Microwave Ginger-Spiced Plum Conserve
This Microwave Ginger-Spiced Plum Conserve is a delightful combination of juicy plums and zesty ginger, perfect for spreading on toast or using as a glaze for oven-roasted salmon. In just a short time, you can create 2 1/2 cups of this luscious jam. Made with simple ingredients, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of the plums while adding a unique spiciness from the crystallized ginger. The vibrant color and flavor of this conserve will elevate any dish, making it a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy it fresh or jar it up for a lovely homemade gift!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
purple plums
3 cups (chopped)
granulated sugar
2 cups (none)
lemon juice
4 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
crystallized ginger
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a deep 8-cup microwavable container, combine the chopped purple plums and granulated sugar, stirring well to coat the plums evenly.
2
Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients.
3
Microwave the mixture uncovered on High for 7 minutes, stirring twice during the cooking process to ensure even heating.
4
Carefully add the finely chopped crystallized ginger to the plum mixture and continue microwaving uncovered on High for an additional 15 to 18 minutes. Stir every 4 minutes, watching for the mixture to thicken and form a gel-like consistency.
5
Once the mixture has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the microwave and ladle the hot conserve into sterilized jars. To preserve, you may choose the inversion method by flipping the jars upside down for 5 minutes, or process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microwave Ginger-Spiced Plum Conserve?
It is a sweet and spicy fruit spread made with purple plums and crystallized ginger, prepared quickly using a microwave.
How much conserve does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 2 1/2 cups of plum conserve.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
You will need 3 cups of chopped purple plums, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 4 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped crystallized ginger.
Can I use regular fresh ginger instead of crystallized ginger?
The recipe specifically calls for crystallized ginger to provide a unique spiciness and texture; using fresh ginger would significantly alter the flavor and sugar balance.
What type of container should I use in the microwave?
A deep 8-cup microwavable container is recommended to prevent the mixture from boiling over during the cooking process.
Do I need to cover the container while cooking?
No, the mixture should be microwaved uncovered to allow moisture to evaporate and the conserve to thicken.
How long is the initial cooking phase?
The initial phase involves microwaving the plums, sugar, and lemon juice on High for 7 minutes.
When should I add the crystallized ginger?
Add the ginger after the initial 7-minute cooking period, before the final 15 to 18 minutes of microwaving.
How often should I stir the conserve during the second cooking stage?
You should stir the mixture every 4 minutes during the final 15 to 18 minutes of cooking.
What is the total cooking time in the microwave?
The total microwaving time ranges between 22 and 25 minutes on High power.
How do I know when the conserve is done?
The conserve is ready when it thickens and achieves a gel-like consistency.
What are some ways to serve this plum conserve?
It is delicious on toast or can be used as a flavorful glaze for oven-roasted salmon.
Can I use this recipe as a gift?
Yes, once jarred and preserved, this homemade conserve makes a lovely and thoughtful gift.
How should the plums be prepared?
The purple plums should be chopped before being measured into the 3-cup quantity.
Is fresh lemon juice required?
Yes, the recipe specifies 4 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor and acidity.
What is the inversion method for preservation?
The inversion method involves flipping the hot, filled, and sealed jars upside down for 5 minutes to help seal the lids.
How long should I process the jars in a boiling water bath?
If you choose the water bath method, process the jars for 10 minutes.
What microwave setting is used?
The entire cooking process uses the High power setting.
Why is it important to stir the mixture frequently?
Stirring ensures even heating and prevents the sugar from burning or the mixture from boiling over.
How should the crystallized ginger be prepped?
The crystallized ginger should be finely chopped before being added to the mixture.
Can I use other types of plums?
While purple plums are recommended for their color and flavor, other plum varieties can be used, though the final appearance may differ.
Is this a large batch recipe?
No, this is a small-batch preserve recipe yielding about 2 1/2 cups.
What gives this conserve its spiciness?
The unique spiciness comes from the 1/4 cup of finely chopped crystallized ginger.
Can I double this recipe in the microwave?
It is generally not recommended to double microwave jam recipes as they may boil over and the cooking times will change significantly.
Do I need to peel the plums?
The recipe does not require peeling the plums; the skins usually soften and add color during the cooking process.
What should I do if the conserve is too thin after the recommended time?
You can microwave it in additional 1-2 minute increments, stirring after each, until the desired thickness is reached.
Are there any tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include plum jam, ginger conserve, microwave recipe, small batch preserves, and easy jam recipe.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor is a combination of juicy, sweet plums and zesty, spicy ginger.
Should the jars be sterilized?
Yes, you should ladle the hot conserve into sterilized jars to ensure safety and longevity.
Is this recipe considered difficult?
No, it is an easy jam recipe that uses simple ingredients and a microwave for convenience.