Seasonal Chutneys AND PRESERVES
THE LAST OF THE SUMMER FLAVOURS ARE BEING HARVESTED, SO NOW IS THE MOMENT TO BEGIN THE PRESERVING TO ENSURE ENJOYMENT LONG INTO THE WINTER MONTHS
S
ince the beginning of human existence, civilisations have established belief systems that revolved around the Sun's significance and ability to induce life. Even now, in today’s world where the seasons
are understood to be caused by the Earth’s orbit round the sun, every one of us will openly admit to sending off a few prayers for fine weather more times than they can remember. So as autumn beckons and those prayers begin to fall on deaf ears, the last of the summer fruit and vegetable harvest can be utilised in full, taking advantage of both new and old methods of preserving to ensure that the end of the summer does not have to mean an end to the flavours we so readily associate with it. There are a whole host of different methods to
preserve your garden favourites, with almost every home-grown crop suitable to be subjected to one or more of the processes.
METHODS OF PRESERVATION CHUTNEY
The nation’s favourite. Can be made with almost and fruit or vegetable, which is cooked down to evaporate most moisture until thick. Try: Absolutely anything!
FRUIT CURD
A dessert spread usually made using the zest and juice of a citrus fruit, eggs yolks and a healthy amount of sugar. Try: Orange or Lemon
DRYING
Simple and effective. Can be done in the oven or simply in the kitchen window! Try: Chillies or herbs
JAM
Fruit is heated with sugar to activate the pectin, which acts as a natural setting agent. Try: Strawberries and blackcurrants
PICKLING
Whole fruits or vegetables used, texture and appearance is preserved. Requires salt to draw out as much moisture as possible before storing in vinegar and spices. Try: Cucumbers or onions
RUMTOPF
A german method where fruit is preserved in Rum with sugar.
Try: Any summer berry
MARMALADE
Made traditionally using Seville Oranges, it is made in a similar way to jam. Try: Adding some lemon or lime
FRUIT CHEESE
Fruit pulp and sugar are heated until thick, and make a great addition to a cheese board Try: Damson plum cheese
ICE CREAM
A wonderful way to preserve fruit using milk or cream and freezing. Easiest attempted using a machine!
Try: Rasberry or Srawberry.
38 | THE WESTCOUNTRY FOODLOVER
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