Cherry Plum Jam

Marie Overton
Jun 8
3 min read

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucXOeS-sAxU

Creating your own jam at home goes beyond a simple cooking activity; it offers a delightful experience that links you to the seasons and gives you control over the ingredients in your food. For those seeking a sweet indulgence that captures the essence of summer fruits, cherry plum jam is an excellent option. The deep, sweet taste of plums combined with the tart hints of cherries results in a spread ideal for toast, pancakes, and even pastries. Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions for making and preserving your own cherry plum jam!

Why Cherry plum Jam?

Cherry plum jam stands out for several reasons. These fruits are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. For instance:

Antioxidants: Both fruits are rich in antioxidants, which have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Vitamins: A serving of cherries provides about 16% of your daily vitamin C needs, while plums contribute nearly 25%.

This jam is a fantastic way to enjoy these benefits. It makes a thoughtful gift, a delicious breakfast addition, or a sweet treat you can enjoy any time.

Gather Your Ingredients

To get started, you'll need the following ingredients:

A colander of dark cherries being rinsed under running water in a stainless steel sink. Water droplets are visible on the sink's surface.

2 pounds of cherries (pitted and mashed)
2 pounds of plums (pitted and mashed)
5 cup of granulated sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
6 tablespoons classic pectin (commonly available in the canning aisle)
1/2 teaspoon of butter (optional but it reduces the foaming)

Select ripe, juicy fruits for the best flavor.

Equipment You Will Need

For a smooth jam-making experience, gather the right equipment:

A large pot
A ladle
A funnel (to fill jars without making a mess)
Half pint canning jars with lids
A jar lifter (for safely handling hot jars)

Preparing the Fruits

Start by washing your cherries and plums well.

Hands peeling red fruit on a wooden cutting board in a kitchen setting, with a glass bowl of whole fruit nearby.

For the cherries, remove the pits and blend or mash them into small pieces. A cherry pitter can be a huge time saver.
For the plums, simply rinse them under cool water, pit and blend or mash them as well.

After prepping, your fruits are ready to be cooked.

Cooking the Jam

Hands mix a red berry sauce with cream and butter in a pot on a granite countertop. Floral cups are nearby, creating a cozy kitchen scene.

In a large pot, combine the cherries, plums, pectin, butter, and lemon juice.

Next, place the pot over medium heat and stir regularly. Once the mixture starts boiling, it’s time to add the sugar.

Pot of red soup being stirred with a wooden spoon, creating a swirling pattern on a black stovetop.

Bring it back to a boil and set a 1 minute timer. Stir for the whole minute to avoid scorching the jam.

Canning Process

Now it’s time to can your cherry plum jam:

Dark berry jam being ladled into jars on a speckled countertop. A hand holding a ladle, with empty jars visible nearby.

Fill the Jars: Using the funnel, ladle hot jam into the jars, leaving 1/4-inch space at the top.
Seal the Jars: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure a good seal. Place the lids on top and screw on the metal bands until they are fingertip tight.
(For quality, American made Superb canning lids and jars follow this link and use the coupon code WP20 to get 20% off your purchase.)
Process in a Water Bath: Place the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes if at sea level. This creates a vacuum seal that keeps your jam fresh for months. (Adjust the processing time if you are above 1000 feet.)
Cool Down: After processing, allow to cool in the water bath with the heat off and the lid removed for 5 minutes. Use the jar lifter to remove the jars and set them on a heat resistant surface about 1-2 inches apart. Let them cool for 24 hours.

Storage Tips

Once your jam has cooled, check if each jar has sealed properly by pressing down in the center of the lid. If it pops back, it hasn’t sealed correctly, so refrigerate that jar and use it within a few weeks.

If it does have a good seal, remove the ring and wash the jars with warm soapy water.

Store your sealed jars in a cool, dry, dark location such as a pantry or cupboard. Properly canned cherry plum jam can last for up to 3 years.

Plate with toast topped with cherry jam beside fresh cherries and jars of jam, on a green mat. Rustic and appetizing setting.

Enjoying Your Jam

Now that your cherry plum jam is ready, the real fun begins! Here are several tasty ways to enjoy it:

Spread it on warm toast or English muffins for a delightful breakfast.
Use it as a filling for pastries, cakes, or thumbprint cookies.
Stir it into yogurt or oatmeal to add a touch of natural sweetness.
Create homemade gift baskets for friends and family with jars of your jam included for special occasions.

Embrace this Culinary Journey

Creating and preserving cherry plum jam goes beyond merely storing fruit; it's a way to celebrate the delightful flavors of summer and craft something unique. The distinctive blend of sweet and tart flavors is sure to please anyone who tastes it. So, collect your ingredients, follow these straightforward steps, and begin this enjoyable jam-making adventure. Both your pantry and your taste buds will thank you!