Plum jam

Plum Jam – A Nostalgic Delight

Total time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10 jars of 400 g

This plum jam recipe is not just a simple recipe, but a journey back in time, to the flavors of childhood. The plums, with their sweet-tart taste, become a delicious jam that will transform your breakfasts and desserts. It is a simple recipe, yet full of memories and tradition.

Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg fresh plums
- 1 kg granulated sugar
- Juice of one lemon (approximately 50 ml)

Preparation:
1. Preparing the plums: Start by washing the plums well under a stream of cold water. Make sure to remove all impurities. Then, remove the stems, but leave the pits, as they will contribute to the jam's flavor. If you prefer a smoother jam, you can cut them in half.

2. Cooking the plums: Place the plums in a large pot, add the sugar and lemon juice. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes so that the plums release their juice.

3. Boiling: After 30 minutes, place the pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 1 hour. You will notice that the jam starts to thicken. You can check the consistency of the jam with a spoon: if it sits on the spoon and does not run off too quickly, it is almost ready.

4. Consistency test: A simple technique is to place a drop of jam on a cold plate and tilt it slightly. If the drop does not run off too quickly, the jam is ready. If you want a thicker jam, let it cook for a few more minutes.

5. Bottling: Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the jars: wash them well and sterilize them by boiling or in the oven. Fill the jars with warm jam, leaving a few centimeters to the top. Seal the jars with airtight lids.

6. Cooling and storing: Let the jars cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, you can store them in a cool, dark place. The plum jam can be enjoyed for a year if stored properly.

Useful tips:
- Choosing the plums: Choose well-ripened plums, but not too soft, to achieve a pleasant texture in the jam.
- Variations: You can add spices like cinnamon or cloves to give your jam an exotic touch. You can also combine plums with other fruits, such as peaches or prunes, to create a mixed jam.
- Serving: This plum jam is delicious on toast, in pie fillings, or as a topping for yogurts and cheeses.

Plum jam is not just a recipe, but a memory of moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones. Savor each spoonful and enjoy the authentic taste of childhood!