Are you wondering what to do with the surplus of plums in your garden? Look no further! Making yellow plum jam is a fantastic way to preserve the flavor of these delicious fruits so you can enjoy them all year round. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can a delectable and sweet spread that will impress your friends and family. Let’s dive into the process of yellow plum jam in this step-by-step .
Firstly, gather the necessary ingredients. You will need around 3 pounds of yellow plums, which should yield approximately 5 to 6 cups of puree. Additionally, have 3 cups of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of butter ready on hand. The butter helps reduce foaming during the cooking process, while the lemon juice adds a tangy flavor and aids in the preservation of your jam.
After washing the plums thoroughly, cut them in half and remove the pits. Plums can be slightly difficult to pit, so take your time and ensure that no pits remain in the fruit. Once you have pitted all the plums, chop them into small pieces to prepare them for cooking.
Now it’s time for the cooking process. Place the chopped yellow plums into a large saucepan and add the lemon juice. Cook the plums on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and break down easily. This should take around 15 minutes.
Once the plums have cooked down, use a potato masher or a spoon to further break them down into a puree consistency. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend the plum mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.
Now it’s time to add the sugar. Pour the granulated sugar into the saucepan with the plum puree and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. This mixture should now be heated on medium-high heat and brought to a rolling boil. Be sure to keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
As the mixture boils, you may notice a layer of foam forming on the surface. This foam can be skimmed off using a slotted spoon or simply stir in a teaspoon of butter to help dissolve it. Continue cooking the mixture until it thickens up and reaches a gel-like consistency. This typically takes around 20-25 minutes, but the exact cooking time may vary.
To test if the jam has reached the desired consistency, you can use the freezer test method. Place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes, then drop a small amount of the hot jam onto the cold plate. If it wrinkles and holds its shape when you push it with your finger, it is cooked and ready to be jarred. If not, continue boiling for a few more minutes and repeat the test until it passes.
Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. While still warm, pour the jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving a small space at the top for expansion during storage. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Congratulations, you have successfully made your own homemade yellow plum jam! The vibrant and sweet flavor of the yellow plums will be perfectly preserved in this delightful spread. Enjoy your jam on toast, in cakes, or even as a topping for ice cream. With the joy of making and sharing your homemade creations, you are sure to impress everyone with your delicious yellow plum jam.