The magic of fruit pickles
Fruit pickles are a wonderful and nutritious option that mixes the natural sweetness of fruits with the refreshing acidity of vinegar. This preserving method not only extends the shelf life of the fruit, but also creates a distinctive flavor profile that can make any dish pop. In this article, we will learn how to make fruit pickles and share some interesting recipes to taste them.
Essential steps to prepare fruit pickles
Ingredients needed:
– Fresh fruits (you can choose between apples, pears, peaches, strawberries, among others).
– Different types of vinegar (such as white, apple cider or wine vinegar).
– Sugar.
– Agua.
– Sal.
– Spices (such as cinnamon, cloves, star anise, ginger, etc.).
Preparing the fruit
The first step is to clean and, if necessary, peel the fruit. It is advisable to cut the fruits into similar sized pieces to achieve uniform pickling. Next, we move on to creating the brine, where equal amounts of vinegar and water are combined, then adding sugar and salt to taste (an estimate is to use about one cup of sugar and one tablespoon of salt for every two cups of liquid). . The desired spices are incorporated to give a special touch. Then, bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Packaging and storage
To package, place the prepared fruit in previously sterilized glass jars. The hot brine is then poured over the fruit, making sure it is completely submerged. The jars must be closed tightly. Allow the jars to cool to room temperature before storing them in the refrigerator. Generally, fruit pickles require a minimum of 24 hours for their flavor to develop, although it is preferable to wait up to a week for maximum flavor.
Tasty fruit pickle recipes
Strawberry and Basil Pickles
– Ingredients: fresh strawberries, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and fresh basil leaves.
– Preparation: follow the basic pickling process using strawberries, adding basil to the brine. It is a delicious accompaniment to summer salads or fresh cheeses.
Cinnamon Apple Pickles
– Ingredients: apples, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon sticks.
– Preparation: use the apples and add the cinnamon to the brine. This pickle pairs magnificently with roast pork dishes or as part of a charcuterie board.
Peach and Ginger Pickles
– Ingredients: peaches, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt and pieces of fresh ginger.
– Preparation: prepare the pickle using peaches, adding ginger to the brine. This pickle is perfect to accompany grilled meats or as a special addition to salads.
Pear and star anise pickles
– Ingredients: pears, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt and star anise.
– Preparation: Use pears and add star anise to the brine mixture. These pickles are enjoyed with aged cheeses or as part of a special dessert.
Conclusion on enjoying fruit pickles
Pickled fruit is a delicious and nutritious way to preserve fresh fruit throughout the year. With its balance of sweet and sour, these pickles can turn simple dishes into surprising delights for the palate. Whether you use them in salads, meats, cheeses or as part of a dessert, the possibilities are endless and full of flavor.
