Plumbrillo: Homemade Black or Red Plum Jam Recipe
Introduction
Plumbrillo is a rich, dark plum purée with a deep fruity flavor, perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts. Made from fresh plums and jam sugar, this traditional preserve is both simple to prepare and wonderfully satisfying.
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 in a preserving pan. Add 500ml of cold water and bring to a boil. Cover and let it simmer for about 45 minutes until the fruit is completely cooked down, pulpy, and dark red.
- Step 2: Pass the cooked fruit and juice through a nylon sieve back into the pan, extracting every bit of pulp possible.
- Step 3: Stir in the jam sugar and heat gently, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Step 4: Increase the heat and let the mixture bubble for about 25 minutes or until it thickens into a dark, fruity purée. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and burning. The purée is ready when a spoon leaves a trail along the bottom of the pan for a moment before the mixture fills the gap.
- Step 5: Pour the hot plum purée into small sterilized jars using a funnel for ease, then seal them. Leave to cool and set.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of black and red plums for a balanced flavor and color.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, sieve less finely or skip the sieve step entirely.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to enhance the fruit’s natural tartness and improve preservation.
- Ensure constant stirring during the thickening process to avoid burning the purée at the bottom of the pan.
Storage
Store sealed jars of plumbrillo in a cool, dark place where they will keep for up to 6 months. Once opened, keep refrigerated and use within a few weeks. Reheat gently or serve at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen plums to make plumbrillo?
Yes, frozen plums can be used, but fresh plums typically yield better flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw them fully before cooking.
What is jam sugar and can I substitute regular sugar?
Jam sugar contains added pectin which helps the preserve set without needing additional gelling agents. You can use regular sugar with added pectin or a commercial pectin product, but the texture and set may vary.
Print
Plumbrillo: Homemade Black or Red Plum Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8–10 small jars (about 500ml each) 1x
Description
Plumbrillo is a traditional plum preserve made from black or red plums cooked down with sugar and water to create a thick, dark, and fruity purée. This sweet plum jam is perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts and can be stored for up to six months.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2kg black or red plums
Other Ingredients
- 1kg jam sugar (with added pectin)
- 500ml cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the plums: Stone and quarter the black or red plums to remove the pits and break them into smaller pieces for cooking.
- Cook the plums: Place the quartered plums in a preserving pan, add 500ml cold water, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes until the mixture is completely cooked down, pulpy, and dark red in color.
- Strain the fruit: Pass the cooked fruit and juice through a nylon sieve back into the pan, ensuring to extract every bit of pulp to achieve a smooth texture.
- Add sugar and dissolve: Stir in the jam sugar and gently heat over low heat, stirring continuously until the sugar fully dissolves into the fruit mixture.
- Thicken the purée: Increase the heat and allow the mixture to bubble for about 25 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. It is ready when the spoon leaves a brief trail on the bottom of the pan before the purée fills the gap again.
- Jar the plum jam: Carefully ladle the hot plum purée into sterilized small jars using a funnel to avoid spills. Seal the jars immediately to preserve freshness.
- Set and store: Allow the jars to cool and the plum jam to set. Properly sealed jars can be stored for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Ensure the jars used are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.
- Stir constantly during thickening to avoid burning the plum paste at the bottom of the pan.
- The jam sugar contains added pectin, which helps the preserve to set without additional gelling agents.
- Using a nylon sieve produces a smooth purée free from seeds and skin.
- Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place to maintain flavor and quality.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Preserves and Jams
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Traditional British/European
Keywords: plum jam, plum preserve, plum purée, homemade jam, fruit jam, preserves, plum recipe
