Juicy, black variety is best suited. Select fresh, blemishless fruits, wash thoroughly and drain the water completely. Take in a broad vessel, cover & cook on a low flam till very soft. Remove & pass through the “kitchen queen” to remove skin & seeds. Measure.

Juice - 2 cups

Sugar - 4 cups

Water - 2 cups

Citric acid - 1 ½ tsp

Sodium benzoate - 2 tiny pinches (dissolved in 2 tsp hot water)

Tonovin essence - 1 ½ - 2 tsps

Boil water, sugar & citric acid.

Filter & cool.

Add syrup & essence.

Just before bottling add preservative.

Store in sterilized bottles in a cool place.

If using preservative, avoid using very fresh.

Mix one volume of the above with 3 volumes of chilled water.