Sweetened peeled plums

Peeled Plum Jam: The Autumn Indulgence in Jars

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Number of Servings: Approximately 4 jars of 400 g

Peeled plum jam is one of those delights that reminds us of childhood, the enticing scent of ripe fruits, and the moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones. In this recipe, I will share step by step how to transform plums into this delicious jam, perfect for enjoying on a slice of toasted bread, paired with fresh cheese, or simply eaten straight from the jar!

Ingredients you need:

- 1 kg plums (preferably ripe but firm plums)
- 1 kg sugar (sugar helps preserve the jam and is essential for achieving the desired consistency)
- 1 glass (approximately 250 ml) of water (for syrup)
- Juice of one lemon (this ingredient will add a note of freshness and help maintain the vibrant color of the jam)
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda (this will firm up the texture of the plums)

Practical tip: Choose quality, ripe but not overly soft plums. Firmer plums will retain a pleasant texture in the jam.

Step by Step for Making Peeled Plum Jam

1. Preparing the Plums:
- Start by washing the plums well under cold running water. This step is essential to remove any impurities.
- Peel the plums with a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler. This is a step that may seem tedious, but it’s worth the effort, as the skin can make the jam heavy.
- Prepare a bowl of water in which you add the baking soda (about one teaspoon per liter of water). Place the peeled plums in this water to firm them up. Cover the bowl and let the plums sit overnight.

2. Preparing the Syrup:
- In the morning, remove the plums from the water and rinse them well in several changes of water to eliminate the baking soda.
- In a large pot, add the glass of water and the sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
- Add a few drops of lemon juice (this will help prevent the sugar from crystallizing and enhance the flavor).
- Allow the syrup to boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and starts to form large bubbles.

3. Cooking the Plums:
- Once the syrup is ready, add the rinsed plums to the pot. Gently stir to incorporate them into the syrup without crushing them.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the jam simmer without stirring with a spoon. Occasionally, gently shake the pot to prevent the plums from sticking.
- The jam is ready when the syrup forms a consistent drop on a cold plate. This test is simple and effective!

4. Bottling:
- Prepare sterilized jars (you can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or in the oven at 100 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes).
- Pour the hot jam into the jars, filling them almost to the brim. Seal tightly with the lids.
- Let the jars cool completely at room temperature, then store them in a cool, dark place.

Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per 100 g (varies based on sugar and plum content)
- Benefits: Plums are rich in fiber, vitamins (A, C, K), and antioxidants. Consuming plum jam can contribute to digestive health and strengthen the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use frozen plums?
- Yes, but it is recommended to fully thaw them and drain any excess water before adding them to the syrup.

2. How can I enhance the flavors?
- Add spices like cinnamon or cloves during cooking for a more complex flavor.

3. What if I don’t have lemon?
- Lemon can be replaced with apple cider vinegar, but the taste will be different.

Serving Suggestions:
Peeled plum jam pairs perfectly on a slice of toasted bread with butter or cottage cheese. It can also be used as a filling for pastries or as an ingredient in sauces for meat dishes.

Possible Variations:
You can experiment with other fruits, such as apricots or peaches, to create delicious combinations. Additionally, adding nuts or almonds will bring a crunchy texture.

Personal Note:
This recipe for peeled plum jam reminds me of summers spent at my grandparents’ house, where each jar was filled with stories and memories. I encourage you to add a personal touch, perhaps a message on the jar label or a handwritten family recipe, to make each jar a special gift.

So, get ready to enjoy a delicious plum jam, full of tradition and love. Bon appétit!