Plum trees

We had our first good crop of plums this year. It’s a fairly new tree. Plums are good for jam because you don’t need to worry about adding pectin - the fruit contains plenty so it sets well. I made my first batch of jam this year following advice garnered from various gransnetters and it is delicious. I also used the saucers in the freezer method to test for setting.

Also the ones that ripen later are less likely to be maggotty so keep picking every few days. And a good idea to pick up all the plums from under the tree, clear it of weeds and hoe the ground especially in March so the birds pick up the chrysalises.
And I am going to spray mine next year.

We thought we may have a plum this year, but alas no.

My jam thermometer (from JL) never tells me the jam is at setting point, so I have gone back to the saucer in the freezer method.

Ah plums! If the plums feel soft to touch, and come off the tree easily pick them. But if I were you, cut them in half and check there are no maggots. Once you have taken the stones out you can freeze them loose and use them later. Or you can make jam . Just use same weght of sugar as fruit, stew gently then bring to a roilng boil.

Easier with a jam thermometer, those last few degrees over boiling can take ages. Not sure where you would get one, probably online, get one that goes up to fudge and toffee temperature.

Thanks for that. I’ll try it.

Easy plum jam: remove stones and stalks; weigh the fruit; put it all in a big pan; add the same weight of sugar; boil up till setting point is reached (drop some on a cold plate; if it sets in a few minutes, jam's ready).

Pour into hot, clean jars.

Pick one and eat it. If it's soft, juicy and sweet then it's ready.