Cornelian cherry jam

The plum jam is a delight that evokes memories of childhood summers, when the aroma of fresh fruits filled the air and each jar preserved a piece of the sun from that time. This simple yet extremely satisfying recipe will take you on a nostalgic journey, transforming juicy plums into a delicious dessert, perfect for enjoying on toast or as a filling for cakes.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10 jars

Ingredients

- 5 kg fresh plums
- 3 kg sugar
- 1 sachet of lemon salt (approximately 10 grams)
- 1 tablespoon of salicylic acid (for preservation, optional)

Necessary utensils

- Large cooking pot
- Wooden spoon
- Plate for testing consistency
- Clean and dry jars (preferably 400-500 ml)
- Jar lids
- Skimmer (optional, to remove foam)

Preparing the plum jam

Step 1: Preparing the plums

Start by washing the plums well under a stream of cold water. Make sure to remove any impurities or leaves. Then, cut each plum in half and remove the pits. This step may seem laborious, but it is essential for obtaining a fine and pleasant jam.

Step 2: Mixing with sugar

Place the cleaned plums in a large bowl. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over them and gently mix to coat all the fruits. This process will help extract the juices from the plums, turning them into a delicious paste. Let the plums with the sugar rest for about 30 minutes. Adding lemon salt at this point is important as it helps maintain the vibrant color of the fruits and prevents oxidation.

Step 3: Boiling the jam

After the fruits have rested with the sugar, transfer the mixture to a large pot and place it over medium heat. It is essential to stir constantly to avoid sticking. After a few minutes, you will notice how the sugar dissolves and a sweet syrup forms.

To check the consistency of the jam, you can use a plate: take a spoonful of the mixture and place it on the plate. Let it cool for a few seconds, then tilt the plate. If the jam does not run and forms a skin, it is ready.

Step 4: Preserving and storing

Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, add the salicylic acid and mix well. Salicylic acid helps preserve the product for a longer period.

Fill the clean jars with hot jam, leaving a small space at the top. Close them with the lids and let them cool until the next day in their clothes, as we say in our folk tradition. This process helps form a better seal, keeping the aroma and freshness of the jam.

Serving and suggestions

The plum jam is perfectly served on slices of toasted bread, alongside a cup of hot tea or yogurt. It can also be used as a filling for cakes or pancakes, adding a burst of flavor to any dessert.

Tips and variations

If you want to personalize your jam, you can try adding spices like cinnamon or cloves for an exotic flavor. You can also combine plums with other fruits, such as apples or pears, to create a more complex and interesting jam.

Nutritional benefits

Plums are a good source of vitamins, especially vitamin C, and are rich in fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. They are also low in calories, and plum jam can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Each serving of jam contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of sugar used.

Frequently asked questions

1. How can I store the jam for a longer time?
Make sure the jars are well sterilized before filling and use salicylic acid for better preservation.

2. Can I use another type of sugar?
Yes, you can experiment with brown sugar for a jam with a more caramelized taste or with natural sweeteners, but the recipe may require adjustments.

3. What other fruits can I use?
You can use peaches, plums, or cherries. Each fruit will add a unique note to your jam.

The story behind the recipe

Plum jam has a long tradition, being prepared for generations by families who wanted to preserve the flavors of summer for winter. Each jar filled the house with fragrances and memories, often made on warm autumn days. This simple recipe is an excellent way to bring a bit of that nostalgia into your own kitchen.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that is left is to start cooking! Enjoy your meal!