Plums with a jar of jam and croutons

DIY Plum Freezer Jam: A Guide to Homemade Sweetness

The exquisite taste of this plum freezer jam is sure to captivate your senses and turn you into a homemade jam enthusiast! Let’s dive into the world of jam making and uncover the inherent sweetness of seasonal plums.

Making the Most of Plum Season

When the season of plums comes around, having a handy recipe for a naturally sweetened plum freezer jam is essential. Forget the fuss of canning; this recipe is all about convenience, focusing on a manageable batch size that’s perfect for freezing. Here are a couple of steps to ensure your jam-making process is a breeze:

  • Choose ripe plums for the highest level of natural sweetness;
  • Allocate sufficient freezer space to store your homemade jams;
  • Label your jars properly to keep track of their freshness.

Embrace Natural Sweeteners

Who says jams require white sugar? It’s time to debunk that myth and embrace healthier alternatives. Yes, it is certainly possible to produce wonderfully sweet jam without the inclusion of white sugar. And as you’ll discover, it’s a worthwhile venture.

The Sugar-free Revolution

You read it right. Who needs white sugar when there are plenty of natural alternatives available? Whether you’re preparing a vast amount of jam, or just a smaller batch, consider using natural sweeteners. For those keen on exploring, we suggest a delicious twist – the Plum Freezer Jam with Chia Seeds, using white sugar for a change.

The ingredients for this sumptuous jam include:

  • Purple Plums: Although any variety of plums can suffice, plump round plums are usually riper and offer a sweeter taste;
  • Maple Syrup: Maple syrup will add an impeccable flavor to your jam. Honey will not yield the same result, but agave syrup could be an interesting substitute;
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: A dash of lemon juice can lend the much-needed zing to balance out the sweetness of the jam;
  • Chia Seeds: A natural thickening agent that also adds a health bonus to your jam;
  • Water: This is necessary to prevent the jam from scorching and to achieve the desired consistency;
  • Balanced Tartness: This recipe has a slightly tart flavor, which can be adjusted according to taste. If too tart, simply reduce the amount of lemon juice used.

You can also consider adding ground flax seeds to the mix for an added health punch. However, it’s optional and won’t alter the overall deliciousness of the jam if omitted.

This jam can be stored in the fridge for several weeks. To maintain its freshness, freezing is recommended. It’s best to store the jam in 8-oz. containers to avoid having large quantities that might risk getting moldy.

Child spreading jam on bread

Crafting Your Plum Freezer Jam: A Step-by-Step Guide

Relish the joy of creating your delectable plum freezer jam from scratch. Follow these steps to create a sweet treat bursting with flavor and freshness.

The Creation Process

  1. Preliminary Preparation: Begin by cutting the plums into small pieces. Be careful to remove all the pits and any hard parts of the fruit;
  2. Heating the Plums: Place the chopped plums in a medium-sized saucepan. Cook them over a low to medium heat setting for about 10 minutes. This softens the fruit and begins to release the natural sugars, setting the stage for a flavor-packed jam;
  3. Extended Cook Time: After the initial heating, reduce the heat to low and let the fruit simmer for a further 10 minutes. This allows the plums to break down even more and enhances the flavor profile of the jam;
  4. Mashing the Fruit: On completion of the cooking process, use a potato masher to crush the softened fruit. This should be done to your preferred consistency. If you desire a smoother jam, mash the fruit thoroughly. Conversely, if you prefer your jam chunky, a couple of swift mashes should suffice;
  5. Thickening Time: Once you’ve achieved the desired consistency, turn off the heat and leave the saucepan on the stovetop to cool. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5 to 10 minutes. This time allows the jam to thicken naturally and ensures optimal texture;
  6. Storing Your Jam: After the jam has cooled and thickened, it’s ready to be transferred into jelly jars. Remember to employ the proper canning methods to ensure the utmost hygiene and safety.

The Versatile World of Ground Pork Pasta

In the realm of culinary exploration, the delights of ground pork pasta are not to be overlooked. This savory dish, infused with rich flavors, can complement your homemade plum freezer jam. The sweet and tangy notes of the jam perfectly harmonize with the hearty umami of ground pork pasta.

Wrapping Up

Crafting a plum freezer jam from scratch is an exciting culinary endeavor. Not only does it let you uncover the joy of jam-making, but it allows you to customize your jam’s taste, texture, and sweetness. So, the next time you find yourself with a bounty of ripe plums during the season, remember this guide and immerse yourself in the art of jam-making. Enjoy the process, savor the outcome, and spread your homemade goodness on a comforting slice of fresh bread. Happy jam-making!