GARM's Thick & Seedy Plum-Apple Preserves

I had some plums I needed to use up, so I made myself a jar of preserves for the next week.

It is tart, fruity, and seedy, just the way I like my preserves. I added a hemp, chia, and flax seed mix along with honey and a few other delicious ingredients.

Honestly, the apple and the plums came from a local food bank that delivers food to our apartment complex every couple of weeks. I was blessed to receive them, and blessed to be able to turn them into something useful.

Nothing fancy. Just good food, made from what I had, with gratitude for the people who helped make it possible. #fyp #fyi #lemon8food #Lemon8 #lemon8challenge griff Kim Griffith Lala | Coffee | Candle Maker Lori O'Reilly /98531

6/3 Edited to

Making preserves at home can be a wonderfully gratifying experience, especially when you transform simple, wholesome ingredients into something delicious and nutritious. GARM's Thick & Seedy Plum-Apple Preserves incorporate a unique blend of seeds—hemp, chia, and flax—which not only adds texture but also boosts the nutritional profile with healthy omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. When I first tried making seedy preserves, I was surprised by how well the combination of tart plums and sweet apples worked together to create a balanced flavor. Adding a pinch of warming spices such as cinnamon and a whisper of clove, as GARM suggests, elevates the jam with subtle fragrant notes that complement the fruit beautifully. The use of natural sweeteners like honey also ensures that the preserves have a gentle sweetness without overpowering the fruit’s natural tartness. A tip for making these preserves thicker and more luscious is to use fruit pectin, which helps the jam set while maintaining a rich, chunky texture. Stirring occasionally during cooking and breaking down larger fruit pieces gradually helps achieve that perfect consistency. One aspect I really appreciate about GARM’s method is the mindful approach to using rescued fruits. It reminds us that making preserves is not only about flavor but also about valuing every piece of fruit and reducing food waste. Receiving fresh produce from food banks or local community programs can be a wonderful source for canning ingredients, allowing you to create tasty preserves while supporting sustainability. Lastly, I encourage experimenting with citrus elements like diced lemon peel and key lime juice, as they add bright acidity to balance the sweetness and deepen the fruit flavor. Refrigerate the preserves after opening to enjoy the fresh taste for weeks. Whether you’re an experienced canner or trying preserves for the first time, GARM’s recipe provides a great foundation to create your own version of thick, seedy plum-apple jam infused with wholesome seeds and natural sweetness.