Prune Jelly or Jam - Ask Extension
Hello, I would like to make a prune (not plum) jelly or jam. I am thinking that I can reconstitute the prunes then proceed but I want to make sure I a...
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Prune Jelly or Jam #869351
Asked May 20, 2024, 6:33 PM EDT
Hello, I would like to make a prune (not plum) jelly or jam. I am thinking that I can reconstitute the prunes then proceed but I want to make sure I am using a safe method and tested recipe. Can you provide me with a recipe?
Baker County Oregon
Expert Response
That is an interesting question and not one I have seen. I don't recall ever seeing an official recipe for using dehydrated fruits and making them into jam or jelly. That said, it wouldn't be a safety issue to experiment and see how it turns out. Prunes are a high acid fruit. You would have to reconstitute the prunes and then mash them using an immersion blender or food processor to make the pulp. I would think the color would be rather dark and not sure what the taste or texture would be.
I would suggest doing a little experimenting by redehyrating the prunes and maybe using apple or orange juice for a better flavor rather than water. Then I would suggest making a butter out of them rather than a jam. You could try a small batch and see if you like it. Rather than processing it in a boiling water canner you could just refrigerate it. The link below has a basic recipe for fruit butter. You can reduce it to make small batches. Also gives options for cooking down the butter.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/food/preservation/fruit-butters-sp-50-304
I have not tried prunes but I have reconstituted apples and pears and blended them in my food processor, added sugar and cooked down to make a tasty spread. They are more colorful than dried prunes would be.
Do a little experimenting and see if you like it. I like to cook down my butters in the microwave. Bring to a boil and then reduce the power stirring often until it reaches the thickness you like.
Good Luck
Thanks for using Ask Extension
Nellie Oehler
I would suggest doing a little experimenting by redehyrating the prunes and maybe using apple or orange juice for a better flavor rather than water. Then I would suggest making a butter out of them rather than a jam. You could try a small batch and see if you like it. Rather than processing it in a boiling water canner you could just refrigerate it. The link below has a basic recipe for fruit butter. You can reduce it to make small batches. Also gives options for cooking down the butter.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/food/preservation/fruit-butters-sp-50-304
I have not tried prunes but I have reconstituted apples and pears and blended them in my food processor, added sugar and cooked down to make a tasty spread. They are more colorful than dried prunes would be.
Do a little experimenting and see if you like it. I like to cook down my butters in the microwave. Bring to a boil and then reduce the power stirring often until it reaches the thickness you like.
Good Luck
Thanks for using Ask Extension
Nellie Oehler