[alfieplot162]

hi , just made my first plum jam do i need to add pectum to it i followed the recipie on this site but i had it cooking for over 2 hours and it would not thicken up but it is still nice runny any ideas would be appreciated as my mate as a large plum tree thanks alfie

[Janeymiddlewife]

Hi - you might get more response on the cooking & preserving forum, however - plums shouldn't need pectin - I made some without putting the stones in and it set fine. Did you have it really boiling furiously, were the fruits overripe - if so they may have a higher water content and need a bit more sugar. You could try boiling it all up again - however, jam is always runny until it cools - it shouldn't need 2 hours boiling.
You may find it's like toffee this morning!!

[lucywil]

i made some on friday and although all the recipes say they dont need pectin i used half jam sugar and half ordinary sugar and it has set just right.

[Ourveggiepatch]

Hi

You must user proper jam sugar as this has the pectin in it.  If you have used normal sugar then you must add pectin.

To test a jam for setting you take a teaspoon of the jam from the hot pan, pour it onto a saucer or small plate (plate should be at room tempature).

The jam should develop a think skin over the top and the underside should be normal jam consistency.

If you dont get the skin or if the jam stays runny then it needs more pectin adding if you have been cooking it for about 2 hours.

Dont forget to steralise your jam jars, soak them in boiling water then bake at the hottest temprature in your ovan to kill germs for about 15-20mins, make sure that you do not put the jars in cold water to cool them down quickly otherwise they will explode, just keep them covered with a clean tea-towel and allow them to cool naturally.

Fill jars and put a wax disc on top of the jam ensuring the jam doesnt come upto the lid.  Either use a bit of clingfilm over the jar before screwing on the lid tight (clingfilm helps to seal the jar) or use proper jam jar covers.  To do this wet one side of the paper spread over the top of the jar and secure with an elastic band (comes in the pack). 

Label your jars with the date you made it.

Jam should store for a good year like this, mum and I make jam and marmalade all the time and follow these principles with no problems.

Enjoy

OVP x

P.s I love Plum Jam

[sunshineband]

Hmmm

I've never put pectin in plum jam as they have a good level naturally  Usually only boil it for about 20  mins before it reaches setting point.

I do use a sugar thermometer and wait until it registers 220deg but you can test for set with a drop of jam on a saucer that has been in the freezer, as this helps it cool properly to test the consistency it will be when cold.

Good luck with the rest of the plums 

[andreadon]

my recipe book says add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice per kg of fruit.
but i think that's for more ripe plums.

[alfieplot162]

thanks guys ,i am going to make a new batch , i have just found a damson tree by a local railway were i walk my dog so i will keep you posted on my progress and i am going to add pectum for good measure thanks again alfie

[tenderness]

Good luck!

I'd like to know whether it makes a difference when you weigh your plums.

Mine weighed 2.4 kg before cooking

1.2 kg after cooking with stones removed.

So, do I add the former weight in sugar or the latter?

[lucywil]

i weigh them before cooking but after the stones have been removed

[sunshineband]

I just weigh them, stones and all, as really they weigh so little in comparison to the plum flesh it doesn't make much difference IMHO 

Made 7lb on Sunday and it worked just fine -- totall delish 

[SMD66]

The jam doesn't 'thicken' in the pan, it sets as it gets cold.

To test a jam for setting you take a teaspoon of the jam from the hot pan, pour it onto a saucer or small plate (plate should be at room tempature).

The jam should develop a think skin over the top and the underside should be normal jam consistency.

If you dont get the skin or if the jam stays runny then it needs more pectin adding if you have been cooking it for about 2 hours.

[matilda duck]

I'm just making my second batch of plum jam!  I too have never used jam sugar! Plums don't need it they have enough pectin naturally!