The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1868-08-08
Preserving Fruit.

PiSocl Ndtion. SmdIi, nail green, Imperfect,
or half decayed specimens, should be re.
jected
Jars or Cans.-Glass jars are now gener
ally employed-earthen succeeds equally
well, and is somewhat cheaper, but the
fruit cannot be seen. A large number of
patent covers have been invented, possess
ing various degrees of merit. They may be
divided into three classes-those consisting
of cork those made of metal or glass, with
cement Inning; and those with India rubber
lining. The objection to cork is porosity,
requiring alarge amount of cement, through
which the air pressing is apt to impart its
flavor to the fruit. The India rubber lin
ings are the most convenient and easily APP
form perfect fit many that have been
offered in market, not being tight, have
caused the spelling of the fruit. Different
modes are employed to remove the covers
in taking out the fruit. The corks should
have two small and strong cords placed
under them, for lifting them out, the ends
of which should be covered with cement, to
prevent the admission of air, or round
piece of cotton cloth may be used for the
same purpose. Pincers may be used for
drawing the cord or cloth IN taking the
covers off. The covers may be loosened
with the India rubber lining, by inserting
the point of knife.
Heating the FrnH.-1he fruit should be
heated to nearly about the boiling point of
water, but should not be made to stew or
boil, as this would break the form of each
specimen, and reduce the whole to mass.
For common family purposes, the best way
is to place the fruit in IA tin pan, with about
as much sugar as will give it proper flavor.
and then set the pan in the top of a stove
boiler, where 1t will fit as lid then let the
water BON beneath the trllt until the whole
Is well heated through. Small fruit require
less time than large ones.
About twenty minutes will be needed for
peaches and llums, and half an hour for
apples: pears and ounces.
f'u'"g JarS.-"hile the heating OF the
iruit IS gong on place three or more jars
IN another boiler, and pour IN cold or mod
crately warm water TILL 1t rises nearly to
their hecks. heavy weight, as bricks, Hat
IRONS or iat stones, must be placcion these
Jars to hold them down; and 1t Is safest to
place lew small strips OF wood on the bot
tom OF the boiler, before setting the jars IN,
10 prevent the cracking by the heat below.
Mnen the water about the jars has nearly
Doliea' they then may be hlied win tne
irnit by means OF Upper. 1hls work IS
1aciIltated by providing wide TN tunnel
MADE ON purpose to mt the mouth OF the jar,
ana 1t should have handle foot long, to
prevent any danger OF burning or scalding
the haha. When the jars are 1ull' the con
tents should De sllghtly shaken. 10 start up
any bubbles that may remain and the water
allowed TO boil signify ABOUT them Tor Anew
minutes ,! Inc covers should then be ar.
piied, ana made alrught, at the moment
before applying the cover, the Jars should
be SO completely hlled with frult, that not
me least ar or space remain, but the whole
be perfectly soid.
Inc juice OF al small fruits furnishes sui
hcleht syrup with the sugar to MI all the
lnterstices; but some larger and dryer sorts
require sometimes the addition OF portion
oil syrup made by boiling pound or two OF
sugar IN quart OF water:
some persons, alter having heated the
jars, M them while they are standing on
the table, and then replace them, and con.
tlnue the boiling for few minutes, or until
every air bubble has passed away, before
sealing them tight Either way will answer,
If the work is well done.
Cement.-Ihe best is made OF one part OF
tallow mixed with about ten or twelve parts
OF rosin. An increase OF the tallow softens
the cement. The most perfect India rubber
Innings obviously need no cement with
corks it must be used freely and is indispcn.
sable: The best mode is the following des,
crlbed IN the america" 1graculturist:
Small TIN saucers, or patty pans" are
procured, an inch more in diameter than the
mouth OF the Jar-these may be obtained
cheaply. by the quantity, of any tinman.--
When the jar IS iilled with fruit, the cork is
crowded snug y In, anc coat of cement is
placed on the top ABORTION of the melted
cement is then poured INTO one of the tin
saucers, and the mouth OF the jar inverted,
placed IN lt-torming, as soon as cool a
perfect alright cover, the saucer remaining
until the fruit is taken out OF the Jars. Com,
mon tea saucers, and even backing boxes
may be used, instead OF tin sancers.
C"antaty o. sugar feGu,'ed. have
stated that they succeeded in keeping the
1rult without using any sugar; but in ordi,
nary practice 1t Is safest to apply it, and it
Is best to 40 SO at once; rather than defer it
TIL the fiult Is used. Peaches and ounces
require but small quantity, five ounces to
aquart OF lrult beng sufficient. Plums and
blackberrles require more, or from seven to
eight ounces.