Oh, the humble plum! Often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of supermarket aisles, but truly a star when it comes to the joyful adventure of zelfpluk (pick-your-own) farms dotted across the picturesque Dutch landscape.
Imagine a glorious summer or early autumn day in the Netherlands. The sun is shining, a gentle breeze whispers through the orchards, and the air is thick with the sweet, heady scent of ripe fruit. You’ve traded your screen time for green time, and your shopping cart for a charming wicker basket. This isn’t just grocery shopping; it’s an experience, a delightful quest for the perfect plum!
Whether you’re embarking on this fruity escapade solo, enjoying a peaceful moment of mindfulness amidst nature, or creating cherished memories with friends and family, the pleasure is palpable. Little ones will delight in spotting the deepest purple gems high on the branches, while adults might compete good-naturedly for the plumpest, sun-kissed beauties. The satisfying plop as a perfectly ripe plum drops into your basket, the occasional cheeky taste-test right off the tree (don’t worry, we won’t tell!), and the shared laughter under the gentle rustle of leaves – it’s pure, unadulterated fun. It’s a chance to reconnect with the simple joys of life, get some fresh air, and return home with a bounty that feels like pure gold.
Bringing Your Plum Haul Home: What to Do with All That Goodness!
Once your basket (and likely your belly!) is full, and you’ve returned home, the real culinary adventure begins! Plums are incredibly versatile, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tart that lends itself beautifully to a myriad of dishes, both sweet and savory.
Here are a few scrumptious ideas to get you started:
- Eat Them Fresh: Honestly, sometimes the best way to enjoy a hand-picked plum is just as nature intended – washed and eaten whole, juice dripping down your chin.
- Jams & Preserves: Capture the taste of summer by turning your plums into delicious jams, chutneys, or compotes. Perfect for toast, yogurt, or even as a glaze for meats.
- Desserts Galore: Think crumbles, pies, tarts, clafoutis, or even just simple baked plums with a dollop of cream.
- Savory Surprises: Plums pair wonderfully with pork, duck, or chicken, adding a fruity tang to rich savory dishes. They’re also fantastic in salads with goat cheese and nuts.
Two Recipes to Make Your Plums Shine:
1. Classic Plum Crumble (Serves 4-6)
This comforting dessert is a timeless favorite, perfect for showcasing your freshly picked plums!
Ingredients:
- For the Filling:
- 700g ripe plums, halved and pitted
- 50g granulated sugar (adjust to your plum’s sweetness)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cornflour (or plain flour)
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- For the Crumble Topping:
- 150g plain flour
- 75g cold butter, cubed
- 75g demerara sugar (or light brown sugar)
- 50g rolled oats (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions:
- Prepare the plums: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large bowl, combine the halved plums, sugar, cinnamon, cornflour, and lemon juice. Toss gently until the plums are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into an ovenproof dish.
- Make the crumble topping: In another bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the demerara sugar and oats (if using).
- Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the plum mixture. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the plum filling is bubbling nicely around the edges.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, custard, or a dollop of crème fraîche.
2. Roasted Plums with Honey, Thyme & Greek Yogurt (Serves 2-3)
An elegant yet simple dish that works beautifully for breakfast, dessert, or a light snack.
Ingredients:
- 500g ripe plums, halved and pitted
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- Pinch of sea salt
- Greek yogurt or mascarpone, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the plum halves cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Season: Drizzle the plums evenly with honey and olive oil/butter. Scatter the fresh thyme sprigs over and around the plums, and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
- Roast: Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the plums are tender, slightly caramelized, and their juices are bubbling. The thyme will become fragrant and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature, spooned over creamy Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a delightful contrast.
Shake It Up: The Plum Gin Fizz Cocktail!
Why should pies have all the fun? Plums add a gorgeous color and a tangy sweetness to cocktails!
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe plums, pitted and roughly chopped
- 60ml (2 oz) gin
- 30ml (1 oz) fresh lemon juice
- 15ml (½ oz) simple syrup (equal parts sugar dissolved in hot water, then cooled)
- 1 egg white (optional, for a frothy top)
- Soda water, to top
- Ice
- Plum slice or thyme sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the chopped plums to release their juices.
- Combine: Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) to the shaker.
- Dry Shake: Secure the lid and dry shake (without ice) vigorously for about 15 seconds. This emulsifies the egg white and creates a wonderful foam.
- Wet Shake: Add a generous amount of ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain & Serve: Double-strain the mixture into a chilled highball or coupe glass (this removes any plum pulp).
- Top: Top generously with soda water. Garnish with a fresh plum slice or a sprig of thyme. Sip and enjoy your vibrant, refreshing creation!
So, next time you’re in the Netherlands, keep an eye out for those charming ‘zelfpluk’ signs. A day spent amidst the plum trees isn’t just about gathering fruit; it’s about harvesting happiness, creating delicious memories, and bringing a little piece of Dutch countryside charm (and a lot of tasty goodness!) into your home. Enjoy the plum-tastic adventure!