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Flavorful Small Batch Plum Jam with Cardamom

small batch plum jam - featured image

A simple and soulful homemade plum jam with a warm cardamom twist, perfect for toast, yogurt, or cheese plates. This small batch recipe is quick, easy, and ideal for gift-giving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 g) fresh plums, pitted and chopped
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water

Instructions

  1. Pit and chop about 2 pounds (900 g) of fresh plums into small pieces. No need for perfect uniformity; rustic cuts work well. (10 minutes)
  2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the chopped plums, 1 cup (200 g) sugar, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice, 1/4 cup (60 ml) water, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom. Stir gently to mix. (2 minutes)
  3. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. The mixture will release juice and start to bubble within 10 minutes. (15–20 minutes)
  4. Once the jam thickens and reaches about 220°F (104°C) on a candy thermometer, it’s nearly done. To test, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready. (5 minutes)
  5. For a smoother texture, press the jam through a fine mesh sieve or use a food mill. Otherwise, leave it chunky for rustic charm. (5 minutes)
  6. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, seal tightly, and let cool to room temperature. (10 minutes)
  7. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for longer shelf life.

Notes

Add cardamom in the final minutes of cooking to preserve its bright aroma. Use ripe but firm plums for best texture. Stir often to prevent burning. Test jam setting with the chilled plate test. If jam is too runny, simmer longer or add powdered pectin. For a smoother jam, use a sieve or food mill. Can substitute cardamom with cinnamon or star anise for different flavors. Frozen plums can be used if thawed and drained well.

Nutrition

Keywords: plum jam, cardamom jam, homemade jam, small batch jam, fruit preserves, easy jam recipe, gift jam, vegan jam, gluten-free jam