VERSATILE PLUM JAM WITH ORANGE, CINNAMON, RAISINS & WALNUTS
This flavorful plum jam is perfect for pancakes, tarts, or filling puff pastry. Using firmer, slightly underripe plums ensures the fruit holds its shape during cooking, creating a delightful texture. This jam is my favorite plum preserve β it has impressed many friends with its balanced sweetness and rich layers of flavor.
π Prep Time: 20 minutes
π³ Cook Time: 30 minutes
π― Yields: 2 jars (800 ml each)
Ingredients
- 1 kg firm, slightly underripe plums
- 500 g granulated sugar (adjustable)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 small orange, thinly sliced, seeds removed
- Β½ lemon, thinly sliced, seeds removed
- 150 g raisins
- 150 g chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare the citrus: thinly slice the orange and lemon, removing any seeds.
- Halve and pit the plums, leaving pieces moderately large.
- In a heavy-bottomed or non-stick pot, combine 50 ml water, plums, citrus slices, cinnamon stick, and sprinkle sugar evenly on top. Stir gently.
- Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until sugar fully dissolves and the plums release their juices.
- As the mixture starts to boil, a pinkish foam will form on the surface. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 25 minutes, stirring rarely and carefully to avoid breaking the fruit.
- While cooking, sterilize two 800 ml jars by washing and drying them, then placing them in a preheated 200Β°C (390Β°F) oven for about 20 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, stir in the raisins and walnuts, cooking for an additional minute.
- Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, wipe rims clean, seal tightly, and invert jars for 10 minutes to create a vacuum seal.
- Wrap jars in a thick blanket and let cool overnight in a dry, draft-free environment.
- Store in a cool, dark pantry or cellar.
π‘ Tips
- Use firmer plums to preserve texture during cooking.
- Adjust sugar to your taste; reducing sugar slightly enhances the natural tartness.
- Adding nuts and raisins provides texture and richness, perfect for spreading or baking.
- This jam pairs wonderfully with breakfast dishes and baked desserts.
π Perfect For
- Filling for pancakes, crepes, or tarts
- Puff pastry turnovers or strudels
- Gift jars during holidays or special occasions
π Final Thoughts
This plum jam, enriched with aromatic cinnamon, bright citrus, chewy raisins, and crunchy walnuts, is a versatile treat that enhances a variety of dishes. Balancing sweetness and tartness, itβs a homemade preserve sure to impress family and friends alike.