Name: Spiced Plum, Blueberry and Honey Jam
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 12 fresh juicy plums (any variety), pitted and diced; 125g organic blueberries; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 cup of honey; 1 star anise; 2 cloves; 3 tbsp chia seeds

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Spiced Plum, Blueberry and Honey Jam Recipe – This plum and blueberry jam is sweetened with honey, and spiced with cloves and star anise. The flavour is a little tart and spicy – similar to a chutney. Plums are high in pectin, perfect for gelling, no added pectin is needed, winning! You can pair it with any poultry dish, stirred into yoghurt, on a cheese board, or sourdough toast (don’t forget a healthy smear of peanut butter!).

What is Fruit Pectin?

Pectin is a naturally occurring carbohydrate polysaccharide that provides a thicker consistency in preserves/jams and fillings, making them ideal for spreading. It’s particularly abundant in the skin of citrus fruits and apples. However, pectin levels decrease as the fruit ripens.

Plums are naturally high in pectin and it helps the jam to set as it cools to room temperature. It’s been mentioned that fruit pectin isn’t as effective as added pectin so bear that in mind when making jams; they’ll be runnier and less jelly-like, like most store-bought jams. I have devised a way to fix this by using chia seeds to create that jelly-type effect. These tiny powerhouses are packed with fibre, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. Making them a fantastic addition to any jam recipe.

Honey vs Sugar

Honey has many useful properties, it’s natural, adds a sweet, delicious taste and will keep in the fridge for 1-2 months. However, most honey has been heat-treated so make sure you can source raw local honey and use jars that have been sterilised (with hot soapy water) and allowed to cool completely before storing.

Sugar is a great preservative and can prolong the shelf life of your jam by up to a year when used in conjunction with sterilised jars. However, it is a highly processed food and when consumed in big amounts, can lead to severe health problems. Some people prefer the taste of sugar over honey so it comes down to personal choice.

Spiced Plum, Blueberry and Honey Jam Recipe

Ingredients

12 fresh juicy plums (any variety)
125g organic blueberries
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup of honey
star anise
2 cloves
3 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions

Prepare the Fruit: Rinse the fresh plums and blueberries under cold water. Remove any stems or leaves, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Pit the plums and dice them into small pieces.

Cooking the Jam: In a large saucepan, combine the diced plums, blueberries, lemon juice, honey, star anise, and cloves. Combine well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly mixed.

diced plum, blueberries and honey in a pot

Simmering: Place the saucepan over medium to high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes. Stir in 1 tbsp of chia seeds at a time, until the fruit has softened and the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency.

boiling plum and blueberry jam with chia seeds

Mashing the Fruit: Using a potato masher, gently mash the cooked fruit to break down any large chunks to create a smoother texture.

Wrinkle Test: To test if your jam is ready, add a small saucer to the freezer to chill for 10 minutes. Use a metal spoon to add some jam to the small saucer and run your finger through it. If it gels, your finger will leave a clear path, if not, keep cooking for a few more minutes and retest.

Canning: When the jam is hot, carefully ladle it into clean, sterilised jars. Leave 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth, then seal tightly with lids and bands.

Processing: Fully submerge the filled jars in a large pot of boiling water. Allow them to sit in the water for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing.

Cooling and Storing: Once processed, carefully remove the jars from the water bath using canning tongs and place them on a clean kitchen towel to cool completely. As the jars cool, you should hear the satisfying “pop” of the lids sealing shut. Allow the jam to cool at room temperature for 24 hours and place jars in a cool dry place.

Notes

This recipe can easily be adapted to suit your preferences. Feel free to adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less honey or experimenting with spices like cardamom or cinnamon to create your own unique flavour combinations.

Slow cooker option: Add all ingredients to your pot, stir and leave on high with the lid on for 3 hours.

If you prefer a smoother texture, whip out your hand blender and blend to your desired consistency.

Making homemade plum jam is so rewarding and a great way to enjoy the flavours of fresh fruit year-round. Using natural sweeteners like honey and lemon juice, you can create a jam that’s free from added sugars and preservatives.

So, why not try your hand at making this Spiced Plum, Blueberry, and Honey Jam recipe today? Your taste buds will thank you 🙂

Happy jam-making!

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Spiced Plum, Blueberry and Honey Jam

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Additional Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This plum and blueberry jam is sweetened with honey, and spiced with cloves and star anise. You can pair it with any poultry dish, stirred into yoghurt, on a cheese board, or sourdough toast (don’t forget a healthy smear of peanut butter!).