Hey, Lykkers! Ready to embark on a fun culinary adventure? If you love unique snacks that play with your taste buds, you’re in for a treat! Have you ever tried pickled sweet green plums? They’re the perfect blend of sweet, sour, and tangy—just the thing to spice up your snack game.
Trust us, once you try them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner. Not only are they delicious, but making them at home is super easy and fun! So, let’s dive into this exciting recipe and bring some zing to your kitchen!
Fun Fact:
Did you know that plums have been enjoyed for over 2,000 years, and they’re believed to have originated in China? Pickling them is a fun way to preserve their tangy goodness, and the unique flavors are a real crowd-pleaser!
What You’ll Need?:
• 500g of green plums (unripe plums work best for that firm, tart texture)
• 1 cup of sugar (adjust to your sweetness level!) (200 gr)
• 2 cups of water (500 gr)
• 1/2 cup of rice vinegar (apple cider vinegar works great too) (250 gr)
• 2 tablespoons of salt
• 2-3 slices of ginger (for a little zing)
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional for extra spice)
• 2 cloves (optional for depth)
• 1 small chili (optional for a spicy kick)
Steps to Make Pickled Sweet Green Plums:
1. Prepare the Plums
Start by giving your plums a good wash. After that, make a small incision at the top of each plum. This little cut helps the brine soak into the fruit, giving you that perfect balance of flavor. You can also remove the pits, but if you want to keep things classic, leave them in!
2. Prepare the Brine
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, salt, water, and vinegar, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to make sure the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Then, add the ginger, cinnamon stick, cloves, and chili. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes so all the flavors can blend together.
3. Pack the Jars
While your brine cools down, pack the plums tightly into sterilized glass jars. Don’t crush them—just make sure they fit snugly! You can also toss in a few more slices of ginger or a cinnamon stick if you love those flavors.
4. Pour the Brine
Once the brine is cool enough to handle, pour it over the plums, making sure they’re completely submerged. You can press them down gently with a spoon if needed. If you need more liquid to cover them, just add a little more vinegar or water.
5. Seal and Let Sit
Now, close the jars tightly and store them in a cool, dark place. Let them sit for 2-3 weeks to allow the plums to soak up all the flavors. The longer you wait, the more intense the flavor becomes. If you can wait a month, the plums will be even more flavorful!
6. Enjoy!
Once they’re ready, it’s time to dig in! Enjoy your pickled plums as a snack, a side dish with grilled meats, or even in a salad for a sweet and sour twist. They’ll definitely become your new favorite snack to share with friends!
Fun Fact:
In some parts of the world, pickled plums are used to fight off fatigue and are even considered a good luck charm. So, not only are you making a delicious treat, but you’re tapping into centuries-old tradition!
Tips and Variations:
Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar to suit your preference. Want it sweeter? Add more sugar. Prefer a tart punch? Cut back on it.
Spices Galore: Feel free to experiment with other spices like star anise, black peppercorns, or even a dash of turmeric for a unique twist!
Long Shelf Life: These plums will last for months in the fridge. If you’re not finishing them right away, no worries—they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to six months!
Making pickled sweet green plums is one of the easiest, most rewarding ways to spice up your kitchen and indulge in a treat that’s a little out of the ordinary. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a snack that’s both sweet and tangy, with just the right amount of kick. So, what are you waiting for? Grab those plums, and let the pickling begin!
