With the excessive heat we're experiencing, there isn't much we can do outdoors, so I started this year's Jam Making with a couple of pots of Plum Jam.
A huge branch had broken off one of our wild 'Bird Plum' trees in the recent storm, the weight of all the fruit was too much for it. So, I collected about a kilo in a bucket, and made some pip-less jam. I had enough to fill two pots, with about half a pot remaining to be consumed whilst we're here. Not much, but it's a start.
I shall, of course, be making more later; or Lady M will. We also intend to make Blackberry Jam, Greengage Jam, Fig Jam, and most importantly Apricot Jam. The tasks will be equally divided.
As I write, Lady M is making some Strawberry Jam. The urge is all invasive. (I've just tasted her Strawberry Jam for my breakfast this morning; superb. Her best ever)
Lady M often makes her infamous Plum Pip Jam with these wild plums. It gives the children, and me, the chance to play Eeny Meeny Miny Moe, or Rich man, Poor man, Beggar man, Thief. However, these days, like me, she prefers to take the pips out.
In case you're interested, I used 600 gms of cooked Plum 'pulp', 400 gms of Jam Sugar, and the juice of about half a Lemon.
Verdict: Superb flavour, but a little runny.
Sounds idyllic. Runny? It's all in the pectin.
ReplyDeleteApropos of nothing: Why oh why oh why is it neigh to impossible to get hold of red currants in England? After all, red currant jelly which I use with wanton abandon in sauces/gravies and red cabbage is one of the staples on these isles. My favourite being Wilkin & Sons - Tiptree.
Cherries. I am very happy to pay premium for food but cherries come at a king's ransom. For all its abundance in fine apple orchards there appear to be no cherry trees on these isles (other than, possibly, in a private setting).
Any ideas why? In the meantime enjoy the abundance the land around you offers. Luxury.
U
We were just too late for Cherries here. We usually have about four big trees to pick from. This year I picked just one Yellow Cherry from our own tree. We do grow Red Currants here, but they've become a bit overgrown with weeds. I used to mix them with Tayberries for Jam. I did spot a few recently; I must pick them.
DeleteI try to eat all my fruit fresh, sans sugar, but your jam sounds delightful.
ReplyDeleteLady M's Strawberry Jam is very good; I haven't yet tasted my own Plum Jam.
DeleteThe labels say "Perfect Plum Jam" but how can it be perfect if it is a too runny? Maybe the jars need relabelling - "Imperfect Plum Jam"?
ReplyDeleteI labelled them before tasting; just in case!
DeleteWell done but seriously? You ate boiling jam in a heat wave?!
ReplyDeleteAre boiling jam - doh
ReplyDelete