Middle ages method to extend plum freshness rediscovered
Plums are one of the most popular seasonal fruits. They have one small drawback—they spoil very quickly. However, there is a way to significantly extend their freshness, and this method was already used in the Middle Ages.
3:42 PM EDT, September 23, 2024
Plums are not only tasty but also healthy. These small, purple fruits are rich in valuable nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, E, B6, and K, polyphenols, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. They are also a good source of fiber, 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.
How to extend the freshness of plums?
When there was no electricity, people managed as best they could. During that time, many methods of food preservation were invented, which are still used today. The most popular method is pickling, which 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 how 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.
Do this with fresh plums. They will last until the holidays
Freezing plums is one of the most popular methods of preserving these fruits, but it has drawbacks. Thawed plums lose their texture and taste, but 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 stems of the plums in it. Immediately after dipping, wrap the fruits in straw. Store the prepared plums in a dark, cold, and dry place. They will last even until winter.
Source: Top News