How to Make Jam & Wine from Lilly Pilly Fruit

When it comes to edible fruit, the Syzygium species, commonly known as Lilly Pillies, are a delightful and versatile option. These evergreen trees and shrubs are native to Australia and are known for their vibrant foliage and tasty fruits. In this blog post, we will explore the various Syzygium species found in South East QLD and discover how to prepare their fruit into delicious jams and wines.

What are the Syzygium species found in South East QLD?

South East Queensland is home to a diverse range of Syzygium species, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Syzygium australe (Brush Cherry, Resilience, Hinterland Gold)
• Syzygium luehmannii (Small-leaf Lilly Pilly)
• Syzygium wilsonii (Powderpuff Lilly Pilly)
• Syzygium francisii (Francis Water Gum)
• Syzygium hodgkinsoniae (Hodgkinson's Lilly Pilly)

How to prepare Lilly Pilly fruit into jam and wine?

Lilly Pilly fruit can be transformed into delicious jams and wines, adding a unique flavor to your culinary creations. Here's how you can prepare them:

1. Lilly Pilly Jam Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500g Lilly Pilly Fruit: These native Australian berries offer a unique, tart flavor, ideal for a distinctive jam.
• 500g Sugar: Balances the tartness of the fruit and helps in setting the jam.
• 1 Tablespoon of Lemon Juice: Adds pectin and acidity, aiding in the jam-setting process and enhancing the flavor.

Equipment:

• Saucepan: For cooking the jam.
• Sterilized Jars: To store the jam safely.

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Fruit: Start by washing the Lilly Pilly fruit thoroughly. Carefully remove the inner seeds, as they can affect the texture and taste of your jam.
2. Cooking the Fruit: Place the cleaned fruit in a saucepan. Add just enough water to cover the fruit. This helps in cooking the fruit evenly without burning.
3. Softening the Fruit: Simmer the fruit over low heat. This gentle cooking process allows the fruit to become soft and pulpy, which is essential for a smooth jam texture.
4. Adding Sugar and Lemon Juice: Once the fruit is soft, add the sugar and lemon juice. Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar completely dissolves. The lemon juice not only adds flavor but also helps in setting the jam.
5. Thickening the Jam: Continue to simmer the mixture. Watch for the jam to thicken to your desired consistency. This might take some time, and it's important to stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning.
6. Bottling the Jam: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars. This is crucial to prevent bacterial growth. Seal the jars tightly.
7. Cooling and Storing: Allow the jam to cool before storing it in the refrigerator. Cooling the jam in the jars helps create a vacuum seal, preserving the jam for longer.

Tips:

• Testing Jam Consistency: To test if the jam is set, place a small amount on a cold plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it's ready.
• Adjusting Sweetness: Depending on the tartness of the fruit, you may adjust the amount of sugar. Taste as you go.
• Shelf Life: Homemade jam can last several months in the refrigerator. Always use a clean spoon to take jam out of the jar to extend its shelf life.

Enjoy your homemade Lilly Pilly jam as a delightful spread on bread, a sweet addition to desserts, or a unique gift for friends and family!

 

2. Lilly Pilly Wine Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1kg Lilly Pilly Fruit: These native Australian berries are known for their tart and slightly sweet flavor, perfect for a unique wine.
• 1kg Sugar: This will feed the yeast and aid in the fermentation process, contributing to the wine's alcohol content and sweetness.
• 4 Liters of Water: Acts as the base for your wine.
• 1 Teaspoon of Wine Yeast: A crucial ingredient for fermentation, turning the sugars into alcohol.

Equipment:

• Large Fermentation Vessel: To hold your wine as it ferments.
• Strainer: For separating the fruit from the liquid after fermentation.
• Sterilized Bottles: To store and age your wine.

Instructions:

1. Preparation of Fruit: Begin by thoroughly washing the Lilly Pilly fruit. Carefully remove the inner seeds, as they can impart a bitter taste to your wine.
2. Fermentation Setup: Place the cleaned fruit into your large fermentation vessel. This container should be big enough to hold the fruit, sugar, and water with some room to spare for the fermentation activity.
3. Adding Sugar and Water: Pour in the sugar and water. Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly to ensure the sugar is completely dissolved. This creates the must – the liquid that will be fermented into wine.
4. Yeast Introduction: Sprinkle the wine yeast over the surface of the must. Stir gently to mix the yeast into the liquid. The yeast is the engine of your wine, converting the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
5. Fermentation Process: Cover the vessel with a clean cloth. This allows the mixture to breathe and the carbon dioxide to escape while keeping out contaminants. Let the mixture ferment for 7-10 days. You should notice bubbling and a yeasty aroma as the fermentation progresses.
6. Straining and Bottling: After fermentation, strain the liquid to remove all solid fruit pieces. Transfer the strained liquid into sterilized bottles. It's crucial to use sterilized bottles to prevent any spoilage or contamination.
7. Aging the Wine: Seal the bottles tightly and store them in a cool, dark place. Lilly Pilly wine benefits greatly from aging. Allow it to mature for at least 6 months. This aging process will mellow the flavors and improve the overall taste of the wine.

Tips:

• Taste Test: You may taste the wine after fermentation to adjust the sweetness. If it's too tart, you can add a little sugar syrup and let it ferment for a few more days.
• Patience is Key: The longer you let the wine age, the better it will taste. Some homemade wines can be aged for years, developing more complex flavors over time.

Enjoy your homemade Lilly Pilly wine as a unique representation of Australian native flavors!

 

With these simple recipes, you can enjoy the delightful flavors of Lilly Pilly fruit in the form of homemade jams and wines. Experiment with different Syzygium species to discover your favorite combinations and share your creations with friends and family.

Remember, when foraging for Lilly Pilly fruit, make sure to only pick from trees and shrubs that you know are organic and free of any pest/diseases. Enjoy the process of harvesting and preparing these delicious fruits, and savor the unique taste of the Australian bush!