Only two ingredients required for this easy plum jam, three if you include water. Use any type of plum you like. It's delicious, gloriously coloured and makes a perfect spread for bread, toast or scones.
Before you start with the jam, place two saucers in the freezer. You'll need these to test for when the jam is set.
In a large wide stainless steel saucepan, simmer the plums in the water until soft and broken down. Don't use a lid. It will take somewhere between 10-20 minutes depending on how firm the plums are and how thick the skins.
Take the plums off the heat and pour in the sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
900 g granulated sugar
Crank up the heat and bring the plums to a rolling boil. Boil until setting point is reached. This usually takes between five to ten minutes. Start to test after five minutes.
Remove from the heat. If any scum has formed on the top, scoop it off with a slotted spoon and discard. Let rest for five minutes, then stir.
Using a ladle and jam funnel, pour into warm sterilised jars. Cap immediately with clean sterilised lids and twist tight.
Leave to cool then label with the date and type of jam.
Notes
Makes 6 x 250 (8.5 oz) full jars.
Prep Time
Prep time will very much depend on how many plums you have to prepare. For the purposes of this recipe, I'm assuming the plums are already halved and stoned.
Plum Kernel Jam
Remove kernels from some of the plum stones. You can either leave the skins on or remove them. To remove, place them in a small bowl and cover with hot water. Leave for a minute or two. You can then rub the skins off easily with your fingers.Add to the cooking pot along with the plums.
Wrinkle Test
To test for setting point use the wrinkle test. Remove the pan from the heat after it's boiled for five minutes. Place half a teaspoon of the jam onto a cold plate. Leave for thirty seconds, then push your finger up against the jam. If it wrinkles it's set. If it's still runny, it's not. Boil the jam for two more minutes and test again. Repeat until the jam is set.
Double The Recipe
If you double the recipe, it will take a bit longer for the jam to set, so don't worry if it doesn't look anywhere like setting in the first five minutes. Just keep boiling until you reach setting point.
How Long Will It Last?
Plum jam is at its best in the first six months, but it should last for up to a year if you keep it in a cool dark place. Once you've opened the jar, however, it's best to keep it in the fridge.Please note: calories and other nutritional information are per jar. They’re approximate and will depend on exact ingredients used.