Flavorful Vanilla Bean Plum Jam
A delicious homemade jam combining fresh plums with the creamy aroma of vanilla bean and a subtle hint of star anise for a unique, spiced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 4 cups (approximately 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 pounds fresh plums, pitted and chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 2 whole star anise pods
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Wash, pit, and chop the plums into roughly 1-inch pieces and place them in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Add sugar and water to the plums and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out natural juices.
- Split the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape the seeds into the pot, and add the pod along with the star anise pods.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 40-45 minutes, stirring frequently until the jam thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and remove the vanilla bean pod and star anise pods, discarding them.
- Ladle the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Seal tightly and let cool at room temperature before refrigerating or processing for long-term storage.
Notes
Stir frequently to prevent burning, especially as the jam thickens. For a seedless jam, strain through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor and natural preservation. Sterilize jars by boiling to ensure longer shelf life. Adjust star anise quantity to taste to avoid overpowering licorice flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 18
- Carbohydrates: 20
Keywords: vanilla bean plum jam, homemade jam, star anise jam, plum preserves, easy jam recipe, fruit jam, vegan jam, gluten-free jam