Couperwife Posted August 2, 2010 Share Posted August 2, 2010 Ive hunted and I can't find any suitable answers - but can you help? we want to bottle some of the cherry plums that we have found (we have found millions - honest ) but I have no idea how to do it. i keep reading stuff about it being on the stove, but im no wiser so, do you cook the fruit first? do you chop / stone the fruit? do you add any fluid? do you add sugar? what size jars do you use? - does it matter? How do you cook it? how long do you cook it for? how long do they last when "bottled"? erm, i think ive got enough questions here - can anyone help? I would love to make full use of this amazing glut of (council planted) cherry plum fruit trees - its about time that I got something free from them rather than them taking stuff from me all the time thank you cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted August 2, 2010 Share Posted August 2, 2010 Have you got the RC Preserving book? There is quite a big section on bottling in there. Just had a look & there is a LOT of info in this book - too much for me to type out,but it says that there are 2 methods - the oven or the water bath. I guess they are cooked in the jar? Plums can be done whole or stoned It mentions hot syrup as a packing medium,and says to knock the jar to release any trapped air. It also says you can use water,alcohol,fruit juice or cordials. You will need stronger than usual jam jars (Kilners are good),sized 250ml up to 2 litre. 'Cooking' times vary - you need to see the book really,but it says halved plums simmer for 20 mins. They will keep for a year. Its a great book, I use it all the time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted August 2, 2010 Share Posted August 2, 2010 Will second that. The RC book is fantastic and I bottled loads last year. Pears, plums, apple & blackberries etc. Very easy to do as the book talks you through it. The only real expense is getting decent jars, but they last a life time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted August 2, 2010 Author Share Posted August 2, 2010 ooooh, thank you both I do have that book, ill have a look at it tonight ive just received the River Cottage Hedgerow book today too Clickity link it explains all about stuff you can eat - and its got the cherry plums in it cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
