Jamie Oliver’s Perfect Greengage Jam Recipe for Sweet Success

Greengage jam bursts with summer’s vibrant essence, transforming humble fruit into a luscious spread that dances on your palate.

These delicate plums carry a unique sweetness that whispers of orchard meadows and gentle sunshine.

Wild and untamed, greengages capture the raw beauty of seasonal harvests with their delicate flavor profile.

Each spoonful represents a moment of pure culinary alchemy, where simple ingredients merge into something extraordinary.

The jam silky texture promises a luxurious experience that elevates morning toast or afternoon scones.

Professional chefs and home cooks treasure this remarkable preserve for its nuanced charm and rustic appeal.

Crafting this jam connects you directly to nature’s most delightful gifts: smooth, vibrant fruit transformed into liquid gold:

Why Jamie Oliver’s Greengage Jam Recipe Is Worth It

• Capture Summer's Sweetness: This greengage jam locks in the vibrant, fresh flavors of seasonal fruit, transforming simple greengages into a delightful preserve that brings sunshine to your breakfast table.
• Master Easy Preservation Technique: Jamie Oliver's method breaks down complex jam-making into simple, foolproof steps that even novice cooks can confidently follow, with clever tricks like using frozen saucers to test jam's readiness.
• Enjoy Homemade Artisan Quality: Creating this jam allows you to control ingredient quality, avoid preservatives, and craft a pure, natural spread that tastes infinitely better than store-bought versions, with a rich, complex flavor profile developed through careful cooking.
• Customize Your Culinary Craft: The recipe offers flexibility for personal touches, like adjusting lemon zest or experimenting with fruit ripeness, making each batch a unique reflection of your cooking style and seasonal ingredients.

What You Need for Jamie Oliver Greengage Jam

• Greengages: Sweet, ripe stone fruits with a delicate flavor perfect for jammaking; choose firm, unblemished fruits for best results.
• Lemon Zest: Adds brightness and helps with pectin development; use fresh, organic lemons when possible.
• Lemon Juice: Provides acidity to help jam set and enhance overall flavor.

• Sugar: Essential for jam preservation and creating thick, glossy texture; use granulated white sugar for consistent results.

• Water: Helps soften fruits and create initial jam consistency.

Crafting Jamie Oliver Greengage Jam Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Freezer Testing Plates

Place 2 small saucers in the freezer to help test the jam’s consistency later.

Step 2: Simmer Greengages

Add greengages to a large saucepan with water and 3-4 lemon zest strips. Simmer for 15 minutes, gently stirring.

• Floating stones
• Lemon zest strips

Carefully count and remove all stones from the fruit.

Step 3: Add Sweetening Ingredients

Combine sugar and juice from 1/2 lemon. Stir until sugar dissolves completely.

Step 4: Boil and Test Jam Consistency

Increase heat and bring mixture to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

• Place a teaspoon of jam on a frozen saucer
• Wait 1 minute
• Push finger through jam
• Look for wrinkle formation

Additional Check: Use a thermometer to confirm setting point at 105°C (221°F).

Step 5: Jar and Seal Jam

Cool jam slightly before pouring into sterilized jars.

• Wash jars in hot soapy water
• Rinse thoroughly
• Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes
• Allow jars to cool before sealing

Tips for Perfect Jamie Oliver Greengage Jam

• Detect Jam Perfection: Push gently across a chilled saucer to check if jam wrinkles, revealing its ideal setting consistency.
• Capture Citrus Essence: Toss lemon strips during simmering to infuse a bright, zesty undertone that dances with greengage sweetness.
• Dissolve Sugar Seamlessly: Stir continuously until sugar melts completely, creating a silky smooth base that prevents unwanted crystallization.
• Remove Stones Carefully: Extract greengage stones while cooking to eliminate potential bitter notes and guarantee a velvety jam texture.
• Sterilize with Precision: Bake jars thoroughly to ward off bacteria, ensuring your jam stays fresh and delicious for weeks to come.

Preserving Jamie Oliver Greengage Jam

• Vacuum Seal Method: Transfer cooled jam into sterilized glass jars with airtight lids, removing all air bubbles. Press down gently with a clean spoon to eliminate potential air pockets that could compromise preservation. Leave about 1/4 inch headspace to allow for slight expansion during storage.
• Refrigeration Technique: Store opened jam in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back section. Keep temperature consistently below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth. Use a clean, dry utensil every time you scoop jam to maintain hygiene and extend shelf life.
• Freezing Preservation: Pour jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Seal tightly and label with the date of preparation. Frozen jam can last up to 12 months without significant flavor or texture degradation.

Different Twists on Jamie Oliver Greengage Jam

• Spiced Greengage Fusion: Infuse the jam with star anise and cinnamon stick during simmering for a warm, aromatic flavor profile. Remove spices before adding sugar.
• Herbal Greengage Blend: Add fresh mint or lavender sprigs during cooking for a subtle herbal undertone. Strain herbs before jarring the jam.
• Citrus Enhanced Version: Increase lemon zest and include orange zest for a brighter, more complex citrus note. Use zest from whole citrus fruits to maximize flavor intensity.
• Ginger Kick Variation: Incorporate finely grated fresh ginger during the initial fruit cooking stage for a spicy, zingy dimension. Adjust ginger quantity based on personal heat preference.

Looking Back at Jamie Oliver Greengage Jam

Jamie Oliver’s greengage jam whispers summer’s sweet nostalgia through its delicate emerald hues and complex fruit essence.

British orchards reveal their hidden treasures in this silky preserve, transforming simple ingredients into liquid gold.

Lemon zest adds bright complexity, balancing the greengage’s natural sweetness with subtle citrus undertones.

Kitchen alchemists can craft this elegant jam with minimal technical skill and maximum flavor potential.

Local seasonal produce becomes pure culinary magic through patient simmering and careful technique.

Passionate cooks, savor this recipe’s delightful result – then share your jammy adventures, inspire fellow recipe enthusiasts, spark conversation in comments, and spread deliciousness across social media platforms.

Jamie Oliver Greengage Jam Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Greengage jam from Jamie Oliver brings British orchard magic to your breakfast table. Sweet, tangy greengages simmer into a luscious spread that whispers of summer gardens and countryside charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fresh Ingredients:

• 800 grams (28.2 ounces) greengages
• 1 lemon

Sweeteners:

• 600 grams (21.2 ounces) white granulated or caster sugar

Cooking Essentials:

• 1 lemon (juice)

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Instructions

1. Chill two small saucers in the freezer to prepare for jam setting point testing.
2. Combine greengages with 6.8 fluid ounces (200 milliliters) of water in a large saucepan. Add 3-4 lemon zest strips and gently simmer for approximately 15 minutes, periodically stirring the mixture.
3. During simmering, carefully remove floating stones from the softening fruit, meticulously counting to ensure complete extraction. Discard the lemon zest strips once fruit reaches desired tenderness.
4. Incorporate sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring continuously until sugar completely dissolves, creating a smooth homogeneous mixture.
5. Elevate heat to achieve a vigorous boil, maintaining constant stirring for 10 minutes to prevent scorching.
6. Conduct jam setting test by dropping a small amount onto a pre-chilled saucer. Allow one minute before gently pushing with a finger; wrinkled texture indicates readiness.
7. For precise results, use a culinary thermometer to confirm setting point at 210°F (105°C), continuing boiling if necessary.
8. After achieving desired consistency, allow jam to cool slightly to prevent potential glass jar cracking.
9. Sterilize glass jars through thorough washing with hot soapy water, rinsing, and baking at 350°F (176°C) for 5 minutes.
10. Carefully pour warm jam into sterilized jars, ensuring clean edges for proper sealing.

Notes

• Capture summer’s essence by selecting perfectly ripe greengages bursting with natural sweetness and minimal blemishes.
• Carefully remove stones to prevent bitter undertones and ensure a silky-smooth jam texture.
• Lemon zest works magic, brightening the plums’ delicate flavor profile with a subtle citrusy whisper.
• Master the jam’s set point by using the cold plate test, avoiding runny or overly stiff consistency.
• Sterilized jars become your preservation guardians, protecting your homemade creation from bacterial invasion and extending shelf life.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: UK

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 395
• Sugar: 82g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Fat: 0.3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 103g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg