Description
This plum jelly recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the rich, sweet-tart flavor of fresh plums. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a smooth, flavorful jelly that’s great for spreading on toast, using as a cake filling, or even as a glaze for meats. Whether you’re an experienced canner or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve the perfect homemade jelly!
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 lbs fresh plums, halved and pitted
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 package (1.75 oz) powdered pectin
- 6 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, helps reduce foam)
Instructions
Instructions
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Prepare the Plums
- Wash the plums thoroughly. Cut them in half, remove the pits, and place them in a large pot.
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Extract the Juice
- Add 1 ½ cups of water to the pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Simmer for 20–30 minutes, mashing the plums occasionally to release their juice.
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Strain the Juice
- Pour the cooked mixture through a jelly bag or cheesecloth, letting the juice drain into a bowl. Do not press the pulp—this keeps the jelly clear.
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Prepare the Jelly Mixture
- Pour the strained plum juice back into a clean pot. Stir in pectin and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
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Add the Sugar
- Quickly add the sugar all at once and stir until dissolved. Return to a rolling boil and let it boil for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.
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Check for Doneness
- Use the plate test: Drop a small amount on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready.
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Skim and Jar the Jelly
- Remove any foam from the surface. Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of space. Wipe the rims clean.
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Seal and Process
- Secure the lids and process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
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Cool and Store
- Let jars cool at room temperature. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Notes
- If your jelly is too thin, you can reboil it with extra pectin or cook it longer to thicken.
- For a low-sugar version, use a low-sugar pectin and reduce sugar to 2–3 cups.
- Adding spices like cinnamon or cloves can give the jelly a warm, rich flavor.
- Always use slightly under-ripe plums if making jelly without pectin, as they have more natural pectin.
- Refrigerate opened jars and consume within 3 weeks for the best taste.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: plum jelly, homemade jelly, easy jelly recipe, fruit preserves, plum recipes, canning recipes, breakfast spreads, sugar-free jelly