Step 1

First, stone the damsons with a cherry pitter.

Step 2

Rinse them well under a tap and drain.

Step 3

Place the damsons, jam sugar and water in a large saucepan or preserving pan.

Step 4

Slowly heat the contents, while stirring, letting the sugar slowly dissolve in the water and fruit juices.

Step 5

Bring to a rolling boil and maintain it for 15 minutes. During this period you’ll need to keep stirring the sauce to prevent it sticking in places and subsequently burning.

Step 6

Remove from the heat and test the jam. E.g. Take a small dollop of jam onto a cold saucer and cool.

Step 7

Push your finger from one side into the jam. If the skin has formed wrinkles, the setting point has been reached. If it hasn’t wrinkled, boil for another 2 minutes and test again. Repeat this process until the desired wrinkles form.

Step 8

Pour the jam in sterilised jars and seal with a clean lid. This recipe yields 5 x 370ml (1lb) jam jars and makes excellent foodie gifts!