• Make the most of the season’s best produce by pickling and fermenting it in a selection of sweet and savoury recipes that are sure to add bursts of flavour and colour to any meal.

    Recipe and styling by Sarah Dall

    Photograph by Myburgh du Plessis

    Fermented plums and apricots

    Serves: Makes 2 large jars
    Total Time: 20 mins + 1 week, to ferment

    Ingredients

    • 500g apricots
    • 500g plums
    • 220g white sugar
    • 250ml (1 cup) brandy
    • 2 cinnamon quills
    • 1 vanilla pod, split

    Instructions

    1

    Using a toothpick, prick the surfaces of the apricots and plums. Transfer to a bowl and toss with the sugar.

    2

    Divide the mixture between 2 large sterilised glass jars with lids. Seal and set aside to ferment in a cool, dry place for 1 week.

    3

    Once fermented, divide the brandy between the jars (the fruit should be fully covered). Place a cinnamon quill and a vanilla-pod half in each jar. Seal the jars and set aside to infuse in a cool, dry place overnight.

    4

    Enjoy with double-cream plain/ Greek yoghurt. Store any leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 months for a zingy kick. Store any leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 month.

    Imka Webb
    Author

    Imka Webb is a freelance digital marketing expert and the digital editor of Food & Home Entertaining magazine.  www.imkawebb.com