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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 
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 21, 2024, 7:58 PM EDT

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