Olivia Carter
Plum jam is a delicious and versatile spread that can be enjoyed on toast, bagels, or even used as a topping for desserts. Making plum jam in a pressure cooker is a great way to save time and achieve a rich, flavorful jam in no time.
If you’ve never made jam before, don’t worry! This recipe is simple and beginner-friendly. With just a few ingredients and a pressure cooker, you’ll have a batch of homemade plum jam that will impress your friends and family.
Why use a pressure cooker, you may ask? Using a pressure cooker allows you to create plum jam with minimal effort and time. The high heat and pressure help to break down the plums quickly, resulting in a jam that has a vibrant color and intense flavor. Plus, the pressure cooker locks in the natural sweetness of the plums, allowing you to use less sugar than traditional jam recipes.
Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need:
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start making plum jam in a pressure cooker, you’ll need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of fresh plums
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of cloves
Make sure the plums are ripe but not overripe. You can choose any variety of plums that you prefer. Also, make sure you have a jar or container to store the plum jam once it’s done. Now that you have all your ingredients ready, you can proceed to the next steps of making delicious plum jam in a pressure cooker.
Prepare The Plums
Before you begin making plum jam in a pressure cooker, you need to properly prepare the plums. Follow these steps:
1. Wash the plums
Start by washing the plums under cold running water. Gently rub each plum to remove any dirt or residue. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Remove the pits
Using a sharp knife, slice each plum in half. Twist both halves in opposite directions to separate them and expose the pit. Remove the pit by gently pulling it out or using a spoon to scoop it out.
3. Dice the plums
After removing the pits, cut the plums into small, equally-sized pieces. You can dice them into squares or slice them into wedges, depending on your preference. Aim for pieces that are around 1-inch in size.
Alternatively, if you prefer a smoother texture in your jam, you can use a food processor or blender to puree the plums.
Once you have prepared the plums, they are ready to be used in your pressure cooker plum jam recipe. Enjoy the delicious taste of homemade plum jam!
Cook The Plum Jam
Once the plums have been properly prepared and washed, it’s time to cook the plum jam. Here’s how:
- In your pressure cooker, add the plums along with sugar and lemon juice.
- Place the lid on the pressure cooker and lock it in place.
- Set the pressure cooker to high pressure and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Open the lid and use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the plums until desired consistency is reached.
- Place the pressure cooker back on the stove and cook the plum jam uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reaches the desired consistency.
- Keep in mind that the jam will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t overcook it.
- Once the plum jam has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
Your plum jam is now ready to be transferred to jars and stored or enjoyed immediately!
Can and Store Your Plum Jam
Once you have made your delicious plum jam in the pressure cooker, it’s important to properly can and store it to enjoy it later.
Here is a step-by-step guide to can and store your plum jam:
- Start by sterilizing your jars and lids. You can do this by placing them in a large pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes.
- While the jars are sterilizing, ladle the hot plum jam into a heat-proof measuring cup or a funnel to make it easier to pour into the jars.
- Remove the jars from the boiling water using tongs and carefully pour the hot plum jam into the jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills or residue. This will ensure a proper seal.
- Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip tight.
- Place the filled jars back into the boiling water and process them for about 10 minutes, making sure the water covers the jars completely.
- After processing, carefully remove the jars from the water and place them on a clean towel or cooling rack to cool completely.
- As the jars cool, you might hear a popping sound, indicating that the jars have sealed properly.
- After the jars have cooled completely, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid pops up and down, it did not seal properly and should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks.
- Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Now that you have successfully canned and stored your plum jam, you can enjoy the sweet and tangy goodness whenever you like!
FAQ
What are the ingredients needed for making plum jam in a pressure cooker?
The ingredients needed for making plum jam in a pressure cooker are plums, sugar, lemon juice, and water.
Can I use a different type of fruit instead of plums?
Yes, you can use a different type of fruit instead of plums, such as strawberries or cherries.
How long does it take to make plum jam in a pressure cooker?
It takes about 30 minutes to make plum jam in a pressure cooker.
What is the advantage of making plum jam in a pressure cooker?
The advantage of making plum jam in a pressure cooker is that it reduces the cooking time and helps to retain the natural flavors and nutrients of the plums.
