Plums, those juicy, vibrant fruits, are a summer bounty. But what do you do when your plum tree has gifted you with an overwhelming harvest? Fear not! From jams and jellies to savory dishes and delightful desserts, there are countless ways to transform a glut of plums into culinary masterpieces. This guide will explore a range of options, ensuring no plum goes to waste.
Plum Preserves: Capturing Summer’s Sweetness
Preserving plums is a time-honored way to enjoy their flavor long after the season has ended. The high pectin content in plums makes them ideal for jams, jellies, and preserves. The key is to understand the principles of preserving and to follow tested recipes.
Making Plum Jam: A Classic Choice
Plum jam is a delightful spread that captures the essence of summer. To make it, you’ll need plums, sugar, lemon juice, and a large pot. The ratio of sugar to fruit is crucial for proper setting. Wash, pit, and chop the plums, then combine them with sugar and lemon juice in the pot. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches the gel point. This can be tested by placing a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving headspace. Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath to ensure long-term preservation. Remember to consult reputable sources like Ball Canning for safe canning practices.
Plum Jelly: A Crystal-Clear Delight
For a smoother, more refined product, plum jelly is an excellent choice. The process is similar to making jam, but it involves extracting the juice from the plums before adding sugar. To do this, cook the plums with water until they are soft, then strain the mixture through a jelly bag or several layers of cheesecloth. This will remove the solids, leaving you with clear plum juice. Combine the juice with sugar and lemon juice, and cook as you would for jam, testing for the gel point. The result is a shimmering, translucent jelly that is perfect on toast or scones.
Plum Butter: A Creamy Spread
Plum butter is a thick, concentrated spread made by slowly cooking plums until they break down into a smooth, buttery consistency. It requires less sugar than jam or jelly, making it a healthier option. Cook pitted and chopped plums with a small amount of water until they are soft. Then, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Add sugar and spices like cinnamon or cloves to taste, and continue to cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the plum butter thickens to your desired consistency. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
Plums in Baking: Sweet Treats Abound
Plums lend themselves beautifully to baking, adding moisture, flavor, and a touch of tartness to a variety of desserts. From simple cakes to elaborate pies, plums can elevate your baking game.
Plum Cake: A Simple and Satisfying Dessert
A plum cake is a simple yet satisfying dessert that showcases the flavor of fresh plums. There are many variations, from rustic olive oil cakes to more decadent butter cakes. A common method involves layering sliced plums over a cake batter and baking until golden brown. The plums release their juices during baking, creating a moist and flavorful cake. Dusting the plums with sugar or cinnamon before baking adds an extra touch of sweetness and spice. You can even incorporate almond flour into the batter for a nutty flavor that complements the plums perfectly.
Plum Crumble or Crisp: A Comforting Classic
Plum crumble or crisp is a comforting dessert that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The base consists of sliced plums tossed with sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of cinnamon. The topping is a mixture of flour, oats, butter, and sugar that is crumbled over the plums. As the crumble bakes, the topping becomes golden brown and crispy, while the plums soften and release their juices, creating a warm and gooey filling. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Plum Pie: A Fruity Masterpiece
Plum pie is a more elaborate dessert that requires some pastry skills, but the effort is well worth it. A flaky pie crust filled with juicy, spiced plums is a true taste of summer. The filling typically consists of sliced plums, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and a thickening agent such as cornstarch or tapioca. The pie can be topped with a lattice crust, a solid crust with vents, or a crumble topping. Baking the pie until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly ensures that the plums are cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
Savory Plum Dishes: A Surprising Twist
Plums aren’t just for sweet dishes; they can also add a unique flavor dimension to savory recipes. Their tartness and sweetness can balance rich meats and add depth to sauces and chutneys.
Plum Chutney: A Tangy Condiment
Plum chutney is a tangy and flavorful condiment that pairs well with cheese, grilled meats, and Indian dishes. It’s made by cooking plums with vinegar, sugar, spices, and other ingredients like onions, ginger, and garlic. The mixture is simmered until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. Plum chutney can be made with a variety of plums, each imparting a slightly different flavor. It’s a great way to use up plums that are slightly underripe or not perfect for eating fresh.
Plum Sauce for Meats: A Sweet and Savory Glaze
Plum sauce is a classic Asian-inspired condiment that is often used as a glaze for meats like duck, chicken, and pork. It typically contains plums, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and spices. The sauce is simmered until it thickens and becomes glossy. Plum sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor to meats, creating a delicious contrast of textures and tastes. It can be brushed onto the meat during the last few minutes of cooking or served as a dipping sauce.
Plum and Goat Cheese Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Combination
A plum and goat cheese salad is a refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the sweetness of plums with the tangy creaminess of goat cheese. The salad can be made with a variety of greens, such as arugula, spinach, or mixed greens. Sliced plums and crumbled goat cheese are added to the greens, along with other ingredients like toasted nuts, dried cranberries, or a simple vinaigrette dressing. The combination of sweet, tart, and savory flavors makes this salad a delightful and satisfying meal.
Plum Beverages: Refreshing and Flavorful Drinks
Plums can also be used to create a variety of refreshing and flavorful beverages, from simple plum juice to more elaborate plum wine and liqueurs.
Plum Juice: A Simple and Healthy Drink
Plum juice is a simple and healthy drink that can be made by juicing fresh plums. The plums can be juiced using a juicer or by blending them with water and straining the mixture through a cheesecloth. Plum juice is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for other beverages like smoothies and cocktails.
Plum Wine: A Homemade Delight
Making plum wine at home is a rewarding project that allows you to enjoy the unique flavor of plums in a fermented beverage. The process involves fermenting plums with sugar, water, and yeast. The mixture is allowed to ferment for several weeks or months, depending on the desired strength and flavor. Plum wine can be made with a variety of plums, each imparting a different flavor profile. It’s important to follow proper sanitation procedures to prevent spoilage and ensure a safe and enjoyable wine.
Plum Liqueur: A Sweet and Aromatic Infusion
Plum liqueur is a sweet and aromatic alcoholic beverage made by infusing plums in alcohol, such as vodka or brandy, along with sugar and spices. The mixture is allowed to steep for several weeks or months, allowing the alcohol to extract the flavors and aromas from the plums. Plum liqueur can be enjoyed on its own as a digestif or used in cocktails and desserts.
Freezing Plums: Preserving for Later Use
Freezing plums is a simple and effective way to preserve them for later use. Frozen plums can be used in smoothies, pies, crumbles, and other baked goods.
Preparing Plums for Freezing
To freeze plums, wash them thoroughly and remove the pits. You can freeze them whole, halved, or sliced. If freezing whole, consider making a small incision in the skin to prevent it from bursting during freezing. To prevent browning, you can dip the plums in a solution of lemon juice and water before freezing.
Freezing Methods
There are two main methods for freezing plums: individually or in a single layer. Freezing them individually prevents them from sticking together, making it easier to use only the amount you need. To do this, spread the plums on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for a few hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Alternatively, you can freeze the plums in a single layer in a freezer bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen plums can last for up to 12 months in the freezer.
Drying Plums: Creating Prunes
Drying plums is another excellent way to preserve them, creating prunes, a sweet and chewy snack. You can dry plums using a dehydrator, an oven, or even the sun.
Drying Methods
Using a dehydrator is the most efficient way to dry plums. Simply wash, pit, and halve the plums, then arrange them on the dehydrator trays. Dehydrate them at a temperature of 135°F (57°C) for 12-18 hours, or until they are leathery and pliable.
To dry plums in the oven, preheat the oven to the lowest possible temperature, usually around 170°F (77°C). Arrange the plums on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and dry them for 6-12 hours, or until they are leathery and pliable. Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
Sun-drying plums is a more traditional method that requires warm, dry weather. Wash, pit, and halve the plums, then arrange them on screens or trays covered with cheesecloth. Place the trays in direct sunlight for several days, turning the plums regularly, until they are leathery and pliable. Be sure to protect the plums from insects and animals.
Storing Prunes
Once the plums are dried, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly dried prunes can last for several months.
Plum Varieties and Their Uses
Not all plums are created equal. Different varieties have different flavors, textures, and uses.
European Plums
European plums, such as Italian plums and Stanley plums, are known for their firm flesh and sweet-tart flavor. They are excellent for drying, canning, and making plum butter.
Japanese Plums
Japanese plums, such as Santa Rosa plums and Red Beauty plums, are juicier and more tart than European plums. They are best eaten fresh or used in jams and sauces.
Damson Plums
Damson plums are small, tart plums that are often used in jams, jellies, and liqueurs. They have a distinct, slightly bitter flavor.
| Plum Variety | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Italian Plum | Sweet-tart, firm flesh | Drying, canning, plum butter |
| Santa Rosa Plum | Juicy, tart | Fresh eating, jams, sauces |
| Damson Plum | Tart, slightly bitter | Jams, jellies, liqueurs |
No matter which variety you have, with a little creativity and effort, you can transform a surplus of plums into a variety of delicious and satisfying treats. From preserves to pies, sauces to salads, the possibilities are endless. So, embrace the bounty and enjoy the taste of summer all year long!
What are some good options for preserving a large plum harvest?
Preserving plums allows you to enjoy their flavor year-round. Popular methods include making jams, jellies, and preserves, all of which capture the sweetness and tang of plums in a spreadable form. Canning whole or halved plums in syrup is another excellent choice, providing a delicious and versatile ingredient for desserts and baked goods.
Plum chutney, a savory condiment, is perfect for pairing with cheeses, meats, and curries, offering a unique twist on traditional plum flavors. You can also dehydrate plums to create prunes, a healthy and convenient snack. Experimenting with different spices and flavor combinations will allow you to create a variety of preserved plum products to suit your taste preferences.
Can plums be used in savory dishes, and if so, what are some examples?
Absolutely! Plums are not just for desserts and sweets; they can add a delightful sweet and tangy dimension to savory dishes. Their natural acidity and sweetness complement meats like pork, chicken, and duck exceptionally well. Consider making a plum sauce or glaze to brush onto roasted meats for a burst of flavor.
Plums can also be incorporated into salads for a refreshing twist. Dice them and combine with greens, nuts, and a vinaigrette for a light and flavorful salad. They can also be used in chutneys, paired with cheeses, or even added to stews and tagines to add depth and complexity. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover new ways to incorporate plums into your savory cooking.
What is the best way to store fresh plums before using them?
The best way to store fresh plums depends on their ripeness. If your plums are still firm, store them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, until they soften and ripen. Placing them in a paper bag can help accelerate the ripening process.
Once the plums are ripe, store them in the refrigerator to slow down further ripening and extend their shelf life. Place them in a plastic bag or container to prevent them from drying out. Ripe plums will typically last for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Check them regularly for any signs of spoilage.
What are some dessert ideas that showcase the flavor of plums?
Plums shine in a variety of desserts, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. A classic plum crumble or cobbler is a comforting choice, featuring juicy plums topped with a buttery, crumbly topping. Plum tarts and pies are also excellent options, showcasing the plums’ vibrant color and flavor.
For a lighter dessert, consider making a plum compote or a simple plum clafoutis, a baked custard dessert. Plums can also be used in ice cream, sorbet, and even cocktails. Explore different recipes and find your favorite way to enjoy the sweet and tart flavors of plums in a delicious dessert.
How do you remove plum pits easily?
Removing plum pits can be a bit messy, but there are a few techniques that make the process easier. For halved plums, you can use a paring knife to cut around the pit, then twist the halves to separate them. Use the tip of the knife to gently pry out the pit.
Another method is to use a cherry pitter, which can effectively remove the pits from smaller plums. If you are working with a large quantity of plums, investing in a specialized plum pitter can save you time and effort. Remember to work on a cutting board and have a bowl nearby for the pitted plums and the pits.
What are some interesting spice pairings that enhance the flavor of plums?
Plums pair beautifully with a variety of spices, adding depth and complexity to their flavor. Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic choices that complement the sweetness of plums in desserts and preserves. Ginger adds a warm and spicy note, enhancing both sweet and savory plum dishes.
Cardamom and cloves are also excellent options, adding a fragrant and aromatic touch. For a more unique flavor profile, consider pairing plums with star anise or even a pinch of black pepper. Experimenting with different spice combinations can elevate your plum dishes to the next level.
Can plums be frozen for later use, and what is the best method?
Yes, plums can be frozen for later use, allowing you to enjoy their flavor even when they are out of season. Before freezing, wash and dry the plums thoroughly. You can freeze them whole, halved, or sliced, depending on your intended use.
To prevent the plums from sticking together, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for a few hours. Once frozen solid, transfer the plums to a freezer bag or container. Frozen plums are best used within 8-12 months for optimal quality. They can be used directly from frozen in smoothies, jams, or baked goods.