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Produce => Recipes => Topic started by: bikegirllisa on August 14, 2011, 16:49:46

Title: How long will damsons keep?
Post by: bikegirllisa on August 14, 2011, 16:49:46
We just picked a load of damsons up at the plot - how long will they keep?  I can't get started on the jamming today, but next Saturday looks good.  Will they still be okay?
Title: Re: How long will damsons keep?
Post by: Alex133 on August 15, 2011, 07:16:45
May be ok in a fridge but I think better if you can sling them in a freezer - have found plum jam works very well with frozen fruit. 
Title: Re: How long will damsons keep?
Post by: saddad on August 15, 2011, 07:43:07
In gin... a very long time.. until you open the bottle...  ;D
Title: Re: How long will damsons keep?
Post by: pg on August 15, 2011, 08:34:50
After a week the pectin will have started to break down. Which is great if you want to release the juice &/or turn them into wine (where pectin causes hazes).

But if you want to make jam then you'll want the pectin to make the jam set. Plums & damsons are a little low on pectin for jam making anyway so after a week you may end up with rather runny jam.

Fridge temps should slow down the break down somewhat but I thnk the freezer would be a better bet.
Title: Re: How long will damsons keep?
Post by: bikegirllisa on August 16, 2011, 21:58:35
Thanks all - put them in the freezer for now.  16 lbs of damsons to deal with.  Negotiations with him indoors are ongoing - I say jam and chutney, he says wine!
Title: Re: How long will damsons keep?
Post by: bikegirllisa on August 18, 2011, 22:21:41
Quote from: saddad on August 15, 2011, 07:43:07
In gin... a very long time.. until you open the bottle...  ;D
.

That assumes they ever made it into the gin in the first place.  I would have to taste the gin to make sure it was suitable first.  ;D