Fermented fruit is a great gift to give.The fruit can be used to flavor alcoholic beverages or dessert.You can use any type of fruit you want, although some will work better than others.You can learn how to ferment fruit by following these steps.
Step 1: Understand what fermentation is and why it's good for you.
Fermentation is a process used to increase the amount of good bacteria in food.The process is simple and straightforward, so you shouldn't be intimidated by it.Adding a combination of water, sugar and starter culture to a jar or container of fruit can be used to ferment.The fruit can be left at room temperature for up to 10 days.The starter culture will convert sugar to alcohol and carbon dioxide gas will be produced as a by-product, forming bubbles at the top of the jar.The fruit can be used in a variety of ways, including as a dessert topping, or in recipes for things like chutneys, smoothies and salsas.
Step 2: Pick your fruit.
Some fruits work better than others.Many people like to ferment canned or frozen fruits.If you're using fresh fruit, opt for organic produce that isn't bruised or blemished.Fruits like peaches, plums and apricots are popular for ferment, as they are tasty and hold their color well.Remove the pits from the fruit.Mangoes and pineapples can be used to make a chutney.Before using, remove the skins and cut into cubes.Grapes can be cultured, but they must be cut in half to allow the cultured liquid to enter.Pears and apples can be ferment, though some people find them unattractive.Most berries can be eaten, except for the ones with too many seeds.The strawberry syrup bleaches their color, but it ferments well in terms of flavor.
Step 3: Start with a culture.
A starter culture is a substance that is used to start the fermentation process.It's not necessary to use a specific starter culture for most recipes.Special culture starter powders, such as Caldwell's starter, are the most common starter cultures.You can also use an opened capsule from a jar of fruit or a beverage that has been opened.Rum, wine, or brandy are used to encourage the creation of a specific type of fruit called Rumtoph, which is used in traditional German and Danish desserts.
Step 4: Add some flavors.
Adding flavorings to the container can give the finished product more depth.Adding cinnamon sticks, fresh mint leaves, cloves, vanilla beans, whole allspice, orange peel and almond extract is popular.It's not a matter of which ones you choose.You can add liquid flavorings or extracts to your fruit, but don't add powdered spices because they ruin the appearance of the fruit.If you want to give jars of the fruit as a gift, this is important.
Step 5: Store the fruit correctly.
The container of fruit should be kept away from the sun.The success and speed of the process will be affected by the unique conditions of your home.It's possible to keep the fruit in the refrigerator during hot weather, but keep in mind that this will stop the fermentation process.You should keep the fruit in the refrigerator for up to two months after it ferments.You can keep the process going indefinitely if you replace the fruit as you go.Fermented fruits should have a sour taste, but they should not taste rotten.They should hold their shape and not be too squishy.If the fruit looks bad, you should throw it out and start again.
Step 6: You can pick a canned fruit.
Remove the liquid from the fruit.
Step 7: Put the ingredients in a jar.
Add equal amounts of sugar and canned fruit to a jar and then add a package of baking yeast.Remove the lid of the jar and stir until the sugar has dissolved.The volume will expand as the fruit ferments, so leave an inch of space at the top of the jar.The lid needs to be loose to allow carbon dioxide to escape, but tight to prevent insects from getting inside.
Step 8: The fruit mixture should be placed in a dark place.
The yeast converts sugar into alcohol when bubbles appear on the fruit.The fruit ferments in 24 to 48 hours.Some people like to ferment the fruit for up to 3 weeks.The stronger the flavor is, the more alcohol is converted into it.The amount of time you allow your fruit to ferment is up to you.If you want to find the "sweet spot" between not ferment enough and too ferment, try making several jars at once and leaving each of them to ferment for a different period of time.
Step 9: The ferment syrup should be made.
It's necessary to make the syrup and ferment the fruit for several days before adding it.To start the syrup, mix 1 cup of sugar with 2 cups of water and a packet of baking yeast in a jar.The mason jars work well.When the sugar is in the water, stir the mixture repeatedly.
Step 10: The mixture should ferment for 3 to 4 days.
Remove the lid of the jar and let it sit at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.When you see bubbles at the top of the jar, you will know that the yeast is alive and active.
Step 11: You can ferment a fresh fruit.
You can add fresh fruit when the syrup mixture is left to ferment for 3 to 4 days.The section above has ideas on which fruits work best in ferment.You can use fruit that is fully ripe.Where possible, choose organic.Remove any skin, large seeds or pits, chop or slice into even size pieces, and wash the fruits.
Step 12: The fruit should be added.
Add equal parts sugar and fruit to the jar.Pour the sugar into a container.You have finished fermenting fruit.You can either eat the fruit immediately or leave the flavors to develop for a few more days.It's a good time to add cinnamon sticks or other flavors.