Make Your Own Plum Peach Jam No Pectin Low Sugar

We have fruit overflow here this summer. The sheer amount of berries, peaches, plums, and apricots is unbelievable. I have a hard time keeping my hands off every time I am at the grocer. Unfortunately, the shelf life with stone fruits is short. They get ripe really quick and these were begging to be used up.

Why make this jam?

No-fail method – This recipe is simple and easy. And if you’ve never made homemade jam you will definitely start now. No- canning – This homemade recipe is without the fuss of canning. Just pour the jam into sterilized jars and save them in the fridge or freezer. However, I have also given you the detailed process for canning. No pectin – Ideally, you can make jam with just two ingredients: fruit and sugar because fruits have natural acidity and pectin in abundance. And yet, adding lemon juice helps break down on the skin. Low-sugar – Fresh peaches and plums are naturally soft and sweet. Therefore, you don’t need to add a lot of sugar to this jam.

Step-by-step: Plum Peach Jam Recipe

Place two small ceramic plates in the freezer so we can use these to test the jam later. Alternatively, you can use a candy thermometer to check the doneness of the jam. Score an X on the peaches and plums with a knife. Then, blanch them in hot water for 3 minutes to remove the skin. Let cool slightly, then peel and core them. Chop the fruit roughly so you don’t have large pieces.Pro tip – Covering the fruit in a bowl with plastic wrap for 7 to 10 minutes will help the skin peel off easily. In a heavy bottom pan, combine the fruits, sugar, salt, and lemon juice.Pro tip – If you plan to use the fruit with the skin on, let the fruits macerate in sugar and lemon juice for a few hours before cooking. Cook on medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Then, turn the heat up and let the mixture come to a boil. Let it boil for two minutes on medium-high.Pro tip – Boiling the jam is important as it releases pectin from the skin and seeds in fruits. Then, turn the heat to medium-low. The jam should still be simmering but at a low simmer, not bubbling. Use a vegetable masher to mash the fruit – so you have a smoother jam-like consistency.Pro tip – Mashing the fruit is optional, as the fruit will break down into smaller chunks similar to preserving as it cooks. However, mashing will give smoother consistency like jam. Continue to simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes more stirring often so it does not stick to the bottom of the pan. The jam will continue to thicken as well as deepen in color as it cools.Pro tip – The cooking time will depend on the quantity of the jam as well as the heat applied to it. It’s ok to cook a little longer but there must be a simmer for the fruit to release pectin.

Testing the jam

Remove one of the ceramic plates from the freezer. Place a teaspoon of jam on the cold plate.Pro tip – The cold plate will help cool the jam almost instantly and give you a good indication if the jam is ready. Set aside for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, test with your finger. Simply move/push the jam with your finger. If it wrinkles/crinkles it means the jam is ready. And if not, let the jam cook a couple of minutes more and test again.Pro tip – You may need to test the jam on a ceramic plate more than once or a couple of times depending on how early you start checking. Alternatively, you can use a candy thermometer – the jam should reach 105 C / 221 F.Pro tip – I find the thermometer to be the easiest and fool-proof method to check for doneness. Optional – Just when you are ready to take the jam off the heat add a teaspoon of butter and stir well. Butter helps dissolve foam that accumulates on top of the jam.Pro tip – You don’t need more than 1 teaspoon of butter to help with the foam. It will also give you that glossy shine. Pour the jam into warm sterilized jars leaving 1/4 inch space from the top. Use a clean sterilized knife or spatula to move the jam a bit – this will remove any air pockets. Place a piece of wax paper on the top before you place the lid on tightly. Clean the rim of the jar with a clean paper towel. Top the lid.Alternatively, use the lid with screw-on rings that come with the canning jars.

The canning process (if you plan to can the jam)

Sterilizing the jars

Sterilize 4 x 8 oz (250 g) jars by washing them in hot soapy water or cleaning them in the dishwasher with a gentle cycle. Then, place them in the oven for 20 minutes at a low 284 F / 140 C.Pro tip – I find the dishwasher does a good job of cleaning and the oven dries any excess moisture in the bottles. Note – Leave them in the oven until you are ready to use them (you can turn the oven off). Don’t forget to wash and sterilize the bottle lids as well.

Canning

Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot. Fill half the pot with water. Bring the water in the pot to a boil on high heat. Lower the jars over the rack leaving enough space between the jars.Pro tip – The level of water should be at least an inch above the top of the jars. So if necessary pour more boiling water. Bring the water to a boil again. Cover the pot and process/simmer for 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove the jars from the stockpot and place them on a kitchen towel to absorb any excess moisture. Cool completely.Pro tip – The hot jars are very delicate so make sure to use tongs when taking them out and place them on soft towels to prevent them from breaking. Press the top of the lid to ensure the seal is tight – the lid should not move at all. Store in a cool dry place.

Storage

If canning, the canned jam will stay in a cool dry place in the pantry for up to a year or even longer. When not canned, the jam will stay at room temperature for a month or more in good weather. You can also keep the jam in the fridge for 3 to 6 months. Label the jar with the name and date so you know what is in and when you made it.

Strawberry Jam – No Pectin (3 ingredients) Mixed Berry Jam – No Pectin (low-sugar) Apricot Jam – No Pectin (3 ingredients) Cherry Jam – No Pectin (3 ingredients)

Frequently asked questions

Apricot Peach Jam – No-Pectin (just 3 ingredients) Fresh Fig Jam – No Pectin (just 3 ingredients) Microwave Strawberry Jam – No Pectin Blueberry Jam – No Pectin (3 ingredients) See all jam recipes