Plum Conserve
A rich, sweet preserve combining plums, oranges, lemon, and walnuts, offering a delightful balance of tart and nutty flavors, perfect for spreading or pairing with meats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the plums and cover them with water in a large kettle.
- Cook the plums until tender, then cool.
- Remove the pits from the plums and chop the fruit.
- Add the chopped plums to a pot with sugar, grated lemon peel, slices of oranges, and lemon.
- Cook the mixture together until thick and clear.
- Add walnuts to the mixture and stir well.
- Seal the conserve in hot sterilized jars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ripe and slightly under-ripe plums. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be great substitutes. Make sure to chop the fruit evenly for consistent cooking. For added zest, incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the mixture. Always taste as you go, adjusting sweetness to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This plum conserve is delightful spread on toasted bread or paired with cheese for a savory snack. It also complements desserts like vanilla ice cream or yogurt. For an unexpected twist, try it as a topping for pancakes or waffles. It pairs beautifully with Mustard Chow Chow for a unique flavor combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store the plum conserve in sterilized jars and seal tightly. Keep it in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a month. To reheat, gently warm the conserve in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid boiling to preserve flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plum Conserve contains roughly 537 calories, with 10g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (187% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and iron (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen plums for this recipe?
Yes, frozen plums can be used, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking. This may slightly alter the texture but should still yield a delicious conserve.
How do I know when the conserve is thick enough?
The conserve is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and holds its shape. You can also do a plate test: place a spoonful on a cold plate and tilt it; if it doesn't run, it's thick enough. Remember that it will thicken more as it cools.
What can I do if my conserve is too sweet?
If your conserve turns out too sweet, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavors. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. This will enhance the tartness and help cut through the sweetness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).