Florida Wild Plum Jelly
A delightful wild plum jelly with a hint of apple juice that offers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, ideal for breakfast spreads or gift-giving.
Ingredients
- 5 lb. Florida wild plums
- 1 pkg. Jel-Ease or Sure-Jell ⓘ
Instructions
- Extract 52 cups of juice from 5 pounds of Florida wild plums.
- Substitute 1 1/2 cups frozen apple juice for 1 1/2 cups of the plum juice to reduce tartness.
- Combine the juice with one package of Jel-Ease or Sure-Jell according to package instructions.
- Cook the mixture until it reaches the desired gel point.
- Pour into sterilized jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother jelly, make sure to strain the plum juice well to remove any solids. If you prefer a sweeter taste, consider adding a bit more frozen apple juice or a touch of sugar. Always follow the package instructions for the Jel-Ease or Sure-Jell carefully, as variations in juice quantity can affect the gel consistency. This jelly also pairs beautifully with Peach Aspic With Cream Cheese Dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Florida Wild Plum Jelly is perfect for spreading on toast or biscuits, adding a sweet-tart flavor to breakfast. It also makes an excellent topping for pancakes or waffles. Consider serving it alongside Dieter'S Potato Salad for a delightful picnic spread or pairing it with a cheese platter for a sophisticated appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store your Florida Wild Plum Jelly in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and consume within a month for the best quality. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as off odors or mold, discard it. Sealed jars can last up to a year if stored properly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Florida Wild Plum Jelly contains roughly 47 calories, with 1g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of plums for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other varieties of plums, but keep in mind that different plums have varying sweetness and tartness levels. This may affect the final flavor of your jelly, so you might need to adjust the amount of apple juice or sugar you add.
How do I know when my jelly has reached the gel point?
To check if your jelly has reached the gel point, use the spoon test: dip a spoon into the mixture and let it cool for a moment. If the mixture thickens and holds its shape when you tilt the spoon, it's ready. Alternatively, you can use a candy thermometer; the gel point is typically around 220°F.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it doesn't include any animal products. Just ensure that the gelatin you use (like Jel-Ease or Sure-Jell) is vegan-friendly, as some gelatins are derived from animal sources. Many brands offer plant-based alternatives, making this jelly suitable for all diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).