New discovery this year after high yields of quince. This is a tree that is often used for rootstock for more popular fruit trees like apple and plum. I planted bare root quince trees many years ago but have only recently seen viable fruit levels in the last 2 years or so.
Its easy to find out recipes on the tinternet and I just mixed honey, sugar and a similar weight of peeled quince and boiled. You get a lemony refreshing slushy jam which hits the spot with wholemeal toast. Everything in the picture, honey and plum jam is organic apart from the sugar used. We have a very productive bee hive on site.
Easy to make plum and damson jam. I mix the same amount of sugar (or slightly less) with the fruit and boil/simmer for as long as it takes. KEY ADVICE you must keep stirring or you create a lot of work later cleaning the saucepans. The upper layer of jam acts as an insulator for the lower levels and you can't see the burning at the bottom. When you stir with a wooden spoon you can feel it sticking to the bottom and carbonising. The stirring moves the heat around evenly.
For this reason I do the jam while cooking other things (see left on photo) or I get side tracked and have to get the scrubbing brushes out later. If I'm there for other tasks I remember to stir.
Blackberries started off fruiting too small to be viable this Summer I think because of the very dry hot conditions but they have recovered splendidly. This spot is quite sunny but the ground is sheltered from direct sun and the brambles have duly delivered their annual crop.
I have grown grapes for some time but this year decided to do some juice extraction. Usually my crop is decimated by wildlife but this year there are less insects and birds to consume the small but delicious fruits. I crushed them then heated to just below full boil and stirred for about 5 mins then let them cool naturally.
The juice is sweet and delicious and if the research is to be believed has a range of health benefits. I personally don't have an issue with sugar as its a natural product of photosynthesis which lets face it is an essential part of a human diet.
Coming soon - Fungi identification and food fungi
