Medieval method guarantees plums remain fresh till winter

Plums are one of the most popular seasonal fruits. They do have one small drawback—they spoil quickly. However, there is a way to significantly extend their freshness, dating back to the Middle Ages.

Plums are not only tasty but also healthy. These small, purple fruits contain valuable nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E, B6, and K, polyphenols, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. They are also a source of fibre, which aids in bowel function.

The plum season starts at the end of July and ends at the beginning of October. During this time, it is worth eating plums as often as possible. How can you extend their freshness? You don't have to put them in the freezer. Try the method used in the Middle Ages.

Before electricity, people managed as best they could. During that era, many methods of food preservation were invented, and some of these methods are still used today. The most popular method is pickling. It was invented in ancient times, just like drying.

Freezing is a relatively new invention that was developed in the 1920s. The creator was Clarence Birdseye, who worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. One day, he met with the Eskimos, who taught him to fish under ice. He noticed that meat stored at such a low temperature almost instantly froze and retained all its nutritional values after thawing.

Freezing plums is one of the most popular methods of preserving these fruits, but it has drawbacks. Thawed plums lose their texture and also their taste. This can be avoided. Just try the medieval method of preserving plums.

You will need plums with stems (a mandatory condition), some melted wax, and straw. Start by melting the wax, then dip the plum stems in it. Immediately after dipping, grab some straw and wrap the fruits in it. Store the prepared plums in a dark, cold, and dry place. They will last even until winter.

Source: Top News