Plums preserved in sugar

Sugar Preserved Plums – A Sweet Winter Delicacy

If you are looking for a simple yet delicious recipe for preserving fruits, sugar preserved plums are an excellent choice. Not only do they add a touch of sweetness to your favorite desserts, but they are also a great way to keep the taste of summer throughout the year. So, let’s venture into the world of preserves with this easy-to-follow recipe!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Conservation time: 30 minutes (boiling)
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 4 jars of 500 ml

Ingredients:
- 2 kg fresh plums (choose ripe but firm plums)
- 15 tablespoons of sugar (preferably granulated sugar)
- 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Plums:
Start by washing the plums thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure they are clean to remove any impurities. After washing, cut the plums in half and carefully remove the pit. This step is essential to avoid any discomfort when consuming, and it also allows the sugar to penetrate the flesh better.

2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the pitted plums with the 15 tablespoons of sugar and the 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. The lemon juice not only helps preserve the color of the plums but also adds a note of acidity that balances the sweetness of the sugar. Mix well until the sugar starts to dissolve and the plums become sticky.

3. Filling the Jars:
Prepare the jars by washing them with hot water and sterilizing them to avoid any contamination risks. Fill each jar with the plum mixture, leaving a small space at the top (about 2 cm) for expansion during boiling. Cover the jars with lids, but do not tighten them completely.

4. Boiling:
Place the jars in a large pot of water (make sure they are completely covered) and bring the water to a boil. Boil the jars for 30 minutes to ensure proper preservation. This step is crucial – boiling will create a vacuum that keeps the plums fresh and flavorful.

5. Cooling and Storing:
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the jars from the water and place them on a thick towel or blanket. Cover them to cool slowly. This will help form the vacuum. Allow the jars to cool completely, then store them in a dark, cool place, such as a pantry.

Practical Tips:
- Choose quality plums: Ripe but firm plums are essential for making delicious preserves. Check that they are not too soft or damaged.
- Experiment with flavors: You can add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves to the jars for an extra flavor boost.
- Check the seal: Once the jars have cooled, ensure that the lids are sealed. If a lid does not make a "pop" sound when pressed, consume that jar immediately.

Nutritional Benefits:
Plums are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants, and are low in calories. This makes them an excellent choice for desserts, providing not only sweetness but also health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dried plums instead of fresh plums?
Ideally, fresh plums are preferred, but if you don’t have access to them, dried plums can be an alternative, keeping in mind that they will behave differently in the preservation process.
- How can I use preserved plums?
Sugar preserved plums are excellent for use in cakes, pies, or even served as a topping for yogurt or pancakes.

Serving Suggestion:
Serve the sugar preserved plums alongside vanilla ice cream or as a filling for a cheesecake. The flavors complement each other perfectly and are sure to impress anyone who tastes them.

Possible Variations:
- You can add some chopped nuts to the plum mixture for a crunchy texture.
- Experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or coconut sugar, for a different flavor.

Sugar preserved plums are a classic recipe that brings a piece of summer into every winter. Not only will they delight your taste buds, but also those of your loved ones. So don’t hesitate! Gather your ingredients and start making these delicious preserves today!