Michigan State University Extension
Preserving Food Safely - 01600415
10/13/97
GUIDE 2:23-24 PLUMS--HALVED OR WHOLE
QUANTITY: An average of 14 pounds is needed per canner load of 7 quarts; an average of 9 pounds is needed per canner load of 9 pints. A bushel weighs 56 pounds and yields 22 to 36 quarts -- an average of 2 pounds per quart.
QUALITY: Select deep-colored, mature fruit of ideal quality for eating fresh or cooking. Plums may be packed in water or syrup.
PROCEDURE: Stem and wash plums. To can whole, prick skins on two sides of plums with fork to prevent splitting. Freestone varieties may be halved and pitted. If you use syrup, prepare very light, light, or medium syrup according to directions. (see syrup)
Hot pack -- Add plums to water or hot syrup and boil 2 minutes. Cover saucepan and let stand 20 to 30 minutes. Fill jars with hot plums and cooking liquid or syrup, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
Raw pack -- Fill jars with raw plums, packing firmly. Add hot water or syrup, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
Adjust lids and process.
Recommended process time for PLUMS, HALVED OR WHOLE in a boiling-water canner
Process Time at Altitudes of
Style Jar 0- 1,001- 3,001- Above of Pack Size 1,000 ft 3,000 ft 6,000 ft 6,000 ft
Hot Pints 20 min 25 30 35 and Raw Quarts 25 30 35 40
Processing directions for canning plums in a dial- or weighted-gauge canner are given under acidic foods process times.