Make delicious homemade Canned Plum Juice with fresh plums—no preservatives or unnecessary chemicals. This easy plum juice recipe is simple to make, store, and enjoy year-round.
I grew up watching my mom and grandmother can fresh fruits and vegetables, and their traditional methods inspired me to continue the tradition. This easy canned plum juice recipe has been passed down through generations and has been a favorite in my family for decades.
Made with just a few simple ingredients, homemade plum juice is vibrant, refreshing, and perfect for enjoying year-round. Use red or yellow plums depending on your preferred flavor, then dilute the juice to your desired sweetness and enjoy!
Table of Contents
- What is Canned Plum Juice?
- Why You’ll Love This Canned Plum Juice
- What You Need to Make Plum Juice at Home
- How to Make Canned Plum Juice (Step-by-Step)
- Tips for Making the Best Canned Plum Juice Ever
- Serving Suggestions for Canned Plum Juice
- Recipe Variation Ideas for Canned Plum Juice
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftover Canned Plum Juice
- Recipe
- Printable Card
What is Canned Plum Juice?
Canned plum juice is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the fresh, sweet-tart flavor of plums year-round. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, homemade plum juice makes a refreshing drink that can also be used in smoothies and other beverages.
The best part? This easy plum juice recipe uses simple ingredients and homemade canning methods, with no unnecessary preservatives or additives. It’s a flavorful, refreshing drink the whole family can enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Canned Plum Juice
- Easy to make: A simple recipe with straightforward steps.
- Versatile: Enjoy it on its own or use it in smoothies and mixed drinks.
- Delicious: Naturally sweet and tangy with the perfect plum flavor.
- Crowd-pleaser: A refreshing homemade drink everyone can enjoy.
- Nutrient-rich: Plums provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Homemade: Freshly canned plum juice lets you enjoy homemade flavor without unnecessary additives.
What You Need to Make Plum Juice at Home
All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this canned plum juice recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:
- Plums: We will need some plums. I've personally used Damson plums to make this recipe. They will provide a tart and juicy flavor, adding a burst of fruity goodness to your dish.
- Cold water: We will also need some cold water, which will help in creating a refreshing and hydrating base for our delicious juice.
- Sugar: Next, we will need some sugar. It will sweeten the plums and help to balance out their tartness, resulting in a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor.
- Canning jars: We will need some canning jars as well, in particular 7 wide-mouth quart-size (946 ml or 1 L). They will allow us to preserve and store the plum creation for future enjoyment, making sure that it stays delicious and fresh.
- Stove-top Waterbath Canner Pot: We will also need a stove-top water bath canner pot. It will provide a controlled and even heat distribution, allowing the plums to cook and preserve perfectly.
How to Make Canned Plum Juice (Step-by-Step)
Making this incredible canned plum juice is easier than you think. Here's how to make it at home step by step:
Begin by rinsing the plums and setting them aside.
Prepare the syrup by adding sugar to a medium pot along with water.
Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil, making sure that all the sugar granules dissolve. Once it reaches a boil, remove it from heat and set it aside to cool.
Now, it is time to pack the plums into jars. Try to pack them in as tightly as possible to maximize space. Once the jars are packed, pour the cooled syrup into each jar, filling them to the top.
Place 3 or 4 jars into a stove-top water bath canner pot, depending on the size of your canner. Fill the pot with cold water until the jars are submerged about ¾ of the way.
Bring the water in the canning pot to a boil. You will know it is boiling when you see bubbles floating from the bottom to the top of the jars. Let the water in the canning pot boil for approximately 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, use your bare hands to screw the lids tightly onto the jars. Make sure they are screwed on properly and not sideways. Be cautious of the hot jars to avoid burning your hands.
Once the lids are secured, use canning gloves or a canning utensil to carefully remove the jars from the pot. Flip each jar upside down and allow them to cool in this position. It is recommended to leave them overnight in this position to guarantee a proper seal.
Drain the water from the canning pot and repeat the same process with the remaining jars of plums.
Your delicious Plum Juice is ready!
Click HERE to download and print Canned Plums Jar Labels for FREE on THIS printable label paper.
Tips for Making the Best Canned Plum Juice Ever
Choose ripe plums: When selecting plums for this recipe, choose ones that are ripe but not overly soft. Ripe plums will have a sweet and juicy flavor that will enhance the taste of the juice.
Wash plums thoroughly: Before using the plums, make sure to wash them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. This will help in making sure that the juice is clean and safe to consume.
Chill before serving: For the best flavor and refreshment, chill the plum juice in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the juice to become cold and refreshing.
Serving Suggestions for Canned Plum Juice
- Enjoy the canned plum juice on its own as a refreshing and hydrating beverage. Serve it chilled with ice cubes for a cooling effect on hot summer days.
- Mix the plum juice with sparkling water or soda for a fizzy and fruity drink. Add a slice of lemon or lime for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Use the plum juice as a base for cocktails. Combine it with vodka, gin, or rum for a fruity twist on classic drinks like a plum mojito or plum martini.
- Create a plum-infused smoothie by blending the canned plum juice with fresh or frozen fruits like bananas, berries, and mangoes. Add a spoonful of yogurt or a splash of milk for a creamier texture.
- Incorporate the plum juice into your cooking by using it as a marinade for meats like chicken or pork. The natural sweetness of the plums will add a delicious flavor to your dishes.
Recipe Variation Ideas for Canned Plum Juice
This delicious canned plum juice recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:
Spiced: Add a cinnamon stick and a few cloves to the recipe to give plum juice a warm and spicy flavor. Simmer the spices with the plums and water, then strain before serving.
Ginger: Add a few slices of fresh ginger to the plum juice for a zesty and refreshing twist. Simmer the ginger with the plums and water, then strain and serve chilled.
Mint: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the plum juice for a cool and refreshing flavor. Blend the mint leaves with the plums and water, then strain and serve over ice.
Lemon: Add the juice of a lemon to plum juice for an amazing citrusy taste. Squeeze the lemon juice into the plum mixture before simmering, then strain and serve chilled.
Honey: Add a tablespoon of honey to the plum juice for a touch of sweetness. Simply stir honey into the plum mixture after straining, then serve over ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make canned plum juice?
The process of making canned plum juice can take 45 minutes, depending on how many plums you are using and the equipment you have available.
Can I use any type of plums for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of plums for this recipe. However, keep in mind that different varieties of plums may result in slightly different flavors and colors of the juice.
Do I need to peel the plums before juicing them?
It is not necessary to peel the plums before juicing them. The skins of the plums contain valuable nutrients and add flavor to the juice. However, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel the plums before juicing.
How to Store Leftover Canned Plum Juice
You can store your properly canned plum juice for up to 1 year if stored unopened in a cool, dark place like the pantry or the refrigerator.
Once you open the can, refrigerate it and make sure to consume it within 5 to 7 days. It tastes delicious as is or with some of the delicious variations and serving suggestions I’ve mentioned above.
Recipe
Printable Card
Canned Plum Juice Recipe
Ingredients
For Plum Juice
- 8 lbs. – Damson plums
- 11 cups – cold water
- 3 cups - sugar
- 7 wide mouth quart size – canning jars
- Stove Top Waterbath Canner pot
Instructions
How to Make Canned Plum Juice
- Begin by rinsing the plums and setting them aside.
- Prepare the syrup by adding sugar to a medium pot along with water.
- Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil, making sure that all the sugar granules dissolve. Once it reaches a boil, remove it from heat and set it aside to cool.
- Now, it is time to pack the plums into jars. Try to pack them in as tightly as possible to maximize space. Once the jars are packed, pour the cooled syrup into each jar, filling them to the top.
- Place 3 or 4 jars into a stove-top water bath canner pot, depending on the size of your canner. Fill the pot with cold water until the jars are submerged about ¾ of the way.
- Bring the water in the canning pot to a boil. You will know it is boiling when you see bubbles floating from the bottom to the top of the jars. Let the water in the canning pot boil for approximately 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, use your bare hands to screw the lids tightly onto the jars. Make sure they are screwed on properly and not sideways. Be cautious of the hot jars to avoid burning your hands.
- Once the lids are secured, use canning gloves or a canning utensil to carefully remove the jars from the pot. Flip each jar upside down and allow them to cool in this position. It is recommended to leave them overnight in this position to guarantee a proper seal.
- Drain the water from the canning pot and repeat the same process with the remaining jars of plums.
- Your delicious Plum Juice is ready!
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Would I be able to do this with strawberries instead of plums
Absolutely! Thanks for asking!
My wife made a number of jars of juice using your recipe. Is there a recommended number of days that you should let the jars sit on the shelf before consuming them? In other words, does taste improve over time?
Give at least a couple of weeks before opening a jar that way the plums have plenty of time to release its flavor. Thank you very much for trying out my recipe. Yes, the taste will improve (say the juice will taste much better if you open the jar after 2 weeks of canning compare if you were to open it the next day). I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
I wanted to let you know that the plum juice turned out great. We are down to our last three jars and are hoping to get a bigger plum crop next year so we can make more juice. I discovered that "cutting" the juice 50/50 with diet sprite or 7-up makes a good "sipping" drink. We generally have a bigger raspberry crop than we know what to do with so might experiment making raspberry juice next year. Thanks for the great juice recipe!
Hello,
Wondering if you can make plum juice without sugar OR with an alternative like honey?
Kind regards,
I'm sorry, but I have not tried it. Sugar is important to make syrup. Try using organic sugar or use a little less of it. Let me know how it goes?
Hello, what do you do with the plums?
Enjoy eating them 😉