Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of yellow plums
- 3 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
Step 1: Prepare the Plums
Start by washing the yellow plums thoroughly under cool running water. Remove any stems and cut the plums in half, making sure to remove the pits as well. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Jamming Equipment
Before getting into the jam-making process, ensure you have all the necessary equipment ready. You will need a large pot, a potato masher or immersion blender, a canning funnel, canning jars with lids, and a jar lifter or tongs for handling hot jars.
Step 3: Cook the Plums
Place the prepared plums in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir gently to combine the ingredients. As the plums begin to release their juices, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Step 4: Mash and Simmer
Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the plums until you achieve the desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier jam, opt for a potato masher. If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender.
After mashing, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The jam should thicken slightly during this time.
Step 5: Check the Consistency
To check if the jam has reached the desired consistency, perform a plate test. Place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes. Afterward, spoon a small amount of the simmered jam onto the chilled plate. Let it sit for a moment, then push it with your finger. If it wrinkles and holds its shape, the jam is ready. If not, continue simmering for a few more minutes and repeat the plate test.
Step 6: Preserve the Jam
Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, carefully ladle it into sterilized canning jars using a canning funnel, leaving a ¼ inch headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean, place the lids on top, and screw on the bands until fingertip-tight.
To preserve the jam for long-term storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Afterward, remove the jars from the water bath using a jar lifter or tongs and let them cool on a clean towel. The lids should make a popping sound as they seal.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Now that your delicious yellow plum jam is ready, it’s time to enjoy it! Spread it generously on your morning toast or use it as a delightful filling for pastries, cakes, or thumbprint cookies. You can even give jars of this homemade jam as thoughtful gifts to family and friends.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with other flavors too! Try adding a hint of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to elevate the taste of your yellow plum jam. The possibilities are endless!
So go ahead and make the most of your surplus of ripe yellow plums by following this step-by-step guide. Once you’ve experienced the joy of homemade yellow plum jam, store-bought will never be the same!