Homemade dried plums

Dried plums, or prunes, are a popular, affordable and beloved delicacy by many. It not only tastes good, but is also famous for its many health benefits. It is easy to purchase in a store or market in ready-made form, but in the production of dried plums in industrial conditions, chemicals that are unsafe for human health are often used. An excellent alternative to a store-bought product is prunes prepared at home, especially since it is not at all difficult to make. The main thing is to correctly select the fruits that are suitable for drying or drying, and also decide on the recipe, since there are many options.

Benefits of dried plums

The range of useful qualities that this product has is very wide:

• dried plums in an easily digestible form contain many microelements (potassium, calcium, iron, sodium, iodine, phosphorus, chromium, fluorine), vitamins (C, A, E, P, PP), substances necessary for the human body (fiber, pectin , fructose, organic acids, proteins);
• it improves the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, improves digestion and stimulates appetite;
• dried plum has a mild laxative effect and helps normalize metabolism;
• it has a beneficial effect on the functioning of blood vessels, clearing them of cholesterol plaques, and reduces blood pressure in hypertension;
• antioxidants in dried plums improve blood circulation, helping with anemia;
• it removes excess fluid and salts from the body, eliminating swelling;
• dried plum fights pathogenic bacteria in the body, reducing the number of E. coli, staphylococcus, and salmonella;
• with regular use, it strengthens bone tissue, preventing osteoporosis;
• dried plum is indispensable for vitamin deficiency, decreased performance and loss of strength;
• it is considered an excellent natural antidepressant.

There are very few contraindications for eating prunes, but they do exist. It is undesirable to indulge uncontrollably in dried plums:

• people suffering from obesity;
• having problems with kidney stones;
• patients with diabetes mellitus;
• breastfeeding mothers.

How to dry plums at home

In order for homemade prunes to turn out perfectly, it is important to know which varieties of plums are best dried, and how to properly prepare them beforehand.

What kind of plum can be dried?

It is generally accepted that dried plums are best obtained from Hungarian plums (varieties Donetskaya, Kubanskaya, Belorusskaya, Italianskaya, Moskovskaya, etc.) due to the optimal content of sugars and pectin in the fruit. However, other plums can be dried perfectly:

• Kyustendil blue;
• reklody;
• cherry plum

Fruits that are sure to make excellent prunes are selected according to the following criteria:

• well-ripened - ideally, weighing about 30–40 g, with a medium-sized seed;
• hard, dense to the touch, beautiful, without rot or damage;
• high content of dry matter in the pulp (17% or more);
• sweet (at least 12% sugar), with a slightly pronounced “sourness”.

Preparing plums for drying

Plums that are supposed to be dried must be fresh - after being collected from the tree, they should not be stored for more than 1 day.

First you need to prepare them:

• sort by size to dry similar fruits together;
• remove stalks and leaves;
• wash well under running water and dry using paper towels;
• cut in half and remove the pits (if you plan to prepare prunes without them, small fruits are usually better dried whole).

How to dry plums correctly

High-quality dried plums can be obtained at home in various ways - all you have to do is choose the most preferable and convenient one for yourself.

Drying drains in an electric dryer

This option is reminiscent of industrial drying of fruits using the “fire” method - by heat treatment in special chambers - but adapted for home cooking. The “advantage” of this technology is that plums can be dried very quickly – within a few hours.

Before drying, the prepared fruits are blanched - dipped in boiling water for about half a minute with the addition of baking soda (about 15 g per 1 liter). They are then washed in cold water and allowed to dry.

After this, the fruits are laid out in one row on electric dryer trays. Next, the dried plums are prepared in three stages. After each of them, the trays with fruits are removed from the unit and cooled to room temperature:

How to dry plums in the oven

To prepare dried plums yourself, you can also use the oven at home. In this case, the fruits will have to dry for about 2 days.

To begin with, as in the previous recipe, the fruits need to be blanched in boiling water with soda, rinsed and dried.

Line the oven trays with baking parchment and place the fruits on it (if these are halves, then place them cut side up).

Next, you need to place the plums in a preheated oven. They also have to be dried in several stages:

How to dry plums in the sun

The method of preparing dried plums in the sun and fresh air is certainly accessible and simple. However, it takes a long time (from 7 to 10 days) and requires good weather.

Pre-prepared fruits are laid out in wooden boxes or on racks and taken out to dry in the open air under the sun's rays, where they are left for the whole day. In the evening, the containers are hidden indoors and again exposed to the sun the next morning - after the dew has disappeared. As a rule, these steps need to be repeated for 4 to 6 days. Then the fruits should be dried in the shade for another 3-4 days.

How to dry plums in the microwave

A microwave oven allows you to dry plums using the “express method” - literally in a few minutes. But at the same time, it is necessary to control the process very carefully, otherwise the output may turn out to be coals instead of prunes. In addition, drying fruits in large portions will not work.

Place the pitted plum halves, cut side up, on a flat, microwave-safe plate. Place paper towels at the bottom of the container and on top of the fruit slices.

First, place the plate with fruits in the microwave for 2 minutes. Next, you need to set the timer to the very minimum (10–20 seconds) and constantly check the product until it is ready, preventing it from burning.

Dried plums, prepared correctly, feel soft and elastic to the touch; when pressed, no juice will come out of them.

How to dry plums at home in an air fryer

You can also cook dried plums in an air fryer. It turns out dense, beautiful to look at, with a slight smoked aroma. The disadvantage of this method is the relatively small yield of the finished product (1 kg of fruit yields only about 200 g of dried plum).

The prepared fruits are placed in the air fryer on several levels. They should be dried at a temperature of 65 degrees. The device is turned on for 40 minutes, then the fruit is left to cool for an hour. Such actions are performed 2-3 times, after which the dried plum is laid out on paper and allowed to “rest”. The next day the procedure is repeated.

How to dry yellow plums

Yellow plum varieties are often called “honey” plums for the sweet taste of their tender, juicy pulp. It can also be dried using the rules and technologies described above.

Many varieties of cherry plum are also distinguished by their yellow outer skin. It is recommended to dry this fruit using the same methods that are suitable for ordinary plums.The finished product has a sour taste and a brown or brownish color. Compared to regular dried plums, it is somewhat tougher.

How to store dried plums

It is recommended to store dried plums in a dark, dry and cool place. Fabric bags, wooden or cardboard boxes, and paper bags are ideal containers.

It is also possible to store dried plums in glass jars, but in this case it is better to keep them in the refrigerator.

The shelf life of homemade prunes prepared according to all the rules is 1 year.

Plum, dried plum at home

Drying is another interesting and inexpensive option for harvesting plums for future use during the fall and winter. Dried plums differ from traditional dried plums in that they are not kept for as long and at lower temperatures, as well as by some additional preparation of the fruit before cooking. There are even more recipes for dried plums than there are ways to dry them.

Dried plums in the oven

The easiest way is to wither the fruits in the oven without any special frills. The result can be a wonderful addition to meat and fish dishes, a savory salad ingredient, or an excellent addition to savory baked goods.

You should take:

• 0.5 kg of well-ripened plums (any variety is suitable);
• a little olive oil;
• a little salt;
• dry fragrant herbs.

Preparation:

1. Cut the fruit into halves, remove the seeds.
2. Line a baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper. Place fruit halves in dense rows (cut side up), add salt and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Preheat the oven to 80–90 degrees. Place the tray with the fruit slices on the top level and dry for about 45–50 minutes, with the door slightly open.
4. Close the oven, turn off the heat and wait a few hours for the slices to cool completely.
5. Sprinkle them with a mixture of fragrant herbs and repeat the steps described in steps 3 and 4 again.
6. Transfer the finished product into a glass jar, add olive oil and place in the refrigerator for storage.

Plum dried with garlic

A few cloves of garlic will add a piquant pungency to the taste of dried plums.

You should take:

• about 1.2 kg plums;
• 5 tbsp each olive and vegetable oil;
• 5–7 cloves of garlic;
• 2 pinches of coarse salt (table or sea salt);
• 2.5 tsp. dry aromatic herbs.

Preparation:

1. Place halves of washed and pitted fruits, cut side up, on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Sprinkle with a mixture of salt and herbs.
2. Place the baking sheet in the oven preheated to 100 degrees. Dry with the door slightly open for 2 to 3 hours, carefully monitoring the process so that the fruit does not burn.
3. Place some thinly sliced ​​garlic on the bottom of a sterilized, dry glass jar, then add halves of dried plums, then sprinkle with herbs. Repeat layers until the container is full.
4. Add a mixture of sunflower and olive oils to the jar so that the fruits are completely covered. Close the lid and put it in the refrigerator.

Dried plums in an electric dryer

Dried plums cooked in an electric dryer are very tasty. This device can maintain a constant temperature for a long time, which allows you to dry fruit slices completely and evenly, without leaving them too juicy in the middle.

You should take:

• 1.5 kg plums;
• 0.1 liters of vegetable oil (preferably olive);
• about 15 g salt;
• 2 heads of garlic;
• 1 pod of hot red pepper;
• 1 tbsp. mixtures of dry herbs (basil, parsley).

Preparation:

1. Cut the washed fruits in half, remove the seeds and place cut side up on a wide plate or cutting board.
2. On each of the slices put a thin slice of garlic and a small amount of finely chopped hot pepper, add salt and sprinkle with herbs.
3. Carefully transfer the slices to the tray of an electric dryer. Dry for about 20 hours on medium heat.
4. Place the finished product in a glass container, add vegetable oil and store in the cold.

Sweet dried plums in the oven

Dried plums can be not only sour, sharp or spicy. An excellent result will also be obtained if you cook them with the addition of granulated sugar.

You should take:

• 1 kg of plum fruits;
• 100 g sugar.

Preparation:

1. Wash the fruits, cut them in half and remove the seeds.
2. Place the slices in a saucepan, cover with sugar and place pressure on top.Place in a cool place for several hours until the juice releases.
3. The resulting juice should be drained, and the fruit slices should be placed on a baking sheet (after having spread a sheet of parchment paper on it).
4. Place in the oven preheated to 65 degrees. Dry until the surface of the fruit “sticks” on top (the pulp inside should remain elastic).

A method for preparing sweet dried plums in the oven, similar to the one presented above, is very clearly shown in the video:

Plum dried in syrup

You can also wilt plums in the oven after soaking them in sweet syrup - you will get another original delicacy that children will undoubtedly appreciate. However, the taste of healthy “sweets” made from natural products will certainly not leave even adult sweet tooth lovers indifferent.

You should take:

• 1 kg of ripe and sweet plums;
• 700 g sugar.

Preparation:

1. Cover seedless fruits, cut into halves, with sugar (400 g) and leave for about a day.
2. Drain the resulting juice.
3. Boil syrup from 1 cup (250 ml) water and remaining sugar. Pour over the fruit halves and let stand for about 10 minutes.
4. Place the slices in a colander, then place on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
5. Place the plums in an oven heated to 100 degrees. Dry for 1 hour, then let cool. Repeat until desired degree of drying is achieved.

Dried plums: a recipe from Italian chefs

The recipe for spiced dried plums in oil was once born in Italy.The combination of honey and aromatic herbs gives a special “note” to the characteristic sweet and sour taste of this snack.

You should take:

• approximately 1.2 kg of hard plums;
• 1 tbsp. honey (liquid);
• 80 ml olive oil;
• 50 ml vegetable (sunflower) oil;
• 4–5 cloves of garlic;
• a pinch of sea salt;
• a mixture of dried Mediterranean herbs.

Preparation:

1. Cut the fruit, pitted, into quarters and place, flesh side up, on a baking sheet lined with baking paper or foil, lightly greased.
2. In a small container, mix vegetable oil and honey.
3. Pour the mixture over the fruit slices, sprinkle with herbs, and lightly salt.
4. Place the baking sheet in the oven (preheat it to 110–120 degrees). Dry for 2-3 hours until the desired degree of softness of the fruit.
5. Fill a glass container, alternating layers: prepared fruits, thinly chopped garlic, herbs. Pour hot olive oil.
6. After cooling, place the snack on the refrigerator shelf.

How to dry plums in a slow cooker

To prepare dried plums in a slow cooker, you will need a wire rack that allows you to steam them.

You should take:

• 1 kg plum;
• 1 tbsp. olive oil;
• 1 tsp each sea ​​salt and dry herbs.

Preparation:

1. The fruits must be washed and cut into slices, removing the seeds.
2. Place a circle of parchment on the bottom of the multicooker bowl and lay out half of the prepared slices. Sprinkle with salt and herbs, drizzle with oil.
3. Install a grille into the appliance. Place the remaining slices on it. Add salt, sprinkle with herbs, sprinkle with remaining oil.
4. Open the multicooker valve. Close the lid of the device tightly and set the “Baking” mode for 1 hour.
5. When the time is up, try the product. If you need to dry the plums a little more to the desired degree of doneness, extend the cooking time by a quarter of an hour.

How to dry plums with cinnamon and cloves at home

An unusual version of a very sweet and fragrant dried plum preparation can be obtained if you add cloves and cinnamon powder as spices, and use liquid honey as a filling.

You should take:

• 1 kg plum;
• 0.3 l honey (liquid);
• 1 tsp each (without top) ground cinnamon and cloves.

Preparation:

1. Place seedless fruits, cut into slices, in a deep container, sprinkle with a mixture of cloves and cinnamon. To stir thoroughly.
2. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Dry in the oven at 110 degrees for approximately 2.5 hours.
3. Place the finished product in a jar, fill it to the top with liquid honey and roll up the lid.

Terms and conditions of storage of dried plums

To ensure that dried plums prepared for future use do not spoil, you need to know how to store them correctly:

• spiced plums doused in olive oil or honey (an excellent preservative) can be stored in a tightly closed container on the refrigerator shelf for 1 year;
• It is recommended to keep sweet dried fruits (without filling) in airtight containers, after sprinkling the slices with granulated sugar or powder.

Conclusion

Dried plums are an excellent option for preparing this product at home for future use. Its preparation does not require large investments of money or labor - even a novice housewife can cope with it without problems. There are many recommendations on how to dry or dry plums. It can be sour, sweet or spicy, and can be successfully served as an independent dish or used as an additional ingredient in culinary recipes.It’s enough to try cooking plums once using one of the proposed methods - and you’ll probably want to continue experimenting with them in the kitchen.

Recommended Posts

How to dry hawthorn

How to dry barberry at home

How to dry blueberries

Dried mulberries: beneficial properties

Dried figs: benefits and harms

Dried bird cherry: how to use it, what it helps with

What is a dried peach called?

Dried kumquat: beneficial properties and contraindications

The benefits and harms of dried papaya