Homemade Plum Jelly Recipe: A Sweet Delight for Your Pantry

Plum jelly is a delicious, vibrant spread that captures the essence of ripe plums. It’s perfect for slathering on toast, adding to desserts, or even using as a glaze for meats. Making your own plum jelly at home is not only rewarding but also allows you to control the sweetness and flavor. In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple yet delightful plum jelly recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Plum Jelly Recipe

Rich Flavor: The natural sweetness of plums shines through, making this jelly a delightful addition to your breakfast or snack.
Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious jelly in no time.
Versatile Uses: Plum jelly can be used in various ways, from spreading on bread to glazing meats or even incorporating into desserts.

Ingredients for Plum Jelly

To make about 4-5 cups of plum jelly, you will need the following ingredients:

4 cups ripe plums, pitted and chopped
1 cup water
1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell)
5 cups granulated sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Plum Jelly

Prepare the Plums: Wash the plums thoroughly. Cut them in half, remove the pits, and chop them into smaller pieces. There’s no need to peel the plums as the skin will help give the jelly a beautiful color.
Cook the Fruit: In a large pot, combine the chopped plums and 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The plums should break down and release their juices.
Strain the Mixture: After simmering, remove the pot from heat. Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the mixture to extract the juice. Make sure to press down on the fruit to get as much juice as possible. You should have about 3 cups of plum juice.
Add Lemon Juice and Pectin: Return the juice to the pot and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the fruit pectin. Mix well to dissolve the pectin.
Boil the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the granulated sugar all at once, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil and let it boil for 1-2 minutes. This will ensure proper gel formation.
Check for Doneness: To check if your jelly is ready, you can perform the “gel test.” Place a spoonful of the mixture on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape and doesn’t run back together, it’s ready for jarring.
Fill the Jars: Remove the pot from heat. Using a ladle, fill sterilized jars with the hot plum jelly, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue.
Seal the Jars: Place the lids on the jars and screw on the metal rings until they’re fingertip-tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 5-10 minutes to ensure they seal properly.
Cool and Store: Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely on a clean towel or rack. Once cooled, check the seals by pressing down in the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar has sealed properly. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place.

Tips for Perfect Plum Jelly

Choose Ripe Plums: Select ripe, juicy plums for the best flavor. Overripe plums can also work well.
Sterilize Jars: Properly sterilize your jars and lids before filling them to prevent spoilage.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix plums with other fruits like peaches or berries for a unique flavor twist.

Conclusion

Homemade plum jelly is a delightful way to preserve the sweetness of summer plums. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a delicious jelly that will brighten up your breakfasts and snacks. This recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family or storing in your pantry for later enjoyment. Give this plum jelly recipe a try and savor the taste of fresh plums year-round!