As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can tell you that Thundercloud Plum trees do produce edible fruits. However, it’s important to note that these fruits will not taste like the large plums you might be accustomed to eating. The Thundercloud Plum tree belongs to a different variety of plum trees, and its fruits have a distinct flavor.
If you enjoy home-canning projects or experimenting with different flavors, you can definitely use the fruits from your Thundercloud Plum tree to make delicious preserves, jams, or jellies. While the taste may be different from traditional plums, it can still be a delightful addition to your pantry.
When it comes to using the fruits for canning, it’s crucial to ensure that they are fully ripe. This will ensure the best flavor and texture for your preserves. You can determine ripeness by gently squeezing the fruit and checking for a slight give.
Once you have harvested the ripe fruits, it’s time to start your canning project. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make plum jam or jelly:
1. Wash the fruits thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves.
2. Cut the plums in half and remove the pits. You can use a small knife or your hands to do this.
3. Measure the amount of fruit you have and calculate the necessary amount of sugar. Generally, you’ll need about equal parts fruit and sugar for a sweet jam or jelly.
4. Place the prepared plums in a large pot and add the calculated amount of sugar.
5. Gently mash the fruits with a potato masher or a fork to release their juices. It’s fine to leave some chunks for texture if you prefer.
6. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Once the mixture comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Keep in mind that it will continue to thicken as it cools.
8. While the jam or jelly is simmering, prepare your canning jars by washing them in hot, soapy water and sterilizing them in boiling water or using a dishwasher’s sterilize setting.
9. Once the jam or jelly has thickened, carefully ladle it into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
10. Wipe the rims of the jars clean to ensure a proper seal, then place the lids and rings on tightly.
11. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for the recommended time based on your altitude and jar size. This will ensure a safe and long-lasting preservation.
12. After processing, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a towel or wire rack. As they cool, you may hear the satisfying “pop” sound indicating a proper seal.
13. Store your homemade plum jam or jelly in a cool, dark place and enjoy it throughout the year.
Personal experience: I have personally made plum jam from fruits harvested from a Thundercloud Plum tree in my backyard. While the taste was different from traditional plums, it had a unique and enjoyable flavor. The vibrant purple color of the jam was visually appealing, and it made a great gift for family and friends.
While the fruits from Thundercloud Plum trees may not taste like the large plums you’re accustomed to, they can still be used to make delicious jams, jellies, or preserves. Get creative in your home-canning projects and enjoy the unique flavors that these fruits have to offer.
