Plum jam: the recipe

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Plum jam: the recipe

Lovers of sweetness, September has arrived and with one of its most iconic fruits: plums! These little treasures of nature are particularly loved for their juicy taste and their versatility in the kitchen. They can be combined with many dishes, but above all it is possible to make reductions, creams… and jams with this fruit.

Plum jam is a delicious preserve obtained by cooking the fruit with sugar and lemon; the version without sugar but with natural sweeteners is also delicious, and it is perfect for those people who are looking for a healthier but equally tasty alternative!

Anyway, whether you prefer it with or without sugar, preparing plum jam at home represents an added value to maximize the freshness of this seasonal fruit and enjoy a genuine jam free of artificial preservatives.

Ingredients

To prepare plum jam with sugar you will need:

  • 1,5 kg of ripe plums
  • 600 g of sugar
  • The juice of one lemon

For the sugar free version, you will need:

  • 1,5 kg of ripe plums
  • 1/2 a cup of unsweetened apple juice
  • 1/4 a cup of natural sweetener (e.g., stevia o erythritol)
  • The juice of one lemon

Confettura di prugne

How to prepare plum jam with sugar

  • First of all, wash the plums and remove the stone. Once removed, cut the plums into small pieces and place them in a large pot.
  • Pour the lemon juice into the pan with the plums. This step is essential to balance the sweet taste of the plums with a pleasant acidity.
  • Add sugar to the plums and mix everything well. Let this mixture sit for about 30 minutes so that the sugar can dissolve and the plums can release their juice.
  • After 30 minutes, turn the stove on to medium-low heat and bring the plum mixture to a boil. Once you reach 100°, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 45-60 minutes; the jam must have a thick and creamy consistency. Remember: it is important to stir occasionally to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • Once you have made sure that the jam is ready, pour it still hot into previously sterilized glass jars. Make sure to leave about 1 cm headspace and close them hermetically for a perfect preservation!

How to prepare plum jam without sugar

  • To make sugar-free plum jam, follow the same initial process as the traditional version: wash the plums, remove the pit and cut the plums into small pieces, then put everything in a pan.
  • Add the lemon juice and natural sweetener to the plums and mix well.
  • Pour the unsweetened apple juice into the pan and mix everything together.
  • Turn the stove on to medium-low heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Here too, the jam will be ready when it has a thick and creamy consistency.
  • To fill the jars with your jam, follow the same procedure described for the traditional version.

Preparazione confettura di prugne

Preservation

Both versions of plum jam can be stored in a cool and dark place. In these conditions, sterilized and sealed jars can last up to one year. Once a jar has been opened, however, it is important to keep it in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days.

Tips and pairings

With its dense and pulpy consistency, plum jam is extremely versatile and goes well with many foods; it is excellent for spreading on bread, on rusks or as a filling for a good tart. It is also delicious with savory foods such as porchetta, game, white or red meats and a great variety of cheeses.

And if you want a real treat, try the creme brulée with Casatella Trevigiana and organic plum jam! Goodness guaranteed, word of Lazzaris!