A step-by-step recipe for preparing cherry plums as olives for the winter

Olives are considered a tasty and expensive product, so not everyone can afford them. A great alternative is to preserve cherry plums like olives for the winter; the recipe is quite simple and requires little effort. The final result will be a pleasant surprise, as the taste of the snack will be as close to olives as possible.

The intricacies of harvesting cherry plums, like olives for the winter

Before you start preparing the snack, you should familiarize yourself with the following important points:

1. Only whole, well-washed fruits should be marinated.
2. It is better to use cherry plum of one variety, as it looks more presentable.
3. Give preference to firm, juicy fruits; overripe and unripe fruits should be avoided.
4. Dark cherry plum varieties are not suitable for pickling—they will soften during the cooking process and lose their original appearance.

To ensure a delicious and high-quality dish, you should carefully select and prepare the main ingredients and equipment.

Selection and preparation of fruits and main ingredients

The list of ingredients required to prepare the snack includes:

• 1 kg of ripe cherry plums;
• 2 tbsp. sugar;
• 4 tbsp. salt;
• 250 ml vinegar;
• 2 clove buds;
• 5 pcs. black pepper;
• 1 tbsp tarragon leaves:
• bay leaf.

First, sort through the cherry plums and use only high-quality specimens without mechanical damage, otherwise the preparation will be tasteless.

Afterwards, thoroughly wash the fruit and remove the stems. Make sure there is no dirt left in the stem cavity, as this can cause spoilage.

Sterilizing containers

When choosing containers for canning, choose jars that are free of defects, scratches, and other damage. Wash the selected containers thoroughly in hot water using baking soda or mustard.

Before filling the jars with fruit, sterilize them using any convenient method. For example, you can use a boiling kettle, placing the jar on the spout, and wait 20 minutes. If you're making a large batch and have many jars, you can place them upside down in the oven for 30 minutes.

Don't forget to sterilize metal lids separately before rolling them up for at least 15 minutes.

Step-by-step preparation of cherry plums according to the recipe "Homemade Olives"

The process of preparing pickled cherry plum consists of the following culinary steps:

1. Wash and sort the fruit thoroughly, pour boiling water over it and leave until the liquid has completely cooled.
2. Drain the water and scald again with boiling water.
3. Drain the cooled water and place the cherry plums in sterilized jars.
4. Combine all the herbs and spices, add water and place the mixture on low heat until it boils.
5. Remove the marinade from the heat and pour in the vinegar. Fill the containers with the fruit with the hot liquid.
6. Cover the jars with lids and leave to infuse for 1 day.
7. Sterilize the jars for 30 minutes, roll up, turn over and wrap in a blanket.

The canning process takes a long time, but the results will be visible quickly; the product can be consumed within 2 months.

Important! Don't open the jar before the specified time, as the cherry plums won't have time to develop their distinctive olive flavor.

Rules for storing canned food

The optimal storage conditions for pickled cherry plums are a dry, dark place with a temperature no higher than 10-12 degrees Celsius. They can be eaten within 1 year.

Avoid exposing jars to direct sunlight, as the snack will lose a large amount of vitamins and alter its taste. Containers should be inspected regularly; if the lid bulges or the solution becomes cloudy, it is best to throw the product away and not use it for food.

Benefits of the product and serving rules

This processing allows us to preserve the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals, which have a positive effect on the human body.

The snack is characterized by the following beneficial properties:

1. It promotes digestion. After consumption, there will be no heaviness in the stomach, even if you eat pickled cherry plums with fatty foods.
2. Prevents the development of arrhythmia and strengthens the heart muscle, as it contains a large amount of potassium.
3. It has a laxative effect, so the product is useful for constipation.
4. Helps to cope with vitamin deficiency in winter thanks to the large amount of iron in the fruit.
5. It improves appetite and contains many vitamins, which is why it is recommended during pregnancy.
6. Copes with migraines and allergic reactions.
7. It is a natural antidepressant, as its use helps to calm down, relax, and also normalize sleep.

Pickled cherry plums are recommended for serving at a holiday or dinner table as a standalone appetizer. They also make an excellent accompaniment to meat dishes.