cookbooks

Damson Jam Recipe

Damson Jam Recipe

History of Damson Jam:
Damson jam is a popular fruit preserve that has been enjoyed for centuries. The origin of this delightful jam can be traced back to ancient Persia and was then introduced to Europe during the Roman Empire. The word "damson" itself is derived from the Latin word "damascenum," meaning "from Damascus," which reflects its Middle Eastern roots.

Fun Facts:
- Damson plums are small, oval-shaped fruits that have a distinctive sour flavor. They are often deep purple or dark blue in color.
- Damson jam is known for its rich and intense flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to both savory and sweet dishes.
- The damson plum tree is believed to have been brought to England by the Crusaders in the 12th century.
- Damson jam was particularly popular during the Victorian era and was considered a luxury item.

Now, let us dive into the recipe itself:

Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of damson plums
- 1 1/2 pounds of sugar
- Water

Instructions:

1. Wash the damson plums carefully to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

2. Place the washed damson plums in a large preserving kettle, ensuring there is just enough water to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.

3. Set the kettle over a moderate fire and allow the plums to simmer for approximately 30 minutes. This will allow the fruits to release their natural juices and soften.

4. Once the plums have simmered for half an hour, carefully transfer them, along with their juice, into a colander. Ensure that the colander is not more than half full.

5. Place a large earthen bowl beneath the colander to collect the juice and pulp. Using a potato masher or a spoon, press the plums' juice and pulp through the colander into the bowl. This process will extract as much flavor as possible while leaving behind the skins and pits, which should be discarded.

6. Repeat the pulp-extraction process until all the juice and pulp have been pressed out of the plums.

7. Transfer the extracted juice and pulp back into the preserving kettle. Meanwhile, preheat the oven and place the sugar in a heatproof dish, allowing it to heat up gently.

8. Slowly heat the juice and pulp in the kettle, stirring occasionally. While the mixture is heating, make sure the sugar is warmed in the oven until it becomes hot.

9. Once the juice and pulp mixture begins to simmer, gradually stir in the hot sugar. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. The mixture should thicken and drop from the spoon like a thick jelly.

10. Once the desired consistency is reached, carefully pour the damson jam into sterilized glass jars while it is still hot. Ensure the jars are properly sealed to preserve the jam's freshness.

11. Allow the jars to cool at room temperature before storing them in a cool, dark place. The damson jam will continue to thicken as it cools.

Enjoy your homemade damson jam!

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoy making and savoring damson jam, you might also like to try other fruit preserves like raspberry jam, strawberry jam, or even apricot jam. These jam varieties offer a range of flavors, sweetness levels, and textures that can be enjoyed on toast, scones, or as an accompaniment to various dishes. Experiment with different fruits and combinations to discover your favorite jam recipes!

Rating:

1/5 by 1 people.

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