When you receive a large fruit hamper or when you buy a large amount of fruit due to the bargain price, you will need to take care not to let it spoil. There are a number of ways of preserving fresh fruit. Different methods suit different types of fruit and, in most cases, a good amount of the flavour and nutritional value can be preserved too. It’s handy when you want to enjoy a particular type of fruit even when it’s out of season.
One of the most popular ways to preserve fruit is by making jam. You can make jam from just about any kind of fruit or berry. Jam has a great self life and you can use your jam in a number of delicious sweet dishes. Some fruits are best left to soak in sugar overnight whereas others need to be poached before you make jam. Remember, you will need to add citric acid and pectin for best results. While cooking, you need to stir in the same direction. This helps the air escape during the cooking process.
Fruit can also be dried and this will preserve it for months. All you need to do is make sure that you select ripe fruits. They should not be damaged and you will need to crack the tough skins of some fruits like grapes and cranberries. You will need to spread them out so that they do not overlap while drying. Once they have dried out, place small portions in airtight containers. Store them away from extreme temperatures, sunlight, and moisture. If you want to make fruit leather, you need to puree the fruit, spread it out, and allow it to dry before rolling it. Store it in the fridge to keep it fresh.
To make your own fruit chutney, simply choose the fruit or fruit combination you wish to use. You will find that peaches, pears, and mango work particularly well. You should store your chutney in sealed jars in the fridge and use in your favourite dishes. Remember, chutney needs to cook slowly on a low heat and for an extended period of time.
Fruit can also be used to make various liqueurs. Cherry brandy is one delicious example. You will need alcohol, sugar, and your fruit. You will need to let the mixture stand for a few weeks so that the alcohol draws out the flavour of the fruit. Mix by turning the bottle or jar around several times. If it is too potent, you can water it down a little. As for the fruit, you can use it in various pie and cake recipes.