Plum jam

Plum jam – a traditional delicacy, full of flavor and reminiscent of summers spent in gardens, where sweet and fragrant plums transform into a treat that delights our taste buds. This simple and accessible recipe will not only bring a touch of nostalgia but will also help you preserve the taste of summer for the upcoming winter. Let's embark together on a culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 20 jars of 400g

Ingredients you need:
- 10 kg of ripe plums (choose meaty, sweet-fleshed plums)
- 1 kg of sugar (you can adjust the amount depending on how sweet the plums are)
- Juice from one lemon (approximately 50 ml)
- 30 g of unsalted butter (to help prevent foam formation)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (optional, but recommended for a more complex flavor)

Making plum jam – step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the plums under cold running water, ensuring you remove any impurities. Then, cut the plums in half and remove the pits. This step is essential, as the pits are inedible, and you will end up with a smoother jam without them.

2. Boiling the plums
Place the cleaned plums in a stainless steel pot. Add the sugar over the fruit – this will help extract the juice from the plums. Set the pot over medium heat and let it boil. Stir occasionally, ensuring that the sugar dissolves completely.

3. Adding the butter
When the mixture starts to boil, add the butter. This will prevent the formation of foam, making the jam as uniform as possible. Continue to boil the mixture for about 30 minutes, until the plums break down and the juice begins to reduce.

4. Transferring to the oven
When the mixture has reduced significantly, it's time to transfer it to the oven. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Pour the mixture into deep baking dishes and add the lemon juice. This will add a touch of acidity, balancing the sweetness of the plums and improving the jam's shelf life.

5. Baking
Leave the jam in the oven for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. When the jam becomes thick and consistent, it's time for the final test: take a plate and put a little jam on it. If, after a few seconds, the jam does not run off the spoon too quickly, it's ready!

6. Adding the vanilla sugar
If you wish, now is the time to add the vanilla sugar. Stir well to integrate the flavors.

7. Bottling
Put the warm jam into sterilized jars, filling them almost to the top. Seal the jars tightly and place them, without heat, in the warm oven to sterilize. Leave them there for about 30 minutes.

8. Cooling and storing
After sterilization, carefully remove the jars and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, you can store them in the pantry. Make sure to label them so you know when you made them.

Useful tips and tricks:
- You can also add other flavors, such as cinnamon or cloves, for a more exotic jam.
- If you want a smoother jam, you can use an immersion blender to puree the mixture before transferring it to the oven.
- Plum jam keeps excellently in airtight jars for up to a year.

Nutritional benefits
Plum jam is not only delicious but also brings numerous health benefits. Plums are rich in fiber, vitamins (A, C, and K), and minerals, contributing to digestion and maintaining skin health. Additionally, plum jam helps strengthen the immune system and can support cardiovascular health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen plums?
Yes, you can use frozen plums, but make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before using.
- How can I check if the jam is well cooked?
The plate test is the simplest way. If the jam stays on the plate without running, it's ready.
- How long can the jam be preserved?
If prepared and sterilized correctly, the jam can be kept for up to a year under proper conditions.

Serving and ideal combinations
Plum jam is delicious on a slice of toasted bread with butter or as a filling for pancakes. You can also use it as a topping for yogurt or cottage cheese, adding a drizzle of honey for an energizing breakfast. Don't forget to pair it with a cup of aromatic tea or a glass of sweet wine for a complete culinary experience.

Therefore, making plum jam is not just a pleasant activity but also an excellent way to preserve the taste of summer. So, embrace the art of cooking and enjoy every jar of jam you will savor on cold winter days!