A hot plum juice is exactly what I need on this freezing day! While hot apple cider might be the usual choice, I decided to create something different – a delightful concoction infused with the fiery kick of ginger and the cozy aroma of cinnamon.
Contents
Plum Fruit recipe
The plum juice captures the natural sweetness and tartness of the fruit. This drink not only warms you up but also brings a burst of health benefits. Packed with antioxidants, plums support digestion and boost the immune system. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Ginger adds anti-inflammatory properties, while cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar.
You can use either red or green plums.
- Red plums tend to be sweeter with a slightly tart undertone. They can add a vibrant color to your plum drink.
- Green plums are often a bit more tart or sour than red ones. They might provide a refreshing and crisp flavor.
There are 3 ways to make plum juice drink: juicing, blending, and cooking. Juicing is the best option, but it might not work for very soft plums. The ripe or overripe plums will be easy to blend. If you choose less ripe plums, cooking plums with spices like cinnamon or ginger is a better method.
Here’s how to make Plum Juice with and without a blender/juicer. You can choose which option you want. Since I need hot juice in the cold season, I’ll choose to cook it. If you love plums but aren’t interested in making juice, check out my other plum recipes, like pickled plums or the plum crumble dessert.
Plum Fruit Juice with/without a blender/juicer
Ingredients
Cooking method
- 4 cups fresh plums pitted and halved
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1- inch fresh ginger peeled and sliced
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup honey or sweetener of choice adjust to taste
- Ice cubes optional
- Plum slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish optional
Blending method
- 2 cups fresh ripe or overripe plums pitted and quartered
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup adjust to taste
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Ice cubes
Instructions
Cooking method
- In a large pot, combine the plums, cinnamon stick, and sliced ginger. Add water to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the plums are soft and the flavors have melded.
- Stir in honey or your preferred sweetener. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preferences.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and ginger slices. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the juice into a bowl or pitcher, pressing down on the solids to extract all the liquid.
- Pour the juice over ice cubes if desired. Garnish with plum slices and cinnamon sticks for a visually appealing touch.
Blending method
- In a blender, combine the plums, water, grated ginger, and lemon zest. Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Add honey or agave syrup to the blended mixture, adjusting the sweetness to your liking. Blend again to incorporate the sweetener.
- (Optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the mixture using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove pulp. This step is optional.
- Pour the plum juice into glasses over the ice and garnish with a slice of plum or a sprinkle of grated ginger.
Variations
1. Flavor Variations
You can easily customize your plum juice with these delightful variations:
- Spicy Plum Juice: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a cinnamon stick during the simmering process.
- Chai-Spiced Variant: Incorporate chai spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves for a warming touch.
- Vanilla Infusion: Stir in a dash of pure vanilla extract for a hint of creamy richness.
2. Refreshing Plum Drinks
If you use a blender, here are some refreshing drink ideas:
- Plum Lemonade Slushy: Blend plum concentrate with ice for a cool, slushy treat.
- Plum Lemon Soda: Mix plum syrup with chilled water and top it off with lemon soda for a fizzy delight.
- Plum Ginger Fizz: Combine plum juice with ginger ale for an effervescent drink that’s perfect for summer.
- Tropical Twist: Blend in some pineapple or mango to create a vibrant tropical flavor profile.
3. Healthier Options
For those seeking healthier alternatives, consider these options:
- Sugar-Free Plum Juice: Omit the sweetener entirely or use natural alternatives like honey or agave syrup.
- Low-Sugar Version: Reduce the amount of sugar or use less ripe plums for a more tart flavor.
Pairing suggestions and applications
Hot juice
1. Desserts
- Pancakes or Waffles for a delightful sweet and fruity touch.
- Ice Cream: Drizzle it over vanilla or fruit-flavored ice cream to create a warm and refreshing contrast.
- Fruit Salad for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Appetizers
- Bruschetta: Pair hot plum juice with bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil for a refreshing complement.
- Stuffed Mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs for a perfect combination.
3. Main Courses
- Roasted Chicken for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Grilled Fish
4. Side Dishes
- Rice Pilaf
- Vegetable Medley for a delightful flavor contrast.
Freshly squeezed juice
1. Desserts
- Fruit Salad
- Ice Cream
2. Snacks
- Cheese Board, especially soft varieties like brie or goat cheese.
- Nuts: for a crunchy snack that contrasts wonderfully with the juice’s natural sweetness.
3. Appetizers
- Bruschetta
- Chilled Shrimp Cocktail
4. Main Courses
- Grilled Chicken Salad
- Fish Tacos
5. Side Dishes
- Coleslaw
- Roasted Vegetables
Health benefits
Antioxidant Properties: Plums are high in antioxidants like polyphenols and anthocyanins, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Heart Health: Their potassium content helps regulate blood pressure, lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Digestive Health: The fiber in plums aids digestion and promotes regular bowel movements, preventing constipation.
Blood Sugar Control: With a low glycemic index, plums help stabilize blood sugar levels and may enhance insulin sensitivity.
Bone Health: Nutrients like vitamin K and antioxidants support bone density and may reduce osteoporosis risk.
Additional Benefits: Plums are low in calories and high in water, promoting fullness for weight management, while their vitamin C boosts immune support.
