Fresh mirabelle plums are a real treat, but they don’t stay fresh for long—even in the fridge, they’ll only last a few days. The good news? These little yellow gems are perfect for preserving! Whether you’re dreaming of jams, jellies, juices, or even a homemade liqueur, there are plenty of ways to keep that summer flavor going all year round.
Different Ways to Preserve Mirabelles
You’ve got options when it comes to saving your harvest. You can:
- Can them in syrup
- Preserve them as a chunky compote
- Whip up a batch of classic jam
Spice It Up
Mirabelles have a lovely mild sweetness that pairs beautifully with different spices. Depending on what you like, try adding a bit of cinnamon, vanilla, or cardamom. If you want something with a little more kick, ginger or star anise work wonders too!
Getting Your Mirabelles Ready
Before you jump into the canning process, you’ll need to do a little prep work to ensure everything stays fresh and safe.
- Give the fruit a good rinse and pat them dry. This is the perfect time to sort through them—toss out any plums that are bruised or mushy.
- Next, you’ll need to pit the fruit.
- Get your jars ready. You want everything sterile—jars, lids, and rubber seals. Pop the jars and lids in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for about ten minutes. For the rubber rings, give them a ten-minute boil in a pot of water on the stove.
How to Can Your Mirabelles
Once your prep is done, it’s time for the main event. Here’s how to do it:
- Pack your washed and pitted plums into the sterilized jars.
- Whip up a simple syrup by boiling about 2 cups (500g) of sugar in 4 cups (1 liter) of water. Pour the hot syrup over the fruit, making sure they are completely covered—this prevents any unappetizing brown spots from forming.
- Seal the jars tightly with your screw-on lids or glass lids with rubber rings and clamps.
- Place the sealed jars in a water bath canner at 195°F (90°C) for about 30 minutes.
- No canner? No problem. You can also process them in the oven at 212°F (100°C) for 30 minutes.
- When the time is up, don’t rush to grab them. Let the jars sit in the pot or oven for a few minutes first.
- Finally, take them out, cover them with a kitchen towel, and let them cool down completely.
Shelf Life of Preserved Mirabelles
If you store your canned mirabelles in a cool, dry, and dark place, they’ll stay delicious for several months. If you notice a jar didn’t seal properly during the process, don’t worry! Just eat those plums right away or pop them in the freezer for later.
