Greengages usually have enough pectin to ensure a good set.
Ingredients for Greengage Jam:
- 4 lbs (1.8 kgs) greengages
- 1 pint (575 ml) water
- 4 lbs (1.8 kgs) sugar
Method for Greengage Jam:
- Wash and wipe the greengages. Cut in halves.
- Put into a pan with the water and simmer gently until the fruit is soft.
- Test for pectin.
- Add the sugar, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
- Bring to the boil and boil rapidly until the jam sets when tested, removing the stones as they rise to the top.
- Remove the scum.
- Pot and seal while still hot.
Makes around 6 lbs (2.7 kgs) of jam.
General Information on Jam Making
How to Make Jam, Jellies & Marmalade
These articles cover the basic methods and rules for making jams, jellies and marmalades. Once you have mastered these, it is far easier to adapt and alter recipes for your own tastes.
The first people to record some of their methods were the Romans...
You say – test for pectin – how?
Follow the link below the recipe “Making Jam and Jelly at Home – Methods”. It’s all explained.
How many jars does one allow for this amount?
It depends on the size of the jars. It makes about 6lbs so, if you’re using 1lb jars, I’d sterilize 7 to be on the safe side.
Have just tried making jam following this but is far too sweet for me and hasn’t set properly – help.
There’s not a lot you can do about it being too sweet. You can, however, tip it back out of the jars, re-heat, add some lemon juice (this will cut through the sweetness) and then add some dried pectin (Silver Spoon, comes in a box with 3 sachets, and is available at Asda, Morrisons and some Co-ops). This should give it a better set. If you do this, don’t forget to thoroughly clean and re-sterilise the jars and discard any waxed paper circles that you have used.
um its about 9 to 11 jars!
try putting a little bit of flour in. yes, i know it sounds a bit wierd but my mum used to do it! it makes in less sweet and hardens the jam a bit! hope it helps
could you give me some advise on where to buy greengages from have tried marets and super markets
I live in Brittany France, 50m away from our house there’s about 20 greengage tree, not quite ready yet, but they wont be long then the jam making starts. Plus its all free!!!!!!
Hi, re your question where to obtain greengages. I got mine in a fruit and veg shop, as the supermarkets don`t sell them as you have said.
Good luck, I am about to make some.
Dorothy.
Morrisons Supermarket have greengages in their fresh fruit section. I hope there is a branch near you.
@nigel: you’re so lucky Nigel, I live in Grimsby so quite Northern and no one seems to sell them up here. I bought some whilst in Kent last year and they made wonderful jam.
Just found some greengages in Sainsbury’s in Lincoln, £1 a punnet. Getting the pan on now! 🙂
I found by slitting about 20 pits helped to get the pectin right.
We live in Bulgaria and have a large garden in a village. just like to say I have just made basic tomatoes ketchup as we have a glut of tomatoes. It’s so nice.
Greengages are in the shops right now, bought some in Waitrose yesterday, they have a very short season.
Made this last night but with 1lb of greengages which were given to me. No problem with setting. Looking forward to tasting it!