Video:How to Make Plum Jam

SHARE ON                

Transcript:How to Make Plum Jam

Hi, I'm DoanPhuong Nguyen for About.com Food. Today, I'm going to show you how to make homemade plum jam.

Ingredients for Making Plum Jam

Let's get started. For this recipe, you will need:

• Glass canning jars
• 4 pounds of fresh plums
• 8 cups of sugar
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1 (1.75 oz) packet of commercial fruit pectin
• 1/2 teaspoon butter or margarine

Sterilize the Canning Jars for Plum Jam

First, you'll need to sterilize the canning jars. Fill a large pot with water and turn the stove on high. While the water is heating, Wash the jars, lids, and screw bands in hot, soapy water. Rinse well, and place them in the hot, but not boiling, water. Boil the canning jars for 10 minutes. Using sterilized tongs, remove the hot jars and drain the water. Set the jars right side up on a clean towel.

Prepare and Cook the Plums for Plum Jam

Next, wash and pit the plums. Chop them up into small pieces. In a large saucepan, add the chopped plums and a 1/2 cup of water. Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about five minutes. Make sure you stir occasionally. Uncover, stir in 1 packet of commercial fruit pectin, and add a 1/2 teaspoon of butter or margarine to reduce the foaming. On high heat, bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. Stir constantly. Add the sugar, and continue to stir. Boil for another minute. Remove from heat, and skim off any extra foam.

Ladle Prepared Plum Jam Into Jars

Using a sterilized spoon, ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars. Leave about 1/2 an inch at the top. Wipe off any spilled jam with a clean, damp cloth. With your tongs, place the lid on the jars and screw the bands tightly. Place the filled jars into the big pot of water you used earlier. The water needs to cover the jars completely. Cover the large pot, and bring the water to a gentle boil. Process the jam for 10 minutes. Remove the jars and place upright on a towel to cool. Unopened jars of plum jam will be good for one year.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the web at About.com.