Easy Plum Jelly Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making jelly from plums is an easy and enjoyable way to preserve the sweet and tangy essence of this delicious fruit. Whether you have a surplus of plums from your garden or have picked some up at the farmer’s market, this recipe will allow you to enjoy plums for months to come. To make this recipe, you will need a few basic kitchen tools and ingredients, but with some patience and a little effort, you’ll have a delightful treat to enjoy with your friends and family.

To begin, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. You’ll need plums, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin. Pectin is a natural thickening agent found in fruit that helps the jelly to set. If you can’t find pectin at your local grocery store, you can also use apple peels, which are high in pectin. Once you have all your ingredients, you’re ready to get started on making your plum jelly. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious jelly in no time!

Making Jelly from Plums: A Step-by-Step Guide

Plums are a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of culinary applications. One of the most popular ways to use plums is by making jelly. Plum jelly is a delicious spread that can be enjoyed on toast, biscuits, or even as a glaze for meats. Making jelly from plums is not difficult, but it does take some time and effort. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps required to make your own plum jelly at home.

Getting Started: Selecting and Preparing Plums

The first step in making plum jelly is to select and prepare your plums. When selecting plums, look for ripe plums that are firm, but not overly hard. Ripe plums should be slightly soft to the touch and have a vibrant color. Unripe plums will not have the same sweet flavor or soft texture that is required for making jelly.

Once you have selected your plums, you will need to prepare them by washing them thoroughly. Remove any stems or leaves and cut the plums into quarters. If you prefer, you can even use a food processor to chop the plums into smaller pieces.

Cooking the Plums

After you have prepared your plums, it is time to start cooking. Add the plums to a large pot and add enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the plums for about 30 minutes or until they are soft.

Straining the Plums

Once the plums have cooked, it is time to strain them. You will need a jelly bag or cheese cloth to strain the plums. Place the jelly bag or cheese cloth over a large bowl and pour the plum mixture into it. Allow the juice to slowly drip through the cloth into the bowl. This can take several hours.

Measuring the Juice

After you have strained the plums, you will need to measure the juice that you have obtained. For every cup of juice, you will need to add one cup of sugar. It is important to measure carefully to ensure the correct sugar to juice ratio.

Boiling the Juice and Sugar

Once you have measured the juice and sugar, it is time to boil them together. Add the juice and sugar to a large pot and bring it to a boil. Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat to a simmer and allow the mixture to cook for about 30 minutes.

Testing for Doneness

After the mixture has cooked for 30 minutes, it is time to test it for doneness. To do this, take a small amount of the mixture and place it on a chilled plate. Allow the mixture to cool and then push it with your finger. If the mixture wrinkles and doesn’t flow back to fill the space, it is done. If it is still runny, cook it for a few more minutes and test again.

Canning the Jelly

Once the jelly is done, it is time to can it. Sterilize your jars and lids by placing them in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes. Remove the jars and lids from the water and allow them to cool slightly. Fill the jars with the hot jelly mixture, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth and screw on the lids tightly. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes.

Enjoying Your Homemade Plum Jelly

After the jars have processed and cooled, you can enjoy your homemade plum jelly. Plum jelly is a delicious and versatile spread that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Spread it on toast, biscuits, or even as a glaze for meats. Your homemade plum jelly will keep for several months if properly canned, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it.

Plum Jelly: The Process

Making jelly from fresh plums is a fun and easy process that can be done in just a few steps right in your own kitchen. Follow these guidelines to make sure you get the perfect jelly every time.

Gathering Ingredients and Supplies

To make jelly from plums, you will need a few specific supplies. Start by gathering:

– Fresh plums
– Granulated sugar
– Pectin (optional)
– A large pot with a lid
– A colander or cheesecloth
– A candy thermometer
– A jelly bag or clean cloth

Preparing the Plums

Start by washing the plums and removing the pits. Place the plums in a large pot with enough water to cover them, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and let the plums simmer, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and the pits have risen to the surface, around 20-30 minutes. Skim off any foam that appears on the surface.

Draining the Juice

After the plums have cooked and cooled slightly, use the colander or cheesecloth to strain the juice into a large bowl. Discard the pulp and pits. If you prefer a clearer jelly, you can also strain the juice through a jelly bag.

Cooking the Juice

Measure the amount of juice you have, and add an equal amount of granulated sugar to the pot. For example, if you have 4 cups of juice, you will need 4 cups of sugar. If you are using pectin, add it to the juice and sugar mixture now, following the package directions.

Bring the juice and sugar mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat as needed to keep the mixture at a rolling boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, and continue cooking until the mixture reaches 220 degrees Fahrenheit.

Testing for Gel Stage

To test for the gel stage, remove the pot from the heat and spoon a small amount of the mixture onto a chilled plate. Allow the mixture to cool for a minute, then push it with your finger. If it wrinkles and holds its shape, it has reached the gel stage; if it is still liquid, continue cooking for a few more minutes and try again.

Filling the Jars

Once the jelly has reached the gel stage, carefully ladle it into warm, sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe any drips from the jar rims with a clean cloth, then seal the jars with the lids and bands.

Processing the Jars

To ensure that your jelly will last for a long time, you need to properly process the jars. Place the jars in a large pot of boiling water, making sure they are covered by at least an inch of water. Boil for 10-15 minutes, then remove from the water and let cool. Check the seals on the jars to make sure they are tight.

Storing the Jelly

Store the jelly in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cellar. The jars should be kept upright and away from sunlight. Once opened, the jelly should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few weeks.

Using Plum Jelly

Plum jelly is delicious as a simple spread on toast or bagels, but it can also be used in a variety of other ways. Try it as a glaze for meat dishes, or as an ingredient in baked goods for added sweetness and flavor.

Conclusion

Making jelly from plums is a rewarding experience that anyone can enjoy. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and versatile condiment that will last for months. Experiment with different types of plums and flavorings to create your own unique jelly recipes.

What You Need to Make Plum Jelly

Making plum jelly is a simple process that requires a few items that are easily obtainable. Here are the things you need to make plum jelly:

Preparation

Before making your jelly, it’s crucial to ensure that everything is clean, including your utensils and workspace. Begin by washing your plums thoroughly and removing any stems. You do not need to peel or core them; simply dice them and set them aside. Next, sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them for five to ten minutes or washing them in hot soapy water.

Cook the Plums

In a large saucepan, place your diced plums, lemon juice, and enough water to cover them. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 20-30 minutes until the plums are soft and mushy.

Straining the Mixture

Once the plums have thoroughly cooked, strain the fruit mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Catch the strained juice into a clean bowl and discard the pulp. You can also use a jelly bag or strainer to separate the liquid from the solids. Allow the mixture to drip overnight to extract all the juice.

Add Pectin and Sugar

Pour the plum juice into a large stockpot and bring it to a boil. Add the powdered pectin while whisking continuously and allow the mixture to boil for one minute. Then, add the sugar and continue to stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Fill and Seal the Jars

With a ladle and a funnel, pour the hot plum jelly into the sterilized jars. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the jar, about a quarter of an inch. Seal the jars with the lids and rings, tightening them until you feel resistance. Once cooled, store your jars of delicious plum jelly in a cool, dark place. The jelly is best served after 24 hours, and it can be stored for up to one year. Enjoy!

That’s How You Make Jelly from Plums!

And there you have it, folks. Making jelly from plums is not as complicated as it sounds, and you can do it right in your kitchen. The end result is not only sweet and delicious but also a perfect gift for family and friends. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Don’t forget to visit again for more exciting recipes and interesting articles. Happy cooking!