Plum jam

[redd_angel55]

I am going to have my first attempt in making plum jam today. I am a bit confused reading different recipes. Some use varying amounts of water. One even as much as 450ml for 1.5kg plums and 1.5kg of sugar! It does seem a bit too much!?
I wish I'd never looked at different recipes now!

You more experienced jam makers, how do you make yours?

Edited to add:
Ingredients I have, plums, jam sugar, pectin, lemons. I don't think I'll need to add extra pectin to the jam sugar, do I?

[HedgeHugger]

Jam sugar has pectin added already.
Plums are naturally high in pectin.
Lemon pips are also used for extra pectin.

450ml doesn't sound unreasonable for water. I've used a damson jam recipe that used a similar weight/volume ratio. One third water weight to fruit.
e.g quarter of a pint to 1lb fruit, works out roughly 150ml to 500g.

[redd_angel55]

Thank you for your reply!

[Mo]

I just put a splosh of water in the bottom of the pan so that the plums don't stick before they release their own juice. My pressure cooker recipe says 1/4 pint for 2lb plums but that is the minimum for the cooker anyway.
I cook the plums first till soft, then add sugar and boil till sticky/soft set when tested in cold saucer.
You will boil off any extra water at that point.
I notice that jam often changes colour when it's about done - red fruit takes a brown tinge instead of bright, gooseberry won't set until it changes from green to brown.

[redd_angel55]

Thank you Mo!
I am using Victoria plums. Will start as soon as I finally stopped cleaning the house! Major task after the summer holidays

[redd_angel55]

Housework ignored and jam made!
So far it look like it's setting well! Had a little bit left and put it in a small bowl. It's absolutely delicious! Victoria plums are just the best, in any shape or form!
I sterilised the jars and lids in boiling water for 20mins and again after filling for 15mins. Might be a little over the top, but rather over-sterilise then have it go off!
Blackberries next on the list!

[HedgeHugger]

WooHoo
I was waiting all day for that :)

I would love to make plum jam (and pear). I am tight though and haven't yet found any wild trees. :D

[redd_angel55]

WooHoo
I was waiting all day for that :)

I would love to make plum jam (and pear). I am tight though and haven't yet found any wild trees. :D

You could still have free fruit in abundance! Have you got freecycle in your area? Put up a "fruit wanted" post. There are 1000's of people all over the country who have fruit trees in there garden and let it go to waste. You could always offer a few jars of jam in return!
We have lots of trees in the wasteland behind our house. If you don't live too far, you are welcome to pick here! Trees are high though, as they haven't been looked after!

[HedgeHugger]

That is a very good idea, thank you shall pop a post or 2 on my local freegles/freecycles
I'm a bit far away from you, but thank you for the generous offer.

[Mo]

OH likes the 'bitter almond' taste you get by adding a few plum stone kernels to the jam. Cyanide soup, anyone?

[redd_angel55]

Cyanide soup, anyone?

Ideal menu choice for those people you really don't like