AROMATIC PLUM JAM TO WARM YOUR WINTER PANTRY

Prepare your pantry for the cold months ahead with this richly flavored plum jam, infused with the subtle warmth of Chinese five-spice featuring black pepper and ginger.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 55 minutes
🍯 Yields: 5 jars (350 ml each)

Ingredients

2 kg ripe plums
250 ml sweet sherry (recommended: Nectar PX Gonzalez Byas)
700 g granulated sugar
50 g brown sugar
½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder (with black pepper and ginger)
1 lemon (zest of half, juice of whole)

Instructions

Halve the plums and remove the pits. Cut into medium-sized pieces and place in a large pot.
Add the sherry, granulated sugar, brown sugar, five-spice powder, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Set the pot over low heat. Stir occasionally until all the sugar dissolves and the plums release their juices, forming a natural syrup. Avoid boiling until sugar is fully melted.
Increase heat to medium and simmer gently for 50-55 minutes. Stir only occasionally to prevent breaking up the fruit too much. The jam will appear somewhat liquidy but will set after cooling.
While hot, carefully spoon the jam into sterilized, warm jars. Wipe rims clean, seal tightly with lids, then invert jars to rest on their lids for 10 minutes to create a vacuum seal.
Wrap jars in a thick blanket and let them cool overnight in a dry, draft-free place.
Store jars in a cool, dark pantry or cellar for long-lasting preservation.

💡 Tips

Use ripe but firm plums for best texture.
Adjust sweetness by balancing white and brown sugars as preferred.
The subtle spicy notes from five-spice elevate the jam’s flavor complexity.

🎉 Perfect For

Winter breakfasts on toast or pancakes
Cheese boards and charcuterie accompaniments
Gift jars during holiday seasons

📝 Final Thoughts

This aromatic plum jam blends the natural sweetness of ripe fruit with warming spices and sherry, creating a comforting homemade preserve that will brighten your cold winter days. Its rich, balanced flavor makes it an ideal pantry staple for cozy moments.