Plum jam

Plum Jam with Walnut Kernels – An Autumn Delicacy

Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooling time: 12 hours
Total time: 13 hours
Servings: 8 jars of 400g

The history of plum jam is intertwined with ancient traditions, being a delicious treat cherished by generations. Autumn, when plums are perfectly ripe, is the ideal time to create this savory jam, which not only enhances breakfast but can also transform simple desserts into memorable delights.

The ingredients needed are simple, yet each plays an essential role in achieving the perfect flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:
- 2 kg of ripe plums
- 1 kg of sugar
- 200 g of walnut kernels (optional, for a unique taste)

Step by Step for Perfect Plum Jam

1. Choosing the Plums: Select plums that are ripe but not overly soft. Overripe plums can lead to a runny jam, while underripe ones won't provide the desired flavor. Color and aroma are excellent indicators for identifying the ideal plums.

2. Washing and Preparing: Rinse the plums under cold running water to remove impurities. Then, cut them in half and carefully remove the pits. This is an important step, as the pits can add a bitter taste to the jam.

3. Macerating the Plums: Place the pitted plums in a large bowl and add the sugar. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of sugar. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This process will help the plums release their juice, which is essential for the perfect consistency of the jam.

4. Boiling the Jam: The next day, transfer the plums and the resulting juice into a cast iron pot. The cast iron is ideal for making jam as it distributes heat evenly and helps prevent sticking. Place the pot over low heat and stir occasionally. It's important to avoid high temperatures at the beginning, as the jam may burn.

5. Adding the Walnut Kernels: When the jam starts to boil and thickens, add the walnut kernels. They will not only add a crunchy texture but also a distinct flavor. Stir well to ensure an even distribution of the nuts in the jam.

6. Consistency Test: To check if the jam is ready, you can do a simple test. Place a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate and tilt it. If the jam doesn’t run, it’s ready for bottling.

7. Bottling: Prepare sterilized jars (boil them in water for 10 minutes). Fill the jars with hot jam, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top. Seal the lids tightly.

8. Preserving: Place the jars in a preheated oven at 100°C for 10 minutes. This process helps to sterilize the jars. Once the time is up, turn off the oven, open the door, and let the jars cool under a blanket to create a vacuum.

9. Storage: After they have completely cooled, store the jars in the pantry. The jam can be kept for several months, but it’s so delicious that it may not last that long!

Serving Suggestions
Plum jam with walnut kernels is perfect for spreading on toast, as well as for filling pastries or pancakes. You can add a spoonful of jam on top of natural yogurt for a healthy and delicious breakfast.

Possible Variations
If you want to experiment, you can add spices like cinnamon or ginger to give it a touch of exotic flavor. You can also replace walnut kernels with almonds or pistachios for a jam with a distinct taste.

Nutritional Benefits
Plums are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Consuming plum jam can help improve digestion and maintain bone health due to its high vitamin K content. Additionally, plum jam has a moderate calorie content, about 250 calories per 100g, making it a healthier choice compared to other commercial jams.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen plums?
Yes, frozen plums can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.

2. How can I check if the jam is well-preserved?
Check if the lid is sealed properly. If a vacuum forms, the jam is well-preserved. If the lid pops up, it’s best to consume it quickly or store it in the fridge.

3. How long can plum jam be stored?
If well-preserved, the jam can be kept in the pantry for up to a year. Once opened, keep it in the fridge and consume it within a few weeks.

Experiment with this plum jam recipe and enjoy the flavors of autumn in every jar! Your jam will surely become a favorite among family and friends, and each spoonful will bring unforgettable memories!