Before you start the preservation process, gather the necessary equipment. You will need glass jars with airtight lids, a canning pot or large saucepan, a jar lifter, a slotted spoon, and fresh plums. Make sure the jars, lids, and other tools are thoroughly cleaned to ensure proper preservation.
The first step is to wash the plums. Remove any visible dirt or debris and gently pat them dry. It’s essential to choose plums that are ripe but still firm to ensure the best results.
Next, prepare a light syrup to help maintain the plums’ freshness and taste. In a large saucepan, combine water and sugar, bringing it to a boil. You can adjust the amount of sugar depending on your preference, but a ratio of 2 cups of water to 1 cup of sugar usually works well.
While the syrup is boiling, carefully pack the plums into the clean jars, leaving a 1-inch headspace to allow for expansion during the preservation process. You can choose to leave the plums whole, halved, or pitted, depending on your preference and how you plan to use them later.
Once the syrup is ready, pour it over the plums in the jars, ensuring that all the plums are fully submerged. Use a slotted spoon to remove any air bubbles trapped in the jars, as this can affect the preservation process.
Now it’s time to seal the jars. Wipe the rims of the jars to remove any syrup or residue, ensuring a proper seal. Carefully place the lids on top of the jars and secure them tightly. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific jar lids to ensure a proper seal and prevent spoilage.
Once the jars are sealed, it’s time to process them in a canning pot or large saucepan. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil, and once it reaches a rolling boil, set a timer for the recommended processing time. This time may vary depending on your location, altitude, and the size of the jars. Generally, 20 minutes should suffice for pint jars.
After the processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the pot using a jar lifter and place them on a towel-lined surface. Allow the jars to cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours. During this time, you may hear the lids popping, indicating that a proper seal has been achieved.
After the cooling period, check the lids for a tight seal by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the center doesn’t move, the jars are successfully sealed. Label the jars with the date of preservation, and store them in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Preserved plums can be stored for up to a year, and they can be used in various ways. They make delightful additions to cakes, pies, and tarts, can be enjoyed as a topping for yogurt or ice cream, or simply eaten on their own. The possibilities are endless.
Preserving plums in jars is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of this delightful fruit long after the season has passed. With a few simple steps and the right equipment, you can savor the taste of plums year-round, adding a burst of fruity sweetness to your dishes and snacks. So the next time you have an abundance of plums, why not try preserving them in jars and experience the joy of a delicious harvest throughout the year!