Column: Fruit for all a delicious idea

Sunday was particularly delicious. Not only did I manage a nap, but upon waking, I found a basketful of red plums on my table. Even John was baffled by their presence.

I was thrilled. I immediately remembered Ms. Mel and her plum tree. I had noted that her blossoms were profuse this spring. Perhaps, she had generously handed some over.

I promptly called her up, only to find that they weren’t from her, but that I should “step out onto my front porch” anyway and have a look. Doing so, I delighted to find she had dropped off the gift of a plum tart and a jarful of red P.E.I sand.

Two plum gifts in the space of an hour?

“I knocked once, and figured you were napping,” said she.

Oh, to have a friend who knows me so well. Plum tart, P.E.I sand and a quiet, so-as-not-to-disturb knock? So much thoughtfulness all at once, I could hardly take it.

I told her that with my mystery plums, I would make something worthy.

A friend of mine who cans all sorts of interesting things (lilac jelly, dandelion syrup), sent me this:

Italian Plum Jam with Star Anise
Yield: 1 Pint
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups chopped Italian plums
2/3 cup granulated sugar
3 star anise blossoms

Instructions:
Combine chopped plums, sugar and star anise blossoms. Let sit for at least an hour, or until the fruit has gotten quite syrup-y.

Put fruit in a medium-sized pan and place over high heat. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until the jam thickens and passes the plate test.

Because this jam has such a small yield, you can skip the canning step and just pour it into the jars and pop it into the fridge. Or, you can pull out your small batch canning set-up and put up either one pint or two half pints (all the better to share with your friends!). (from foodinjars.com)

Is there a greater delight to share from your backyard yield? There are so many of us who are blessed to have a fruit tree or bush, and yet, some are unable to harvest it all.

For some, that work can be overwhelming or even impossible. Another ingenious friend of mine has started a fruit-picking collective. “Fruit For All” will come and pick your surplus fruit. The fruit is then shared with local food programs, those less fortunate, volunteers and even home-owners.

Their mandate states the overall objectives of Fruit for All are to:
1.) Encourage sharing of healthy, locally-grown food;
2.) Build connections between community members;
3.) Provide learning opportunities;
4.) Use community resources more efficiently.

If you are interested in sharing some of your yield, then why not contact them? You could make someone’s day perfectly delicious. Learn more by emailing [email protected]

Anne Boulton is an avid gardener who lives in Sudbury. Visit her blog at greenbootsgardens.tumblr.com.