Pickles - Pickled fruits in vinegar (Motan recipe) by Andra B. - Recipia
Pickled Fruit Recipe in Vinegar - A Traditional Delicacy

If you want to bring a touch of magic and flavor to your pantry, this pickled fruit recipe is the perfect choice. A combination of sweet and sour fruits, this dish not only enriches festive meals but also offers a note of nostalgia, reminding us of family culinary traditions. Whether you enjoy them as a side dish with meat dishes or use them as an appetizer, these pickled fruits will surely win you over!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8 jars of 800 ml

Ingredients
For the pickled fruits:
- 1 kg quinces
- 1 kg plums (choose smaller, firmer plums)
- 1 kg apples (preferably mealy varieties)
- 1 kg firm pears
- 1 kg nectarines
- 1 kg white table grapes
- 1 kg black table grapes
- 3 roots of horseradish (fresh and firm)
- 1 bunch of fresh basil
- 1 bunch of dried mint
- Mustard seeds (about 1/2 teaspoon per liter of mixture)

For the vinegar solution:
- 1 l wine vinegar (make sure it is 9 degrees)
- 5 l water
- 1 tablespoon salt per liter of mixture
- 6 tablespoons sugar per liter of mixture

Preparing the Jars

1. Sterilizing the jars: Start by thoroughly washing the jars (preferably 800 ml) with warm water and detergent. Rinse well and sterilize them in a pot of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Then let them cool on a clean towel.

2. Preparing the fruits: Wash each type of fruit in cold water, then dry them with a towel.
- Peel the quinces, apples, pears, and nectarines, removing the seeds but not the skin; the skin contributes to the final flavor.
- Leave the plums whole, and remove the grapes from the bunches.

3. Horseradish: Peel the horseradish roots and cut them into strips 4-5 cm long.

Assembling the Jars

4. Spices in the jars: Place a pinch of mustard seeds, 3-4 strips of horseradish, and a pinch of basil at the bottom of each jar.

5. Adding the fruits: Arrange the fruits in the jars in your preferred order, ensuring a balanced amount of each type. Gently shake the jars to arrange the fruit pieces as best as possible.

6. Top with spices: On top, add a pinch of fresh basil, a pinch of dried mint, and 2-3 strips of horseradish.

Preparing the Vinegar Solution

7. Boiling the solution: In a large pot, add the vinegar, water, salt, sugar, mustard seeds, a few sprigs of basil, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried mint. Bring to a boil with the lid on.

8. Filling the jars: When the solution comes to a boil (about 2-3 minutes), remove it from the heat and let it cool for 3-4 minutes. Using a ladle, pour the hot mixture into the jars, filling them to the brim. Rotate the jars to remove air and top up with more solution if necessary.

Preserving and Cooling

9. Wrapping the jars: Place the jars on a few knives to prevent them from touching the bottom of the pot and wrap them in a damp towel. Place them in a deep pot and add water up to the lids. Boil for 20 minutes from the moment the lids become hot to the touch.

10. Cooling the jars: Remove the jars from the water and place them on a blanket to cool slowly.

11. Storage: Once cooled, transfer the jars to the pantry or the balcony cupboard. These pickled fruits are delicious even after 2 years!

Practical Tips

- Choosing fruits: Experiment with different types of fruits based on personal taste. You can make separate jars for each type of fruit.
- Fresh mint: If you have access to fresh mint, use it instead of dried for an even more intense flavor.
- The vinegar: Always use quality wine vinegar, as it will affect the final taste of the pickles.
- Storage: Pickled fruits store well in cool, dark places, protected from heat and direct light.

Nutritional Benefits

These pickled fruits are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Fruits are an excellent source of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Consuming pickles can help maintain gut flora, being beneficial for the digestive system.

Possible Variations

- Exotic fruits: Try adding exotic fruits like pineapple or mango for a tropical twist.
- Spices: Experiment with adding other spices like pepper or cloves to enhance the flavor.
- Serving: These pickled fruits are perfect alongside cheeses, grilled meat dishes, or even as ingredients in salads.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen fruits?
It is not recommended, as their texture will change significantly after thawing.

2. How long should I wait before consuming the fruits?
It is recommended to wait at least a month for the flavors to fully develop.

3. Can I make pickles without sugar?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your preference, but it helps balance the acidity of the vinegar.

By adopting this pickled fruit recipe in vinegar, you will not only add a unique delicacy to your table but also contribute to preserving family culinary traditions. Enjoy every bite and let yourself be carried away by flavors and aromas!

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Pickles - Pickled fruits in vinegar (Motan recipe) by Andra B. - Recipia

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