Mirabelle jam

Recipe for Mirabelle Plum Jam - A Taste of Childhood in Every Jar

Mirabelle plum jam is a delicacy that reminds us of the sunny days of childhood, when the aroma of ripe and sweet fruits combined with the joy of making jams alongside grandparents. This simple and flavorful recipe is an excellent way to preserve the bounty of these wonderful fruits, rich in vitamin C. Let’s discover together how to prepare a delicious mirabelle plum jam, perfect for breakfast or to add a touch of flavor to cakes and pastries.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 5 jars of 400 g

Ingredients

- 1.5 kg ripe mirabelle plums (yellow, red, or black) - choose firm, but not too soft fruits
- 400-800 g sugar (depending on personal taste and sweetness of the mirabelle plums)
- Juice from 1 lemon (for preservation and a tangy taste)
- Optional: a pinch of cinnamon and ginger (for an extra flavor)

Preparing Mirabelle Plum Jam

Step 1: Preparing the Mirabelle Plums
Start by inspecting the mirabelle plums. Remove any damaged, bruised, or blemished fruits. Wash them thoroughly in several waters to remove impurities. Place the mirabelle plums in a large pot that has been washed and scalded with hot water. It is recommended to use a pot dedicated to jams to avoid contamination with other flavors.

Tip: Scalding utensils and the pot helps prevent bacterial growth and ensures better preservation of the jam.

Step 2: The Sugar Layer
Halve the mirabelle plums or crush them slightly, then place them in the pot, alternating layers of mirabelle plums with layers of sugar. Make sure the last layer is sugar. Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a lid and let it cool overnight. This process will help the mirabelle plums release their natural juice, essential for making a tasty jam.

Step 3: Cooking the Jam
The next morning, check the mirabelle plums. Place the pot on low heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Use a burner or a heat source that distributes temperature evenly. As the jam begins to boil, the fruits will break down, and a homogeneous mixture will form.

Step 4: Separating the Seeds
After the jam has significantly reduced in volume, it’s time to remove the seeds. Use a sieve or a food mill to separate the pulp from the seeds. If using a sieve, ensure that the holes are large enough to allow the pulp to pass through.

Tip: If you want a thicker jam, leave it on the heat longer. Additionally, adding lemon juice in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking will help not only in preserving the jam but also in enriching the flavor.

Step 5: Jarring the Jam
To preserve the jam, prepare the jars. Wash them well, rinse them, and scald them with boiling water. Place the jars in the oven at 100 degrees Celsius without lids for 20 minutes to sterilize them. Fill the jars with hot jam, leaving a space of 2-3 fingers at the top. Seal them tightly with the lids and place them back in the oven for 15 minutes.

Tip: If you don’t want to use the oven, you can sterilize the jars using the water bath method. Place the jars in a pot with warm water, ensuring that the water does not exceed the lids. Leave them on low heat for 30 minutes, adding warm water as needed.

Step 6: Cooling and Storing
After sterilization, remove the jars from the oven or pot and wrap them in blankets for slow cooling. This process helps create a better seal. Once completely cooled, store them in a cool, dark place, ideal for preserving the aroma and freshness of the jam.

Practical Tips and Variations

- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar according to personal preferences and the sweetness of the mirabelle plums. If you prefer a tangier taste, 400 g of sugar per 1 kg of fruit is ideal.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger towards the end of cooking to give the jam an exotic flavor.
- Using Lemon: Lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps preserve the jam, preventing fermentation.
- Combining with Other Recipes: Mirabelle plum jam is delicious on toast, in pancakes, or as a filling for cakes and tarts. Try it with fresh cheese for a savory snack.

Nutritional Benefits
Mirabelle plums are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a healthy food. Consuming mirabelle plum jam can help strengthen the immune system and maintain digestive health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does mirabelle plum jam last?
If prepared and preserved correctly, the jam can last up to a year. After opening, keep it in the refrigerator and consume it within a few weeks.

2. Can I use another type of sweetener?
Yes, you can experiment with coconut sugar or honey, but keep in mind that this may change the texture and taste of the jam.

3. What other fruits can I use for jam?
This recipe can easily be adapted using other fruits, such as plums, peaches, or cherries.

Mirabelle plum jam is not just a recipe, but a memory, a connection to culinary traditions of the past. With each jar prepared, you bring a touch of that magic into your kitchen! Enjoy it with pleasure!

 Ingredients: 1 kg of ripe but not overly soft plums (yellow, red, or black) between 400 and 800 g of sugar depending on taste. Juice from 1 lemon. Optionally, a pinch of cinnamon and ginger towards the end of boiling.