| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 291 | 0g | 0g | 74g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 70g | 2g | 1g | 0.01g |
I’ve always held a soft spot in my heart for fruit-based recipes. Not only are they delicious, but they carry with them memories of summer afternoons spent picking fruits in my grandparents’ garden in New Jersey. One particular favorite of mine is a scrumptious and simple Damson Jam recipe. This spread is perfect for those mornings when you’re yearning for a taste of sweet nostalgia.
The Allure of Damson Jam
Many might wonder, “Why Damson Jam?” Allow me to explain. Damson plums, the fruit that makes this recipe unique, hold a certain nostalgic charm for me. These plums were a revered staple in the orchard of my grandparents, and summers were incomplete without the family tradition of making jam out of these precious orbs. There lies a certain comfort in preparing a recipe passed down through generations, and it’s this comfort that I wish to share with all of you through this delightful Damson Jam.
Bringing Health and Happiness Together
Making Damson Jam is not just about relishing a delicious spread on your morning toast. It serves as a great source of vitamin C, thanks to the damson plums and the zest and juice of a lemon. It’s heartening to know that even with a rich taste, the Damson Jam doesn’t compromise on health benefits, ensuring that this recipe can be a staple in your home just as it has been in mine.
As for dishes that the Damson Jam pairs well with, there’s an array of possibilities. The sweet and slightly tart flavor goes splendidly along with warm buttery scones, a heartening oatmeal porridge, or even a delectable slice of sponge cake. You can even enjoy it with savory items like cheese or charcuterie to create a classic sweet and salty combo. If you fancy extending the repertoire of fruit spreads, you might like to try Cherry Jam or Peach Jam.
In essence, Damson Jam is more than just a recipe to me. It’s a part of my cherished childhood memories, intertwined with the legacy of my Italian grandparents. By sharing it with you, I hope it brings a slice of warmth and tradition to your family’s table just as it does to mine.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of damson plums
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Method
Step One
First, wash the damson plums thoroughly under running water. After they are clean, halve them and remove their stones. Keep these halves aside for the next step.
Step Two
In a large saucepan, add your plums and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil on medium heat. Let this mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the plums turn soft and are partly dissolved.
Step Three
At this point, add your sugar to the saucepan and stir continuously until it’s completely dissolved. It’s important to keep stirring and make sure that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the saucepan and burn.
Step Four
Grate the zest of 1 lemon and squeeze its juice. Add the lemon zest and juice to the mixture in the saucepan. Mix well to combine.
Step Five
Let the mixture boil for about 15-20 minutes longer, or until it thickens. Regularly stir to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom.
Step Six
To test if the jam is ready, place a drop on a cold plate. If it firms up, your jam is ready. If not, cook for a few more minutes.
Step Seven
While still hot, ladel the jam into sterlised jars, leaving some space at the top. Seal the jars immediately and allow them to cool completely. Store them in a cool, dark place.
