Best 2 Damson Preserves Recipes

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Damson preserves are a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used to add a tart and fruity flavor to a variety of dishes. Whether you're spreading it on toast, using it as a filling for pastries, or simply enjoying it by the spoonful, damson preserves are a treat that everyone can enjoy. With their deep purple color and unique flavor, they are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

DAMSON PRESERVES



DAMSON PRESERVES image

Categories     Condiment/Spread     Fruit

Yield pints

Number Of Ingredients 4

4 lbs (3 qts) damsons
with seeds removed
1/2 cup water
8 cups sugar

Steps:

  • Heat slowly til sugar dissolves. Increase heat cook briskly for 10 minutes. Reduce to simmer and cook until syrup gives jelly test (about 30-40 minutes)

DAMSON PLUM JAM



Damson Plum Jam image

If you are lucky enough to find them, get your hot little hands on some Damson plums. They are small and sour when fresh, but make the absolute best plum jam in the world. I have listed two different options for amounts of sugar/water in the recipe. The lower amounts will make a soft, very tart jam. That's the way I like it. With more sugar and water (keep them in proportion) you will get a more traditional jam, firmer and sweeter. I like it that way, too, I have to admit. Unfortunately, Damsons are clingstone and can't be pitted before the cooking starts. I have burnt myself quite badly a few times making this jam, while fishing out pits from the boiling pot, but this year (2004) I have figured out how to avoid that and have updated the recipe.

Provided by Jenny Sanders

Categories     Plums

Time 1h

Yield 7-8 250ml jars, 112-128 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 1/2 kg damson plums (2 litres)
2 -3 cups water
4 -6 cups sugar

Steps:

  • Wash and pick over the plums.
  • Combine the plums and the water.
  • Bring to a boil and cook 15 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Allow to cool enough to handle - or completely, if you like - and fish out the pits (I put them through a food mill, and then removed the pits from the remaining pulp).
  • Return the pulp to the rest of the jam once the pits are out.
  • Meanwhile, put the jars into a canning kettle and cover with water to one inch above the tops of the jars.
  • Bring to a boil, boil 10 minutes to sterilize.
  • Return the plums to the jam kettle, and bring them back to the boil. Add the sugar to the plums, stirring to dissolve.
  • Boil to jam stage, about 20 minutes. Test for the gelling point with one of the following methods: Temperature test - Use a jelly or candy thermometer, and boil until mixture reaches the following temperatures at altitudes of: Sea level to 1,000 feet - 104°C/220°F; 1,001 feet to 2,000 feet - 103°C/218°F
  • Sheet or spoon test - Dip a cool metal spoon into the boiling jelly mixture. Raise the spoon out of the steam, about 12 inches above the pan. Turn the spoon so the liquid runs off the side. The jelly is done when the syrup forms two drops that flow together and sheet or hang off the edge of the spoon.
  • I like the"sheet" test.
  • As the jam cooks, remove any pits you may have missed.
  • Remove from the heat and stir and skim 5 minutes.
  • Pour into hot sterilized jars and seal with lids sterilized according to the manufacturers directions.
  • (Generally, boiled for 5 minutes.) Place jars of jam back in boiling water bath and boil for 5 minutes.
  • Let cool, and store when the jars have sealed.

Tips:

  • Choose ripe and undamaged damsons for the best flavor and texture.
  • If you don't have a preserving pan, you can use a large saucepan or Dutch oven.
  • Stir the preserves frequently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • Test the preserves for doneness by placing a small amount on a cold plate. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it is ready.
  • Store the preserves in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Conclusion:

Damson preserves are a delicious and versatile condiment that can be enjoyed in many different ways. They can be spread on toast, used as a filling for pies and tarts, or added to yogurt or oatmeal. Damson preserves are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and iron. If you are looking for a tasty and healthy way to use up your damsons, then these recipes are a great place to start.

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