Olivia Carter
If you are lucky enough to have access to a plum tree or have a surplus of plums, making freezer plum jam is a great way to preserve this delicious fruit for the months ahead. Freezer plum jam is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. This type of jam doesn’t require any specialized canning equipment or processes, which makes it perfect for beginners or those who want a quick jam-making method.
To make freezer plum jam, you will need ripe plums, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin. Pectin is a natural ingredient that helps the jam to set properly. It can be found in most grocery stores with the canning supplies. The sugar-to-fruit ratio is essential for achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and preserving the jam. If your plums are particularly sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar used, but keep in mind that sugar also helps with the preservation process.
To begin making the jam, wash and pit your plums. You can leave the skin on for added flavor and color. Cut the plums into small pieces and place them in a large pot. Add the sugar and lemon juice to the pot and mix well. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the plums to release their juice. This step is crucial for ensuring your jam will have a smooth and spreadable consistency.
After the 15 minutes, heat the pot on medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir frequently to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, stir in the pectin. Continue to boil the jam for about 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly. The pectin needs this time to activate and help the jam set.
Once the jam has boiled for the required time, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface. You can now transfer the jam into clean, freezer-safe containers. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Seal the containers tightly and let the jam cool completely before placing it in the freezer.
When you are ready to enjoy your homemade freezer plum jam, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. It will last for about a year in the freezer, so you can savor the taste of summer plums long after the season is over. Spread the jam on toast, muffins, or use it as a filling for baked goods. Making freezer plum jam is a rewarding and delicious way to preserve the flavors of summer and enjoy them all year round.
Preparing the Ingredients for Freezer Plum Jam
Before you start making freezer plum jam, it’s important to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
- 4 pounds of ripe plums
- 4 cups of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1 packet of powdered pectin
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or other spices
First, make sure to wash the plums thoroughly under cold water. This will remove any dirt or debris that may be present on the fruit. Once the plums are clean, you can remove the pits and chop the flesh into small, bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped plums with the sugar, lemon juice, and any optional spices you may want to add. Mix well to ensure that the plums are evenly coated with the sugar.
Next, sprinkle the powdered pectin over the plum mixture and stir vigorously for a few minutes. This will help the pectin dissolve and thicken the jam.
Once everything is thoroughly mixed, let the plum mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the pectin to activate and thicken the jam further.
After the 15 minutes have passed, you can transfer the plum mixture into freezer-safe containers or jars. Leave some room at the top of each container to allow for expansion as the jam freezes.
Finally, seal the containers tightly and label them with the date and contents. The freezer plum jam can now be stored in the freezer for up to one year.
Now that you have prepared all the ingredients, it’s time to move on to the next step in making your delicious freezer plum jam!
Mixing and Cooking the Plum Jam
Once you have prepared your plums by washing, pitting, and chopping them, you are ready to start mixing and cooking the plum jam. Follow these steps to create a delicious homemade jam:
1. Measure the Ingredients
Begin by measuring out the prepared plums. You will need a specific amount of plums to ensure the right consistency of the jam. Refer to your recipe to determine the exact quantity needed.
Next, measure out the sugar called for in the recipe. The sugar will help sweeten the jam and act as a natural preservative. Again, refer to your recipe for the correct amount.
2. Mix the Plums and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine the measured plums and sugar. Use a spoon or spatula to gently mix the ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve completely and the flavors to meld together.
3. Cook the Jam
Transfer the plum mixture to a large pot or saucepan. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
During this cooking process, the plums will break down and release their natural juices. The sugar will help thicken the liquid and create the jam-like consistency. Keep an eye on the pot to ensure it doesn’t boil over or burn.
4. Test for Doneness
To check if the jam is done cooking, you can perform a simple plate test. Spoon a small amount of the jam onto a chilled plate and let it cool for a few minutes. If the jam sets and wrinkles when touched, it is ready. If it is still runny, continue cooking and testing until the desired consistency is achieved.
5. Cool and Store
Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Transfer the jam into clean, sterilized jars, leaving a little bit of headspace at the top. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool completely at room temperature before storing them in the freezer.
Remember to label your jars with the date and contents before putting them in the freezer. The plum jam can be stored in the freezer for up to one year. Enjoy your homemade jam spread on toast, biscuits, or even as a topping for yogurt or ice cream!
Sterilizing the Jars for Freezer Plum Jam
Before you start making your delicious freezer plum jam, it is important to properly sterilize the jars you will be using. This step is vital to ensure that your jam stays fresh and safe to eat.
Here’s how to sterilize your jars:
- Start by washing the jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
- Once the jars are clean, place them in a large pot and fill it with enough water to cover the jars completely.
- Bring the water to a boil and let the jars boil for at least 10 minutes to kill any bacteria or contaminants.
- In the meantime, place the lids and bands in a separate saucepan and simmer them gently, without boiling, for about 5 minutes.
- Using tongs, carefully remove the jars from the boiling water and place them upside down on a clean, dry towel to drain.
- Using a jar lifter or tongs, remove the lids and bands from the saucepan and place them on a clean towel.
- Allow the jars, lids, and bands to air dry completely.
Once your jars, lids, and bands are dry, they are ready to be filled with your homemade freezer plum jam. Remember to always store your jam in properly sterilized jars to ensure its freshness and longevity.
Note: It is important to check for any cracks or chips in your jars before sterilizing them. Damaged jars should be discarded, as they may not create a proper seal and could potentially cause spoilage.
Filling and Sealing the Jars with Plum Jam
Once your plum jam has simmered and thickened to the desired consistency, it’s time to fill and seal the jars to preserve the delicious flavours for later use. Here are the steps to properly fill and seal the jars with plum jam:
- Prepare the jars: Before filling the jars, make sure they are clean and sterilized. You can do this by washing them in hot soapy water and rinsing them thoroughly. Alternatively, you can run them through a dishwasher cycle. Once clean, place the jars on a clean towel or baking sheet.
- Ladle the jam: Using a ladle or a measuring cup with a spout, carefully transfer the hot plum jam into the prepared jars. Fill the jars up to about 1/4 inch from the top, leaving some headspace for expansion during freezing.
- Remove air bubbles: Take a non-metallic utensil, such as a plastic or wooden spatula, and gently run it along the inside of the jar to remove any air bubbles trapped in the jam.
- Wipe the rims: Using a clean damp cloth or paper towel, gently wipe the rims of the jars to remove any jam residue. This ensures a proper seal.
- Apply the lids and rings: Place the flat lid on top of the jar, making sure it is centered. Then, screw the metal ring on top until it is fingertip tight. Note that the ring should only be used to hold the lid in place during processing and should not be tightened excessively.
- Process or freeze the jars: If you are planning to store the plum jam in the freezer, allow the jars to cool completely before labelling and placing them in the freezer. If you prefer to process the jars for long-term storage, follow a water bath canning process according to your recipe’s instructions.
- Label and store: Once the jars are cooled or processed, label them with the date and contents. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for canned jam or in the freezer for frozen jam. Properly sealed jam can last for up to a year.
Following these steps will ensure that your homemade freezer plum jam is properly filled, sealed, and stored, allowing you to enjoy the taste of fresh plums long after the harvest season is over. It’s a delicious treat to spread on toast, use as a filling, or enjoy straight from the jar!
Cooling and Storing Freezer Plum Jam
After cooking your homemade freezer plum jam, it is important to let it cool properly before storing it. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Allow the jam to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours. This will help it reach its desired consistency and ensure that it sets properly.
2. While the jam is cooling, prepare clean, airtight containers for storage. Glass jars with lids or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal for freezing jam.
3. Once the jam has cooled, ladle it into the storage containers, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top. This space is important to allow for expansion when freezing.
4. Seal the containers tightly to prevent air from entering and causing freezer burn. Make sure the lids are screwed on tightly and check for any leaks or cracks in the containers.
5. Label the containers with the date and contents so that you can easily identify them later on.
6. Place the containers in the freezer, making sure they are placed in an upright position to prevent any leakage. Keep them away from other frozen items to avoid any cross-contamination of flavors.
7. The plum jam can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 year. However, it is best consumed within 6 months for optimal flavor and quality.
8. When you are ready to use the freezer plum jam, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. It can also be thawed at room temperature, but this may take longer.
9. Once thawed, the plum jam can be used in a variety of ways, such as spreading it on toast, adding it to yogurt or oatmeal, or even using it as a filling for pastries or cakes. Enjoy!
| Tips: |
|---|
| – Be sure to use freezer-safe containers to prevent breakage or cracking when freezing the jam. |
| – If you prefer a smoother texture, you can purée the cooked plums before making the jam. |
| – It is normal for the jam to darken slightly after being frozen, but this does not affect the taste or quality. |
Enjoying Your Homemade Freezer Plum Jam
Once you have made your delicious homemade freezer plum jam, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Here are a few ways you can savor the taste of summer all year long:
Spread it on Toast or Bread
One of the simplest and most popular ways to enjoy your freezer plum jam is by spreading it generously on a slice of warm, toasted bread. The combination of the sweet jam with the crisp toast creates a delightful morning treat.
Top Your Pancakes or Waffles
If you’re a fan of breakfast treats, try adding a dollop of your homemade freezer plum jam on top of your pancakes or waffles. The fruity sweetness will complement the fluffy texture of the pancakes or waffles perfectly.
Stir it Into Yogurt
For a healthy and delicious snack or breakfast option, add a spoonful or two of your homemade freezer plum jam to a bowl of Greek yogurt. The jam will provide a burst of fruity flavor to your creamy yogurt, creating a delightful contrast.
Use it as a Topping for Ice Cream
Upgrade your favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt by drizzling some of your freezer plum jam on top. The mix of the cold, creamy treat with the rich, fruity jam will create a tantalizing dessert that is perfect for hot summer days.
Fill a Pastry
If you enjoy baking, why not use your homemade freezer plum jam as a filling for pastries? Fill puff pastry or pie crusts with the jam, and bake them until golden and warm. The jam will melt and caramelize, creating a irresistible treat.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different ways to enjoy your homemade freezer plum jam. Whether you’re indulging in a simple toast or creating a gourmet dessert, your jam is sure to bring joy and delight to every bite.
FAQ
What is freezer plum jam?
Freezer plum jam is a type of jam made from plums that can be stored in the freezer instead of being canned traditionally. It’s a convenient method for preserving plums and enjoying their flavors all year round.
How do you make freezer plum jam?
To make freezer plum jam, you will need ripe plums, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin. First, wash and pit the plums, then chop them into small pieces. In a large saucepan, combine the plums, sugar, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve. Then, cook the mixture over medium heat until the plums break down and the jam thickens. Stir in the pectin and continue cooking for a few more minutes. Remove the jam from heat and let it cool. Once cooled, transfer the jam into freezer-safe containers and freeze until solid.
