how to make sand plum jam

3 min read 07-02-2025

Sand plums, those tiny, tart wild fruits, are a treasure for anyone who knows how to find them. Their unique flavor lends itself beautifully to jams, jellies, and preserves. This guide will walk you through making delicious sand plum jam, perfect for spreading on biscuits or enjoying with cheese.

Gathering Your Sand Plums

Before you begin, you need your star ingredient: sand plums! Finding ripe, plump sand plums is half the fun. Look for fruits that are deep purple or reddish-purple and slightly soft to the touch. Avoid those that are bruised or damaged. You'll need approximately 4 cups of sand plums for this recipe.

Tip: If you're unsure where to find sand plums, check with local farmers' markets or foraging groups.

Ingredients You'll Need

4 cups sand plums, pitted and roughly chopped
4 cups sugar (granulated or a combination of granulated and pectin)
1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or other spices

Equipment You'll Need

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Colander or strainer
Measuring cups and spoons
Canning jars and lids (sterilized)
Jar lifter (optional, but helpful)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Sand Plum Jam

1. Prepare the Sand Plums

Wash your sand plums thoroughly. Pit them carefully—this can be done with a small paring knife or a cherry pitter. Roughly chop the plums.

2. Cook the Sand Plums

In your large pot, combine the chopped sand plums, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally. The mixture will begin to thicken as it cooks.

This simmering process typically takes 30-45 minutes, or until the jam reaches setting point. You can test for setting point by placing a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it's ready.

Tip: Consider adding spices at this stage, if desired. Cinnamon complements the tartness of sand plums well.

3. Canning the Jam (Optional)

For long-term storage, canning your sand plum jam is recommended. Make sure your jars and lids are sterilized according to canning guidelines.

Carefully ladle the hot jam into the prepared jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace at the top.

Wipe the rims of the jars clean, apply the lids and rings, and process according to your chosen canning method (water bath canning is most common for jams). Follow the instructions for your specific canning method carefully.

4. Cool and Enjoy

Allow the canned jars to cool completely. You should hear a "pop" sound as the jars seal. Check for proper sealing by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn't flex, it's sealed.

Once cooled, label and store your sand plum jam in a cool, dark place. Enjoy your homemade sand plum jam on toast, biscuits, or even as a glaze for meats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long will homemade sand plum jam last?

A: Properly canned sand plum jam can last for 1-2 years in a cool, dark place. Uncanned jam should be refrigerated and consumed within 2-3 weeks.

Q: Can I use frozen sand plums to make jam?

A: Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen plums will release more water.

Q: What if my jam doesn't set?

A: This could be due to insufficient pectin or not cooking the jam long enough. You can try adding a commercial pectin product or simmering the jam for a longer time.

Q: Can I adjust the sweetness?

A: Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of sugar to your preference, but keep in mind that less sugar will result in a jam with a shorter shelf life.

Making sand plum jam is a rewarding experience, connecting you to the bounty of nature's harvest. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!