Luscious Plum Jam Recipe: Sweet Homemade Goodness in Every Jar

Sweet summer memories often flood my mind when I think about this delectable plum jam that connects generations of home cooks.

Ripe fruits burst with intense flavor waiting to be transformed into a smooth, spreadable delight.

Grandmothers across different regions have perfected techniques passed down through whispered kitchen secrets.

Simple ingredients combine magically, creating a preserve that captures seasonal sunshine in every spoonful.

Pectin and sugar work their alchemical dance, turning ordinary plums into extraordinary condiments.

Warm toast begs for a generous dollop of this vibrant, ruby-colored spread.

You’ll want to savor each bite and share this treasure with everyone at your table.

What You Need for Delia Smith Plum Jam Recipe

• Plums: Ripe, sweet stone fruits that provide the primary flavor and texture for the jam.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps preserve the jam by creating a stable environment.

• Lids, Jars: Clean glass containers that protect the jam and allow for long-term storage.

• Water: Used for boiling lids and processing jars to ensure a proper seal and sterilization.

Making Delia Smith Plum Jam Recipe at Home

Step 1: Prepare Plums

Wash plums thoroughly. Split each plum in half and remove the pit carefully. Place the plum halves in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Create Sugar Mixture

Sprinkle sugar over the plum halves. Gently stir to coat all plum pieces. Let the mixture rest and allow the plums to release their natural juices for one hour at room temperature.

Step 3: Begin Cooking Process

Transfer the plum and sugar mixture to a heavy-bottomed pot. Bring the contents to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4: Simmer and Reduce

Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the plums break down and the mixture thickens. This cooking process will happen four separate times, with cooling periods in between.

Step 5: Cool and Repeat Cooking

After each 10-minute simmering session, remove the pot from heat and let the jam cool completely. Repeat the boiling and simmering process four times total to develop rich flavor and proper consistency.

Step 6: Sterilize Canning Equipment

• Place clean glass jars in the oven at 225°F
• Boil jar lids in water for 5 minutes
• Ensure all equipment is completely sanitized

Step 7: Final Jam Transfer

Once jam has completed its final cooking cycle, carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars. Leave a small space at the top of each jar for expansion.

Step 8: Seal and Process Jars

Wipe jar rims clean. Attach sterilized lids and rings. Process filled jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes to ensure proper sealing.

Step 9: Cool and Store

Remove jars from water bath. Let jars sit undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Check that lids have sealed properly. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate any unsealed jars and consume within a few weeks.

Smart Ideas for Delia Smith Plum Jam Recipe

• Choose Ripe, Firm Plums: Select plums that are deeply colored, slightly soft when pressed, and free from bruises for the best jam flavor and texture.
• Control Sugar Sweetness: Adjust sugar levels based on plum ripeness and personal preference, using less sugar for sweeter plums or more for tart varieties.
• Prevent Burning: Stir the jam mixture frequently during boiling to avoid scorching and ensure even cooking, especially at the bottom of the pot.
• Master Jar Sterilization: Clean jars thoroughly with hot, soapy water and sterilize in a hot oven at 250°F for 10 minutes to prevent bacterial growth and extend jam shelf life.
• Test Jam Consistency: Use the cold plate method by placing a small amount of jam on a chilled plate to check if it wrinkles when pushed, indicating proper gel formation.

Creative Additions for Delia Smith Plum Jam Recipe

• Low-Sugar Plum Jam: Replace half the sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version with reduced calories.
• Spiced Plum Jam: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger during the boiling process for a warm, aromatic flavor profile.
• Citrus Plum Preserve: Incorporate orange or lemon zest to brighten the jam's taste and add a tangy undertone.
• Herbal Plum Spread: Mix in fresh rosemary or thyme during cooking for an unexpected savory-sweet combination.

How to Serve Delia Smith Plum Jam Recipe

• Pair Sweet Plum Jam with Creamy Cheese: Spread the rich, fruity plum jam on a crisp baguette topped with creamy goat cheese or brie for a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• Complement with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot that echoes the jam's deep fruit notes and provides a sophisticated tasting experience.
• Match with Buttery Pastries: Use the plum jam as a filling or topping for flaky croissants, Danish pastries, or homemade scones to elevate breakfast or afternoon tea with a burst of fruity sweetness.

Tips to Store Delia Smith Plum Jam Recipe Well

• Store unsealed or opened jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Keep the jar sealed tightly to prevent contamination and preserve freshness.
• Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Freeze for up to 1 year. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• Properly sealed and processed 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 the microwave using short 10-15 second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.

Common Questions on Delia Smith Plum Jam Recipe

• What type of plums work best for this jam?

Choose ripe, sweet plums like Santa Rosa, Italian, or Stanley varieties. Freestone plums are easier to pit and work perfectly for jam making.

• How can I tell if my jam has reached the right consistency?

Use the cold plate test. Place a small amount of jam on a chilled plate and run your finger through it. If it wrinkles and doesn’t immediately fill back in, the jam is ready.

• Do I need special equipment to make this jam?

You’ll need a large pot, wooden spoon, sterilized jars, and a water bath canner. A candy thermometer can help, but isn’t absolutely necessary.

Why Everyone Enjoys Delia Smith Plum Jam Recipe

• Craft Sweet Memories: This plum jam recipe transforms simple ingredients into a nostalgic spread that connects you with traditional home cooking techniques.
• Master Preservation Skills: Learn professional canning methods that allow you to store fresh summer plums for months, giving you delicious homemade jam whenever you crave it.
• Create Versatile Culinary Magic: Use this jam as a delightful topping for toast, pastries, yogurt, or as a unique gift that showcases your culinary creativity and personal touch.
• Enjoy Straightforward Preparation: With minimal ingredients and clear step-by-step instructions, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced home cooks to successfully create a delectable preserve.

Plum Jam Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet summer memories bloom in this homemade Plum Jam, capturing garden-fresh fruit’s pure essence. Smooth, rich spreads bring delightful moments to breakfast tables, inviting you to savor each spoonful of seasonal comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 pounds (5.4 kilograms) sweet ripe plums, rinsed
• 4.5 cups (900 grams) white sugar

Canning Supplies:

• 8 pint-sized jars with lids

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Instructions

1. Carefully remove pits from plums and slice into halves, then combine with sugar in a large bowl, allowing the mixture to macerate and release juices for approximately 60 minutes at room temperature.
2. Transfer the plum-sugar mixture to a heavy-bottomed pot and bring to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
3. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely, which allows pectin to develop and helps thicken the jam naturally.
4. Repeat the boiling and cooling process three additional times, each cycle intensifying the flavor and consistency of the jam.
5. Prepare glass jars by thoroughly washing and sterilizing them in a preheated oven at 225°F for 10 minutes, simultaneously sanitizing jar lids by boiling them in water for 5 minutes.
6. After the final cooking cycle, carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a precise 1/4-inch headspace to ensure proper sealing.
7. Wipe jar rims clean, secure lids firmly, and process jars in a rolling boiling water bath for 15 minutes to create a hermetic seal.
8. Remove jars and allow them to rest undisturbed at room temperature for 12-24 hours, listening for the distinctive “ping” that indicates successful sealing.
9. Check jar seals by pressing the center of each lid; if it doesn’t move, store in a cool, dark pantry. Refrigerate any unsealed jars and consume within several weeks.

Notes

• Ripeness matters: Choose fully ripe plums for the most intense, sweet flavor that will make your jam sing with natural sweetness.
• Sugar flexibility: Adjust sugar quantity based on plum’s natural sweetness; less sugar works for sweeter varieties to keep a more fruity taste.
• Pectin boost: Add a touch of lemon juice or commercial pectin if your plums seem less naturally thick to help jam set perfectly.
• Storage savvy: Properly sealed jars can last up to one year in a cool, dark pantry, making this a fantastic preserve for enjoying summer’s bounty all year round.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 372
• Sugar: 93 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 98 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg