- Granulated Sugar: Natural sweetener to balance damson plums' tartness
- Lemon Juice: Aids in preserving and adds brightness to the flavor profile
- Water: Dilutes ingredients for a smoother consistency during cooking
- Pectin (Optional): Helps achieve setting point without adding extra sugar, useful if using less acidic fruit
- Cinnamon Sticks: Optional addition for a complementary warming spice taste
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Steps
### Delicious Damson Plum Cardamom Jam Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
#### Introduction
Discover how to make a scrumptious damson plum cardamom jam that's perfect for your morning toast or as a topping on cakes and desserts. This recipe combines the rich, sweet flavor of damsons with the warm spices of cardamom, creating an indulgent spread you'll want to enjoy throughout the year.
#### Ingredients
- 500g damson plums (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 3-4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- Juice of one lemon
#### Equipment Needed
- Large pan
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Ladle
- Sterilized jam jars with lids (optional)
#### Step-by-Step Guide
1. **Prepare the Damsons**
- If using frozen damsons, defrost them thoroughly.
- Wash and hull 500g of fresh damson plums. Hulling can be done by gently squeezing each fruit to remove the stone.
2. **Combine Ingredients in a Large Pan**
- In a large pan, combine the damson plums with 4 cups of granulated sugar.
- Add 1/2 cup of water and lightly crushed cardamom pods (about 3-4).
- Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture to prevent discolouration.
3. **Cook on Medium Heat**
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the damsons are soft.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes, mashing the fruit with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula as it cooks to break down the flesh.
4. **Strain the Mixture**
- Once the jam reaches your desired consistency (thick but still pourable), strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another pan.
- This step ensures a smoother texture in your final product.
5. **Cook Down for Jam Consistency**
- Return the strained mixture to a low heat and cook until it thickens significantly, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- The jam should reach a setting point around 104°C (219°F) when tested with a jam thermometer or by placing a small amount on a chilled plate; if it gels upon cooling, the jam is ready.
6. **Jar and Store**
- Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace.
- Seal tightly with lids and store in a cool place or refrigerate to enjoy later.
#### Tips for Success
- Use fresh damsons for the best flavor. They are typically available from late summer to early fall.
- Adding a few drops of lemon juice during cooking helps preserve the vibrant color and adds a subtle tanginess.
- Ensure that all equipment, including jars and lids, is sterilized before use.
#### Conclusion
Mastering the art of making damson plum cardamom jam can turn your kitchen into a delightful culinary workshop. With these steps, you'll not only create an exquisite treat but also explore new flavors in preserving fruits. Enjoy the process and savor every mouthful!
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