Homemade Damson Jam Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Delight

Sweet summer memories flood back when I blend ripe damson jam with childhood nostalgia.

My grandmother’s orchard always burst with these deep purple plums.

Harvesting those tiny fruits became a cherished weekend ritual for our family.

Delicate and slightly tart, damsons carry an intense flavor profile that transforms simple spreads into gourmet experiences.

Handcrafted preserves connect us to traditional cooking methods passed through generations.

Each spoonful promises a rich, complex taste that captures the essence of late-summer afternoons.

Prepare to savor a classic recipe that celebrates seasonal bounty and culinary heritage.

What Makes Mary Berry Damson Jam So Special

• Craft Sweet Family Memories: This homemade damson jam creates delightful moments of connection, perfect for spreading love during breakfast or afternoon tea with loved ones.
• Master Traditional Preserving Skills: Learn an authentic jam-making technique that transforms simple damsons into a delectable preserve, connecting you with generations of culinary heritage.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Experiment with stone extraction and fruit preparation, allowing personal creativity to shine through in each unique batch of jam you create.
• Zero Fancy Equipment Needed: Prepare this recipe using basic kitchen tools and ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels who want to enjoy a delicious homemade spread.

What’s in Mary Berry Damson Jam Recipe

• Damsons: Soft, dark purple plums that provide a rich, tangy flavor for the jam.
• Sugar: Helps sweeten the jam and aids in the setting process.
• Water: Essential for softening the fruit and extracting flavors.

• Damson Stones: Provides additional depth of flavor when simmered and strained.

• Sterilised Jars, Lid: Crucial for safely storing and preserving the homemade jam.

Steps to Make Mary Berry Damson Jam

Step 1: Prepare Damsons

Wash the damsons thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves. Place the whole fruits in a large, heavy-bottomed pot.

Step 2: Soften Fruit

Add water to the pot and gently simmer the damsons for about 20 minutes. The fruits will become soft and start to break down, releasing their rich, deep purple color and natural juices.

Step 3: Extract Stone Essence

In a separate small pot, simmer the stones with a splash of water for 20 minutes. Strain the stone-infused liquid carefully to capture its unique flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Sweeten

Pour the strained stone liquid back into the softened damson mixture. Gradually add sugar to the pot, stirring gently until completely dissolved. The mixture will start to look glossy and smooth.

Step 5: Create Jam Consistency

Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rapid boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Continue boiling for approximately 13 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 6: Check Jam Setting

Test the jam’s readiness using the wrinkle method. Place a small amount on a chilled plate and push with your finger. If it wrinkles and doesn’t immediately flow back, the jam is ready.

Step 7: Jar and Preserve

Carefully pour the hot jam into sterilized glass jars. Seal the jars tightly while the jam is still warm. Allow the jam to cool completely at room temperature before storing in a cool, dark place.

Tips to Get Your Damson Jam Just Right

• Choose Ripe Damsons: Select deeply colored, soft fruits for maximum flavor and sweetness in your jam.
• Stone Extraction Tip: Gently remove stones after initial simmering to prevent breaking delicate fruit and maintain smooth texture.
• Precise Boiling Technique: Watch jam carefully during 13-minute boiling phase, stirring consistently to prevent burning and ensure perfect set.
• Sterilization Matters: Thoroughly clean glass jars with hot water or sterilize in oven to prevent bacterial growth and extend jam's shelf life.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar quantity by 25% if preferring less sweet jam, but understand this might slightly affect setting consistency.

Ways to Customize Mary Berry Damson Jam

• Low-Sugar Version: Replace full sugar amount with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining jam's traditional flavor profile.
• Spiced Damson Variation: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger during cooking stage to create warm, aromatic undertones that complement damson's natural tartness.
• Pectin-Free Option: Use apple or lemon juice instead of commercial pectin, helping natural fruit sugars create desired jam consistency through extended boiling time.
• Vegan Adaptation: Confirm sugar is bone-char-free, ensuring completely plant-based preparation without compromising traditional jam-making technique.

Pairing Options for Damson Jam

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Complement the deep, rich flavor of damson jam with a full-bodied red wine like Syrah or Malbec, which matches the jam's intense fruity profile.
• Serve with Artisan Cheese Plate: Create a delightful spread featuring aged cheddar, creamy blue cheese, and soft goat cheese to highlight the jam's complex sweetness and tartness.
• Elevate Morning Toast: Transform breakfast by spreading damson jam on rustic sourdough or wholegrain bread, adding a layer of cultured butter for extra indulgence.
• Match with Dark Chocolate: Enjoy a decadent pairing by drizzling damson jam over dark chocolate with 70% cocoa content, enhancing both the jam's and chocolate's deep, complex flavors.

How to Store Mary Berry Damson Jam

• Transfer cooled jam to airtight glass containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. Keep sealed tightly to prevent moisture and contamination.
• Spoon jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Freeze for up to 12 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before using.
• Properly sealed sterilized jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for 12-18 months. Check seals periodically and discard if any signs of spoilage appear.
• Gently warm small portions in microwave using 10-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Alternatively, use a stovetop on low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

FAQs for Mary Berry Damson Jam

• What are damsons?

Damsons are small, dark purple plums native to England, with a tart and intense flavor perfect for making jam. They have a slightly oval shape and grow on trees in the European region.

• Can I make jam without removing the stones first?

No, it’s best to remove stones separately to extract maximum flavor and prevent choking hazards. Simmering stones helps release pectin and enhances the jam’s natural setting properties.

• How do I know if my jam has set correctly?

Use the wrinkle method: place a small amount of jam on a cold plate and push with your finger. If the surface wrinkles and doesn’t immediately flow back, the jam has reached the right consistency.

Damson Jam Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 53 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet and tangy Damson Jam brings British orchard magic to your breakfast table, capturing summer’s essence in a single spoonful. Homemade preserves offer pure comfort and delightful nostalgia you’ll savor with each delectable spread.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) ripe damsons
• 1.875 kg (4.1 lbs) granulated sugar

Water:

• 450 ml (15.2 fluid ounces) water
• 20 ml (0.7 fluid ounces) extra water

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Instructions

1. Gently wash damsons and place in a large saucepan, covering with water. Simmer for 20 minutes until fruits become tender and begin to break down.
2. In a separate pan, extract juice from damson stones by simmering with a small amount of water for 20 minutes, then carefully strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve.
3. Combine the stone-extracted juice with the softened damsons in the original pan, stirring thoroughly to integrate flavors.
4. Gradually incorporate sugar into the fruit mixture, heating slowly and stirring continuously until sugar completely dissolves and mixture becomes smooth.
5. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, maintaining a vigorous bubbling for approximately 13 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
6. Perform the wrinkle test by placing a small amount of jam on a chilled plate – if the surface wrinkles when pushed with a finger, the jam has reached setting point.
7. Remove from heat and carefully transfer the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, ensuring each jar is filled to just below the rim.
8. Securely seal the jars while jam is still warm, then allow to cool completely at room temperature before storing in a cool, dark pantry.

Notes

• Extract maximum flavor by crushing damsons gently before cooking to release natural pectin.
• Consider leaving some stones in during initial simmering for deeper almond-like undertones in the jam.
• Use a wide, heavy-bottomed pan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution during boiling.
• Lower sugar content works well for those watching sweetness, but may slightly impact jam’s setting consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 33 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 349
• Sugar: 87 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 87 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg