it within one month!

Here are some other recipes to try!