The Dreamy Damson Jam Recipe for Sweet Homemade Bliss

Sweet summer memories dance through my damson jam recipe, capturing the essence of sun-ripened fruit.

Local orchards burst with these deep purple plums every harvest season.

Grandmothers across england have perfected this traditional preserve for generations.

Each spoonful carries a rich, complex sweetness that whispers of countryside kitchens.

Tart notes balance the intense fruity depth, creating a spread that sings with pure flavor.

Small batches ensure maximum freshness and genuine homemade quality.

Spread this gorgeous jam on warm toast and savor a taste of pure delight.

What Makes Delia Smith Damson Jam Recipe So Special

• Savor Seasonal Simplicity: Capture the fleeting damson harvest with this straightforward recipe that transforms fresh fruit into a delightful spread without complex techniques.
• Preserve Summer's Bounty: Transform ripe damsons into a rich, flavorful jam that locks in the vibrant taste of seasonal fruits, perfect for enjoying long after summer ends.
• Craft Homemade Goodness: Create a delicious preserve that connects you to traditional cooking methods, offering a sense of accomplishment and a personal touch to your pantry.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Enjoy this jam as a breakfast treat, baking ingredient, or gourmet gift that impresses friends and family with its homemade charm.

Ingredients for Delia Smith Damson Jam Recipe

• Damsons: Sweet-tart plums with deep purple color that provide rich flavor and natural pectin for jam setting.

• Water: Essential for softening and breaking down the fruit during cooking.
• Lemon Juice: Helps balance sweetness and aids in jam setting by adding natural acidity.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness, helps preserve the jam, and assists in creating the proper jam consistency.

Jam-Making Instructions for Delia Smith Damson Jam

Step 1: Prepare Damsons

Gently rinse the damsons under cool running water, carefully removing any stems and checking for any damaged fruit. Pat the damsons dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2: Cook Fruity Base

Place the prepared damsons in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add a splash of water and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to help break down the fruit and enhance its natural flavors.

Step 3: Soften and Crush Fruit

Simmer the damsons over medium heat, stirring occasionally. As the fruit heats, it will begin to soften and naturally burst open, releasing its rich, deep purple juices.

Step 4: Sweeten the Mixture

Gradually sprinkle sugar into the softened fruit, stirring continuously until the sugar completely dissolves. The mixture will become glossy and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Boil to Perfection

Increase the heat and bring the jam to a rolling boil. Let it bubble vigorously for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Check Jam Consistency

Test the jam’s readiness by placing a small amount on a chilled plate. Push the jam with your finger – if it wrinkles and doesn’t immediately run back, it’s ready to set.

Step 7: Remove Stones and Foam

Take the pot off the heat. Carefully remove the fruit stones using a slotted spoon. Skim off any foam that has formed on the surface of the jam.

Step 8: Jar the Jam

Carefully pour the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving a small space at the top. Use a clean funnel to prevent spills and ensure neat filling.

Step 9: Seal and Cool

Immediately seal the jars with clean lids. Allow the jam to cool completely at room temperature, creating a vacuum seal as it cools.

Step 10: Store and Enjoy

Store the sealed jam jars in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, keep refrigerated and enjoy within a few weeks on toast, scones, or as a delightful baking ingredient.

Tips for Perfecting Delia Smith Damson Jam Recipe

• Fruit Selection Matters: Choose ripe, firm damsons without bruises for the best jam texture and flavor intensity.
• Stone Removal Technique: Carefully remove stones after cooking to prevent breaking jam's smooth consistency.
• Pectin Power Boost: Add a splash of liquid pectin if damsons seem less ripe to ensure proper jam setting.
• Temperature Control: Use a candy thermometer to track precise jam temperature for perfect gel formation.
• Jar Sterilization Secret: Clean jars thoroughly with boiling water or dishwasher's hottest cycle to prevent bacterial growth.

Ways to Personalize Delia Smith Damson Jam

• Sugar-Free Damson Jam: Replace sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a low-calorie option.
• Spiced Damson Preserve: Add cinnamon, star anise, or ginger during cooking for a warming flavor profile.
• Pectin-Free Version: Use natural pectin from apple or lemon to help set the jam without commercial pectin.
• Diabetic-Friendly Option: Use erythritol or xylitol as sugar alternatives, ensuring a lower glycemic impact for those managing blood sugar.

Pairings That Match Delia Smith Damson Jam Recipe

• Pair with Creamy Cheese: Spread the rich, tangy damson jam on a slice of creamy brie or camembert for a luxurious flavor combination that balances sweetness and creaminess.
• Match with Buttery Scones: Serve alongside warm, freshly baked scones to create a classic British breakfast or afternoon tea experience that highlights the jam's deep, fruity notes.
• Complement with Robust Red Wine: Pour a glass of full-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the jam's deep plum flavors and provide a sophisticated tasting experience.
• Elevate Roasted Meats: Use as a glaze or condiment for roasted duck, pork, or lamb to add a sweet-tart dimension that transforms simple protein dishes into gourmet meals.

Storing Delia Smith Damson Jam the Smart Way

• Store unsealed jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• Sealed, sterilized jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for 12-18 months. Check seals periodically and discard if any signs of mold appear.
• Gently warm small portions in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

FAQs on Delia Smith Damson Jam Recipe

• What are damsons and where do they come from?

Damsons are small, oval-shaped plums native to England, particularly the Damson region. They have a deep purple-blue color and are known for their tart, intense flavor that makes them perfect for jams and preserves.

• Can I use regular plums instead of damsons?

While you can substitute plums, the unique tangy taste of damsons won’t be replicated. Damsons have a more concentrated, slightly astringent flavor that gives this jam its distinctive character.

• How do I know when the jam has reached the right consistency?

Use the wrinkle test: place a small amount on a cold plate and push with your finger. If the surface wrinkles and doesn’t immediately flow back, the jam is ready. The texture should be thick but spreadable.

Damson Jam Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade damson jam celebrates British countryside charm with rich, deep purple sweetness. Rich plum notes and traditional preserve techniques make this simple spread a delightful kitchen treasure perfect for morning toast and afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 1 kg (2.2 pounds) ripe damson plums

Liquids:

• 350 ml (11.8 fluid ounces) water
• Juice of 1 lemon

Sweeteners:

• 1 kg (2.2 pounds) granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse damsons under cool running water, carefully removing all stems and discarding any damaged fruits.
2. Transfer clean damsons into a heavy-bottomed preserving pan, adding sufficient water to prevent initial sticking and fresh lemon juice for enhanced flavor and pectin activation.
3. Gently simmer over medium-low heat for approximately 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fruits completely break down and release their natural juices.
4. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar, continuously stirring until fully dissolved and integrated with the fruit mixture.
5. Increase heat and rapidly boil the mixture, maintaining a consistent rolling boil for 10-15 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent potential scorching.
6. Perform the wrinkle test by placing a small amount of jam on a chilled plate – if the surface wrinkles when pushed, the jam has reached setting point.
7. Remove from heat, carefully skimming any foam from the surface using a metal spoon.
8. Methodically extract fruit stones from the jam, ensuring a smooth final texture.
9. Carefully pour the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving minimal headspace to prevent contamination.
10. Securely seal jars, label with date and contents, then allow to cool completely at room temperature.
11. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard for optimal preservation.

Notes

• Quickly remove stones after cooking for smoother texture and easier spreading.
• Choose ripe, deep purple damsons for intense, rich flavor and natural sweetness.
• Adjust sugar quantity based on fruit’s natural tartness, tasting as you cook for perfect balance.
• Consider using a potato masher to break down fruit and create more rustic jam consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 273
• Sugar: 67 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 68 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg