Plum jam is a type of fruit spread made from ripe plums that have been cooked with sugar and often other flavorings such as lemon juice, cinnamon, or vanilla. The plums are typically pitted and chopped or pureed before being cooked down with the sugar and other ingredients to create a thick, spreadable jam.
Plum jam can be made using a variety of plum varieties, including Santa Rosa, Damson, Italian, and Greengage, among others. The jam can range in color from deep red to purple to golden, depending on the variety of plums used and the cooking time.
Plum jam can be used in a variety of ways, such as spread on toast or biscuits, stirred into yogurt or oatmeal, or used as a filling for pastries or cakes. It can also be used as a glaze for meats such as pork or chicken, or as a condiment for cheese and charcuterie boards.
Plum jam is a popular homemade jam in many regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America. It is also widely available in grocery stores and specialty food shops, often alongside other fruit spreads such as strawberry, raspberry, and apricot jam.
The market scope for plum jam varies by region and consumer preferences, but it is generally considered a popular and well-established product in the global jam and fruit spread market.
Plum jam is widely consumed in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia. In these regions, plum jam is often sold in grocery stores and specialty food shops, as well as online through e-commerce platforms.
The demand for plum jam is driven by factors such as increasing consumer interest in natural and healthy foods, rising demand for convenience foods, and the growing popularity of breakfast foods and snacks. Plum jam is often marketed as a healthier alternative to other spreads, as it is made with natural ingredients and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives.
In addition to traditional retail channels, plum jam is also used as an ingredient in food service and bakery applications. It is commonly used as a filling for pastries and cakes and as a condiment for meat and cheese plates.
The global jam and fruit spread market is projected to grow in the coming years, driven by factors such as changing consumer preferences and increasing demand for natural and organic products. Plum jam is likely to continue to be a popular product in this market, especially as consumers seek out new and interesting flavors and ingredients.
The major players in the Market for Plum jam are as follows:
1. Bonne Maman
2. St. Dalfour
3. Tiptree
4. Smucker's
5. Hero
6. Kozlowski Farms
7. Sarabeth's
Commercial production of plum jam involves several steps, including sourcing high-quality plums, preparing the fruit, cooking the jam, and packaging the finished product. Here is a general overview of the process:
1. Sourcing and Sorting: The plums are sourced from orchards and farms that specialize in growing plums for commercial use. The fruit is then sorted to remove any damaged or spoiled pieces.
2. Preparation: The plums are washed, pitted, and chopped or pureed to prepare them for cooking.
3. Cooking: The prepared plums are combined with sugar, lemon juice, and any additional flavorings, and cooked in large pots or kettles. The mixture is heated to a high temperature to promote the gelatinization of the pectin in the fruit, which helps the jam set.
4. Sterilization and Packaging: Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, it is transferred to sterilized jars, which are sealed and labeled. The jars are then pasteurized to ensure that the jam is safe for consumption and to extend its shelf life.
5. Quality Control: Throughout the production process, the jam is subjected to rigorous quality control measures to ensure that it meets established standards for flavor, texture, and safety.
Commercial production of plum jam typically involves the use of specialized equipment, including large-scale kettles for cooking the fruit, automated filling and sealing machines, and pasteurization equipment for ensuring food safety. The process may vary somewhat depending on the specific recipe and production methods used by the manufacturer.