Plum Chutney - The Perfect Plum Recipe | Greedy Gourmet

Question 1

What is chutney?

Accepted Answer

A spicy, savory dip, it is made from fruits, vegetables and herbs with added sugar and select spices. It pairs well with anything from curries and cooked meats to cheese and bread.

The term chutney used to be specific to a certain mixture of fruits,vegetables and spices with a specific texture. Now, there are so many different types made from a large range of ingredients and the definition is a lot looser.

Question 2

What are the origins of chutney?

Accepted Answer

Originally a way of preserving food, chutneys date back over 2,000 years to the Indian subcontinent. Back then, it was made in a form of paste or thick sauce with all kinds of different spices, much different to the chunky texture of modern chutneys.

It was eventually picked up by the Romans and, later during the colonial era, the British. The Brits produced it commercially in the 20th century and it eventually became a popular dish all over the world, with many more different types springing up.

Question 3

When should I pick plums?

Accepted Answer

Generally, plums are ready to be picked and harvested in the late summer/early autumn – so, around September into October.

You can tell when plums are ready to be picked by gently feeling the skin of the plum. If it feels soft, then it should be ready.

Question 4

What is plum chutney used for?

Accepted Answer

Plum chutney will add some serious flavour to a sandwich and bring a whole new level of deliciousness to your favourite cheeses and cold cuts.

If you want to make this plum chutney recipe during the winter, it’ll make the perfect addition to your festive feast. Pair it with your Christmas turkey or ham – the sweetness of the plums and the heat of the spices will work wonders!

Question 5

How long does plum chutney keep?

Accepted Answer

Unopened homemade chutney will last up to a year when stored in a cool dry place. Once opened, it’ll last 2 months when stored in the fridge.

Question 6

Which vinegar is best for chutney?

Accepted Answer

Vinegar is a key ingredient in any chutney. The type you use depends on what kind of chutney you’re making.

For this recipe, I’ve gone with red wine vinegar. It suits the flavour of the plums and the other ingredients. For other chutneys, white wine, balsamic or cider vinegar also works well.

Question 7

What can I do with a glut of plums?

Accepted Answer

Plums are absolutely delicious fruits. Few things beat the taste and texture of a fresh, ripe plum in the summertime.

Still, if you’ve got a lot of plums and you want to know what to do with them, this recipe is a great way to use them up. You could also make plum jam, which will keep for a long time and tastes out of this world!

If you’ve got extra plums and you're feeling in need of some delicious comfort food, try and make my apple and plum crumble!

Question 8

Can you eat homemade chutney straight away?

Accepted Answer

If you can’t wait (who can blame you?) you can eat homemade chutney straight away. Well, after it has cooled down, of course.

As with a lot of things in life, like fine wine, good cheese and Brad Pitt, good plum chutney gets better with age. So, if you can hold off for a few months without opening it, this plum chutney will taste simply sensational!

Question 9

How do you know if chutney is ready?

Accepted Answer

There’s a very easy way to know if your plum chutney is ready or not. All you need to do is to draw a channel through the chutney with a wooden spoon. If the channel stays for a few seconds until the vinegar runs through, it’s ready.

Question 10

Can I freeze plums without cooking?

Accepted Answer

If you want to keep your plums fresh for longer, you can easily freeze them. Just put them whole in a sealable freezer bag.

In fact, a frozen plum makes a delicious summertime snack, especially for the kids!

Question 11

Are plums good for you?

Accepted Answer

Not only are they absolutely delicious but plums are also a very healthy fruit, with a long list of nutritional benefits. Plums are packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help to lower the risk of developing chronic diseases.

A plum a day can definitely keep the doctor away. They contain over 15 different vitamins and minerals. Just one plum contains 15% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C.

Plums also have properties that can help keep your blood sugar under control and can help promote a healthy heart. They are also a high fibre fruit, so they help with your digestive health too.

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