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Easy No Pectin Plum Jam

A spoonful of thick, dark red plum jam being lifted from a small glass bowl.
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Make this simple homemade plum jam using ripe plums, sugar, and lemon juice. This recipe requires no added pectin and cooks quickly on the stovetop, resulting in a bright, flavorful spread perfect for toast or gifts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ripe plums, pitted and halved
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Combine the plums and sugar in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Let the mixture sit for at least 1 hour, or until the sugar dissolves and the plums release their juices.
  2. Place the pot over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture reaches a full, rolling boil that cannot be stirred down.
  3. Add the lemon juice. Continue to boil, stirring frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom of the pot.
  4. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Cook until the jam reaches 220 degrees Fahrenheit (104 degrees Celsius). This usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes after reaching a boil.
  5. Test for set: Remove the pot from the heat. Spoon a small amount of jam onto a chilled plate. Return the plate to the freezer for 1 minute. Push the jam with your finger; if the surface wrinkles, the jam is set. If it is still runny, return the pot to the heat and cook for another 5 minutes, then test again.
  6. Skim off any foam from the surface using a spoon.
  7. Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean.
  8. Process the jars in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude, or store the jam in the refrigerator for short-term use.

Notes

  • For a spiced flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the lemon juice.
  • If you prefer a smoother jam, you can mash the plums slightly before cooking or use an immersion blender briefly after the jam reaches temperature, before skimming foam.
  • This recipe yields refrigerator jam if you skip the water bath canning step.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/easy-no-pectin-plum-jam-recipe/