Introducing summer drinks that you can enjoy with handmade plum syrup!

Introduction

When the summer heat really gets, you'll miss cold drinks. Soft drinks that can be easily purchased at convenience stores and supermarkets are also great, but this summer, why not enjoy a drink that is more natural and refreshing to relieve the heat with handmade plum syrup?

Plum syrup is a simple preserved food that can be made using only ripe plums and rock sugar, but its refreshing acidity and natural sweetness gently penetrates even the body that feels like it's fatigued in summer. Above all, the peace of mind that only handmade items can be achieved, and the fun of adjusting the thickness to your liking is exceptional.

This time, we will introduce plenty of delicious drink ideas to help you get through the summer, from basic methods to making plum syrup to refreshingly adapted recipes combined with carbonated water and various drinks. We will also explain practical tips for choosing useful kitchen tools and storage containers, which are essential for making plum syrup.

The charm of plum syrup and the summer heat-relieving culture

The history of Japan's heat relief and plum blossoms

The term "heat-relieving" is a Japanese summer custom that has been around since the Edo period. The idea is that we take care of our bodies weakened by the heat and remove the body's heat with cold foods and drinks. Even today, the heat is being taken away in a variety of situations, such as social gatherings at work and family dinner parties.

Plum is a fruit that has long been loved by Japanese people, and was already popular as a medicinal product in the Nara period. Preserved foods made with plums, such as umeboshi, plum wine, and plum syrup, can be said to be a traditional food culture filled with the wisdom of our ancestors. Plum syrup in particular is a popular drink for the whole family, as it does not use alcohol, and is something that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Three attractions of handmade plum syrup

Natural sweet and sour taste Unlike commercially available syrup, plum syrup is made with only the natural sourness of plums and the gentle sweetness of rock sugar, and has a natural taste that cannot be reproduced with artificial flavors. The refreshing acidity of the citric acid contained in plums is comfortable for the tired summer body.

You can adjust it to your liking . If you make your own homemade, you can adjust the sweetness and the soaking period to create a taste that suits your own and family's preferences. One of the attractions is that you can use a lot of plums if you want to make the sour taste stronger, and if you prefer sweetness, you can use a little more rock sugar if you prefer it.

Safe and secure Ingredients: Plum syrup made with just simple ingredients without using additives or preservatives, can be enjoyed safely even in households with small children. By focusing on the origin and quality of the ingredients, it is also possible to make safer and more delicious plum syrup.

Basic Plum Syrup and Tips

How to choose materials

How to Choose Plums It is common to use ume ume, which is one step before the brine, for plum syrup. Choose fruits that are free from scratches and plump. Depending on the region of origin, the sourness and aroma are distinctive, so one of the things you can enjoy is choosing according to your preference.

The role of rock sugar Rock sugar takes a long time to dissolve, making it suitable for slowly pulling out plum extract. Although white sugar can be used as a substitute, rock sugar will give it a clearer and more beautiful finish.

How to make the basics

Preparation: Wash the plums thoroughly and carefully remove the stems with a bamboo skewer or toothpick. By thoroughly wiping off the water, it prevents mold and gives a better finish.

Put the plums and rock sugar in alternating layers in a clean storage container . The key is to cover it with rock sugar. Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight, and lightly shake the container about once a day to mix the contents.

Estimated completion It usually takes about two weeks for the rock sugar to completely dissolve and the plum extract to be thoroughly extracted. Once the plum fruits become wrinkled and the syrup is clear, it is a signal to be completed.

Tips and precautions for preserving

How to Choose the Right Storage Container To prepare plum syrup, we recommend using glass containers that are highly airtight and resistant to acid. Plastic containers are not suitable for long-term storage as they can deteriorate due to the acidity of the plum.

Storage period and quality control: Completed plum syrup can be enjoyed for about a year if stored in the refrigerator. However, you can use it up early after opening, or divide it into small pieces and freeze it to maintain quality for a longer period of time.

The ultimate plum soda made from a carbonated water maker

The appeal of carbonated water makers

If you want to make the most of your handmade plum syrup, you can't go wrong combining it with carbonated water. Commercially available carbonated water is good, but with a carbonated water manufacturer, you can always make carbonated water with the strength you like, and it goes great with plum syrup.

Economic and Convenience With a carbonated water manufacturer, you don't need to purchase carbonated water in plastic bottles, which is very economical in the long term. In addition, since the strength of carbonation can be adjusted, it can be used in different ways, such as gentle carbonation for children and strong carbonation for adults.

Environmentally conscious It can reduce waste from plastic bottles and is an environmentally friendly choice. Enjoy delicious drinks while practicing eco-friendly life with a dedicated bottle that can be used repeatedly.

Basic plum soda recipe

Ingredients and percentages

• Plum syrup: 2-3 tablespoons
• Carbonated water: 200ml
• Ice: Appropriate amount
• Mint leaves: if you like

Tips Pour carbonated water slowly along a spoon to avoid contact with ice, making it difficult for carbonation to escape. Finally, lightly stir and it's done.

How to adjust the taste You can adjust the sweetness by the amount of plum syrup and the concentration by the amount of carbonated water. It is recommended to make it thinner at first and then gradually find the desired thickness.

Variations of arrangements

Plum Ginger Soda Add a small amount of grated ginger to the basic plum soda to make it a tangy and refreshing drink. Adjust the amount of ginger to your liking.

plum lemon soda lemon juice will make the sourness stand out and give it a refreshing taste. Decorate it with lemon slices to make it look gorgeous.

Plum Mint Soda Lightly tap the fresh mint leaves before placing them in the glass to add a refreshing aroma and bring a refreshing effect.

A variety of plum syrup drinks

Hot drink arrangement

Even in the summer, you may find yourself missing a hot drink in an air-conditioned room. Plum syrup can also be enjoyed as a hot drink.

The simplest hot drink made with plum syrup mixed with plum It is recommended for when your body is too cold or when you are relaxing before going to bed. A guideline is 150-200ml of hot water for 1-2 tablespoons of plum syrup.

Plum Tea Adding plum syrup to warm black tea will result in plum tea with fruity and elegant flavor. It goes particularly well with fragrant black teas such as Earl Grey and Darjeeling.

Plum Herbal Tea Add plum syrup to herbal teas such as chamomile and lemon balm to create a drink that combines a relaxing effect and refreshing feeling. Perfect for relaxing at night.

Cold drinks

Plum Shaved Ice Syrup Plum syrup is also a great syrup for shaved ice. It has a more natural taste than commercially available shaved ice syrup and gives it a beautiful look.

Plum Float If you float vanilla ice cream on plum soda mixed with carbonated water, it will make a luxurious drink that you can enjoy like a dessert. It's sure to be a favorite for your children too.

As an arrangement for adults with plum water You can enjoy an authentic izakaya-style flavor at home.

Use in cooking

Plum syrup can be used not only as a drink as a plum sauce Add a small amount to meat sauce or salad dressing to give it a refreshing taste.

Syrup for dessert It's also delicious as a dessert pancake, shaved ice, or syrup over yogurt. The natural sweetness and sourness enhance the dessert taste.

How to choose the tools and storage containers you need to make plum syrup

How to choose a container for pickling

Different materials : Glass, enamel, or ceramic containers are suitable for preparing plum syrup. Avoid plastics as they are sensitive to acids and metals can corrode with acids.

Choose a container with a capacity of at least 2L for 1kg of plums . If you have a container of about 3L with plenty of room to spare, it's safe to use when mixing.

Importance of sealing: Choosing a container with a lid that is firmly sealed will prevent the invasion of bacteria and prevent the spread of scent. We recommend a container with a screw type or swing type lid.

HARIO Free Pot 1.2L Heat Resistant Glass

Boiled water is also OK, and the slim design fits neatly in the refrigerator door pocket. Perfect for breaking fruit water and plum syrup.

Amazon

WECK Juice Jar 1000ml

A preserved bottle born in Germany. It is highly airtight and is perfect for storing syrup and homemade drinks. The wide mouthpiece is easy to refill.

Amazon

Completed storage container

Benefits of storing small portions: Plum syrup made in large volumes can be stored in small portions, allowing you to reduce the number of times you open them and maintain quality for a long time. It also makes a great gift.

Choosing a bottle design If you are concerned about ease of pouring, choose a bottle with a designed spout. We also recommend colored glass that is light-blocking and shaped to store away from direct sunlight.

Care and management

Disinfect containers Before using, make sure to boil and disinfect containers thoroughly with alcohol. Especially in preserved foods that do not involve fermentation, such as plum syrup, the inclusion of bacteria has a major effect on the quality.

Choosing a storage location It is important to store in a place with little temperature changes, away from direct sunlight. It is safest to store in the refrigerator, but the basic method is to store it at room temperature during the prep stage before completion.

How to enjoy plum syrup in season

Classic summer arrangements

the summer festival style atmosphere at home, shave ice made with plum syrup or plum soda with colorful straws. The whole family can enjoy the summer festival feel.

syrup drinks are perfect for drinking hydrating while swimming in the pool or swimming in the beach. Plum syrup, which contains moderate salt and sugar, can also help replenish minerals lost in sweat.

Warm autumn and winter arrangements

Along autumn nights, a companion for reading, or a time to spend with your family, you can enjoy a warm plum bath. The sourness of the plum soothes your tired body.

Special feeling during the New Year holidays. When guests come to New Year's holidays, you will be treated to a special drink made with plum syrup. Add a small amount to Japanese tea and enjoy it as an elegant plum tea.

Spring new life season

Why not enjoy a spring-only arrangement of plum syrup, along with cherry blossom mochi and cherry blossom tea during the cherry blossom season The plum syrup is a light pink colour, making it perfect for the cherry blossom season.

We recommend plum herbal tea, which has a relaxing effect, for the stress and fatigue of a new life . The combination of chamomile and plum syrup will refresh your mind and body.

Failures and solutions for making plum syrup

Common failures and causes

growth is the most common failure case when mold has grown The causes may be that the plums and containers are not sufficiently removed, the containers are insufficiently disinfected, and the storage environment is high and high temperatures and humidity.

If the fermentation occurs, the plum syrup may ferment and cause an alcoholic smell. This is due to storage in a place where the temperature is too high or lack of sugar.

If the plums float, the rock sugar may not completely dissolve and the plums may float on the liquid surface. This can be caused by neglecting daily stirring or too little sugar.

Tips to prevent failure

Things to note during the preparation stage

• Wipe away the moisture thoroughly from the plums
• Always disinfect the container
• Use clean bamboo skewers and tweezers

Post-preparation management

• Shake the container once a day and mix
• Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight
• If you notice something unusual, check it immediately

Response to the problem If the mold is mild, you may be able to relieve it by removing the affected area and switching to storing it in the refrigerator. However, if mold is growing over a wide area, we recommend disposing it for safety reasons.

Use as a gift for plum syrup

The charm of gifts

Handmade, warm , handmade plum syrup is a very popular gift that you can't get from commercially available products. It is especially useful as a heartfelt gift during the mid-year and year-end gift seasons.

Consideration for health-conscious people Natural plum syrup without additives is also perfect as a gift for those who are concerned about their health. It can be given to families with small children or elderly people with peace of mind.

Packaging for gifts

Tips for choosing a container For gifts, choose a container that looks beautiful and is easier to reuse if you receive it. We recommend stylish glass bottles and types that allow you to tie a ribbon to the lid.

Labels and Messages Write the date of creation, storage method, and recommended drinking methods on the handwritten label to give a more careful impression. It would be a good idea to add a simple message along with the words "Handmade plum syrup."

Packaging tips When packaging a plum syrup bottle, it is also important to use cushioning material to prevent impacts and to attach ice packs to avoid temperature changes. Especially when giving gifts in the summer, be sure to maintain quality.

Timing and etiquette to give

cherishing the seasonal feel , but taking into consideration the completion time, it is best to start preparing it around June and give it in July-August.

a quantitative consideration , choose the appropriate amount while taking into consideration the partner's family structure. Generally, around 300-500ml is a size that is easy to use and appreciate.

Summary: Enjoy a fulfilling summer with handmade plum syrup

Homemade plum syrup is more than just a drink ingredient. The very process that takes about two weeks from preparation to completion brings moisture and fun to your daily life.

The finished plum syrup can be used all year round, whether diluted with carbonated water to make a refreshing plum soda, or mixed with hot water to make a warm plum bath. Especially if you have a carbonated water manufacturer, you can always enjoy authentic plum soda with carbonated water to your liking, making it a useful drink to relieve the heat of the summer.

Additionally, plum syrup can be used as a gift by using an appropriate storage container to maintain quality for a long time. The security that only comes from handmade products and the joy of adjusting the flavor to your liking are special value that you can't get from commercially available products.

This summer, why not try to enjoy a more natural and healthy heat-relieving homemade plum syrup? This is a refreshing drink that the whole family can enjoy, and it will surely help you create summer memories.