how do you make jam?

[wakeywhite]

I have a plum tree in my garden and after a few dozen from the tree I am fed up and they usually go to waste.This year I am planning to make jam but ave no idea .Please can any one help.Thank you

[nickmo]

Good basic info here and click on plum jam in the text for a recipe - should only take you 30 mins, but expect a bit of trial and error to get the consistency right if you aren't used to it yet.

Do take note of the sterilisation of the jars........

[oldwoman]

You need a heavy bottomed pan,1lb of preserving sugar for each pound of fruit,a bottle of pectin,jam jars, lids,waxed paper disks. If you think the cost of this is ok I will give you the method.

[WendyS]

MICROWAVE JAM

Jams can be made easily in the microwave. A LARGE bowl two or three times as large as the volume of jam /marmalade should be used and small quantities made at a time. Remember that when you add the sugar to the boiled fruit, the bulk will double. Recipes made in the microwave require less attention than ordinary methods and will not burn the bottom of the container. NEVER USE A SUGAR THERMOTER IN THE MICROWAVE OVEN.

Sterilising Jars
Kilner jars are not necessary. Empty commercial jars of marmalade with screw-type lids are fine. Simply wash jar and lid in warm soapy water, rinse under warm tap, and put the jars (not lids) in warm oven for ten minutes to sterilise. Fill the jars whilst still warm, add lids lightly and screw down when product is cold. (Ctd)

[WendyS]

PLUM JAM (Continued)

2 lb of stoned plums
� pint water
tablespoon Lemon Juice
2 lbs castor sugar

1. Place plums & water in large microwave-proof bowl. Cook on HIGH for 9 � 10 mins or until fruit is soft.
2. Add lemon juice & sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Bring to boil and cook on HIGH until setting point is reached, (20 � 25 mins)
3. Allow to cool slightly before putting in clean warm jars
4.Makes approx 3 lb.

To check setting point, drop a teaspoon of hot jam onto a cold plate you have kept in the fridge. If jam wrinkles after 2 or 3 minutes, setting point has been reached.

[spudqueen]

In a previous house I had a cooking apple tree and there was no way I was going to use all those apples, so I used to swap some with a neighbour for some of her tomatoes.