Plum Slatko Recipe (Traditional Serbian Plum Preserve)
A traditional Serbian fruit preserve made with whole plums slowly cooked in a rich sugar syrup. Plum Slatko is a classic Balkan sweet often served to guests, paired with cheese, or enjoyed as a simple dessert.
Servings: 20
Calories: 180kcal
Ingredients
- 1 kg plums slightly underripe
- 1 kg granulated sugar
- 1-2 cups water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2-3 lemon slices
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla sugar
- 1 tsp diluted citric acid
- 2-3 rose leaves optional
For the Lime Water Solution
- 250 g lime
- 2 liters water
- Additional ½ gallon about 2 liters water
Instructions
- Prepare the lime water solution by mixing the lime and water. Allow the mixture to settle, then carefully use only the clear liquid portion.
- Wash, peel, and pit the plums, keeping them as intact as possible.
- Place the plums in the clear lime water solution and soak for 1 hour.
- Remove the plums and rinse thoroughly several times under fresh water.
- In a large pot, combine the sugar and 1-2 cups of water. Cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves and forms a thick syrup.
- Add the lemon juice, lemon slices, vanilla, and diluted citric acid to the syrup.
- Carefully add the plums and simmer gently for about 25 minutes until the fruit is tender and glossy.
- Add the rose leaves during the final few minutes of cooking, if using.
- Remove from the heat and allow the slatko to cool completely.
- Transfer the plums and syrup to sterilized jars and seal tightly.
Notes
- Slightly underripe plums work best because they hold their shape during cooking.
- Avoid vigorous stirring to prevent the fruit from breaking apart.
- Skim off any foam that forms during cooking for a clearer syrup.
- Rose leaves are traditional but optional.
- Allow the slatko to rest for a day before serving for the best flavor.