Jam making

[237SJ]

I`m making some plum jam. The recipe says to simmer for 30 - 40 mins. Is that covered or uncovered? Thanks

[julia-mag]

I never ever cover jam when making it, condensation from covering with a lid changes the consistency of the jam. Good luck, plum usually sets very well.

[237SJ]

Thanks. It looks OK so far. I don`t have any paper tops for the jars. In the past I`ve cut them out from liners in cereal packets but I don`t have any of that either. Would greaseproof paper do?

[Graham-W]

Definitely uncovered. You need to drive some of the water off to reduce the volume.

[wendilla]

Totally agree with Julia-mag

[Clanad]

Use the cold spoon method to test it sj... put a clean tablespoon in a cup of ice and regularly dip it in the jam... turn it sideways over the sink (or a cup to save the drippings... great on toast)... it should "sheet" off smoothly but begin to thicken just as it leaves the spoon. If it does the thickening thing... it's ready.

If you have a problem getting it to set, buy a package of Sure-Jell Pectin... works really good. I just put up 20 pints of strawberry preserves... best stuff in the world for a cold winters day!

[237SJ]

Hi Clanad, I used the cold plate in the freezer method. I`m a bit hacked off though as I think the jam might be too runny. I followed the recipe (which was from the internet with comments from other people who had sucessfully followed it). When it got to the end of boiling, I thought it was a bit runny so I boiled it for a bit longer, added the juice of a lemon and threw some pectin into it for good measure. I like a runny jam but I can`t think why it should be like that. I`ve put it into the fridge to finish cooling and I`ll see how it is later.

[julia-mag]

It may well be the ripeness of the plums you used. It sets best with only just beginning to ripen plums. If they are fully ripe or over-ripe you will definitely need more 'sharpeness' i.e. lemon juice etc. to counteract the sweetness. Hope it tastes gorgeous. I love home-made jams.

[237SJ]

Thanks julia. As it happens, it turned out absolutely perfect. I put a bit of stem ginger in so it`s plum and ginger jam. It`s got just the right consistency. I`ll end up giving most of it away now (some for mum, some for the neighbours etc).

[julia-mag]

Well done, I love the flavour of ginger in it. I made a Fig and Ginger jam one day when I was bored! and alhough it didn't make a vast amount it was unusual and lovely. My daughter tried to snaffle a 2nd jar!