The dark purple fruits of the Java Plum yield a gorgeous magenta juice. Some people enjoy this juice as-is, although others find it too astringent. No matter how you use it, it’s a wonderful burst of wild nutrition and vivid color.

Java Plum fruit

Water

Nut milk bags or a fine-mesh strainer

Wash your Java Plums. Place in a pot and just barely cover the fruit with water.

You can use seeded Java Plum fruits, although it is not necessary.

Heat the water and fruit, until just-before-boiling. Remove from heat.

Put the fruit into the nut milk bags and suspend over the rest of the liquid. Allow to drain.

Or, use a strainer, separating the fruit and liquid.

Once cool, squeeze the fruit in the nut milk bags, removing the rest of the juice.

You can do the same with the fruit in the strainer. Remove all seeds.

Keep the juice in an air-tight container. Store in the refrigerator and use within a couple of weeks or freeze.