Plumbrillo: Homemade Plum Jam Recipe
Introduction
Plumbrillo is a rich, fruity preserve made from plums, perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts. This simple recipe transforms fresh plums into a thick, luscious purée with a deep red color and intense flavor.
Ingredients
- 2kg black or red plums
- 1kg bag jam sugar (with added pectin)
- 500ml cold water
Instructions
- Step 1: Stone and quarter the plums, then place them into a preserving pan. Add 500ml of cold water and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes until the fruit is completely cooked down, pulpy, and a dark red color.
- Step 2: Sieve the fruit and juice through a nylon sieve back into the pan, ensuring you extract every bit of pulp from the mixture.
- Step 3: Stir in the jam sugar and gently heat over low heat until the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Step 4: Increase the heat and cook, bubbling for about 25 minutes or until the mixture thickens into a dark, fruity purée. Keep stirring frequently to prevent the bottom from catching.
- Step 5: Test readiness by running a spoon along the bottom of the pan — the trail should remain briefly before the purée flows back. When ready, pot the hot mixture into small jars using a funnel, seal, and allow to set.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother texture, press the pulp through the sieve with the back of a spoon or a spatula to extract all juice.
- Use either black or red plums depending on your preferred flavor intensity and color.
- Ensure constant stirring during the final cooking stage to avoid burning the purée.
Storage
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Once opened, keep refrigerated and consume within a few weeks. To reheat, gently warm the plumbrillo in a saucepan or microwave before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen plums for this recipe?
Yes, frozen plums can be used, but fresh plums tend to give a better texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw them before starting the cooking process.
What is jam sugar and can I substitute it?
Jam sugar contains added pectin, which helps the preserve set without needing to boil as long. You can substitute with regular granulated sugar and add a fruit pectin separately, but be prepared for a longer cooking time.
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Plumbrillo: Homemade Plum Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4–5 jars (250ml each) 1x
Description
Plumbrillo is a rich, homemade plum preserve made by cooking down fresh plums with jam sugar until a thick, dark, and fruity purée forms. This traditional recipe highlights the intense flavor of black or red plums, resulting in a versatile spread that can last up to six months when properly stored.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 kg black or red plums
- 1 kg jam sugar (with added pectin)
- 500 ml cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the plums: Stone and quarter the plums carefully, removing all stones to prepare them for cooking.
- Cook the plums: Place the quartered plums into a preserving pan, add 500 ml cold water, then bring to a boil. Cover and simmer gently for about 45 minutes until the plums are completely cooked down, pulpy, and have turned a dark red color.
- Strain the mixture: Pass the cooked fruit and juice through a nylon sieve back into the pan, pressing to extract every bit of pulp and juice for maximum flavor and texture.
- Add sugar and dissolve: Stir in the jam sugar thoroughly, then gently stir over low heat until the sugar is fully dissolved to ensure even sweetness.
- Boil to thicken: Increase the heat and allow the mixture to bubble for approximately 25 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The purée is ready when it thickens significantly and the spoon leaves a brief trail along the bottom of the pan before the purée covers it again.
- Jar the preserve: Using a funnel for ease, transfer the hot plum purée into small sterilized jars, seal them immediately, and allow them to cool and set.
- Storage: Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. The preserve will keep for up to 6 months, perfect for enjoying year-round.
Notes
- Use jam sugar with added pectin to help the preserve set properly without adding extra pectin separately.
- Ensure jars are sterilized to avoid contamination and extend shelf life.
- Stir continuously during the boiling stage to prevent the mixture from sticking and burning on the pan’s bottom.
- For a smoother texture, pressing thoroughly through the sieve is crucial to remove skins and any unwanted solids.
- This preserve pairs beautifully with toast, desserts, or as a glaze for meats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Preserve
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: plum jam, plum preserve, homemade jam, fruit preserve, seasonal fruit jam, plum puree, jam sugar
