Apricot jam with plums

Apricot and plum jam – a delicious and vibrant combination

Apricot and plum jam is an excellent choice from the fruit preserves range, especially in warm season. This recipe not only combines the sweet and tart flavors of apricots and plums but also brings an explosion of colors to your jars. Additionally, making jam is a pleasant activity that can evoke a touch of nostalgia and fond childhood memories.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: Approximately 8 jars of 400 g

Ingredients:
- 2 kg ripe and fragrant apricots
- 1 kg damson plums (or other preferred plums)
- 1.8 kg sugar (adjust the amount according to the sweetness of the fruits)
- Juice from 1 fresh lemon

Nutritional information:
This jam is a good source of vitamins, especially vitamin C, due to the apricots and lemon. Plums provide fiber and antioxidants, making this jam a healthier choice compared to other fat-rich desserts. A serving of approximately 100 g of jam contains about 250 calories, but the nutritional benefits are undeniable.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the fruits:
Start by washing the apricots and plums well under cold running water. Remove the pits, being careful not to damage the fruits. You can leave the skin on the apricots, as it adds extra texture to the jam.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
In a non-stick pot, add the cleaned fruits and sprinkle the sugar evenly over them. Cover the pot with a lid and let the fruits sit at room temperature for a few hours (ideally 4-5 hours). This process will help the sugar dissolve and mix with the natural juice of the fruits, creating a flavorful base for the jam.

3. Cooking the jam:
After the fruits have released enough juice, place the pot over low heat. Boil the mixture for about an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. It’s important to monitor the mixture constantly, as the sugar can cause it to stick to the bottom.

4. Adding the final ingredients:
About 15 minutes before turning off the heat, add the remaining sugar and lemon juice. The lemon not only enhances the flavor but also helps preserve the vibrant color of the fruits.

5. Bottling:
Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, carefully pour it into clean, dry jars, ensuring to leave a small space at the top. Screw on the lids and place the jars in a warm 'nest,' wrapped in blankets or towels, to cool gradually. This step helps create a vacuum seal to keep the jam fresh for a longer period.

6. Storing:
After two days, when the jam has completely cooled, move the jars to a cool place, like a pantry or cellar, where they can be kept away from direct light.

Practical tips:
- If the fruits are very sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar. Remember, the jam is tastier and has a pleasant texture when it contains whole pieces of fruit, so avoid overly mashing them.
- You can experiment with other flavors, such as a pinch of cinnamon or a hint of nutmeg, to add a unique note to your jam.
- Serve apricot and plum jam alongside cottage cheese or as a filling for pancakes, cakes, or pies.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How can I tell if the jam is ready?
Do the plate test: put a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate. If it gels and doesn’t run, it’s ready!

2. Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! Try adding some cherries or peaches for a different flavor.

3. How long does the jam last?
If stored correctly, the jam can last up to a year in cool, dark places.

4. What drinks pair well with the jam?
A cup of black tea or fresh lemonade are excellent choices to accompany this delicious jam.

Apricot and plum jam is not only a delicacy but also a wonderful way to preserve the taste of summer for the cool autumn and winter days. Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking and enjoy this savory recipe!