Plums are a tasty and sweet fruit that are best eaten fresh off the tree.
Plums may be made into jams, jellies, or pies.
Some individuals even put plums over their ice cream as a treat.
They are available in a variety of hues, including green, yellow, and purple.
This article describes the flavor of plums and how they may be utilized to create delectable recipes.
Contents
What exactly are plums?
Plums are a seasonal fruit that is available from August through October.
They have an oval form with skin that varies from light brown to purple-red.
The flesh within plums varies depending on the kind; some are yellow or white with seeds, while others are seedless.
Plum trees may reach a height of 30 feet when completely grown, however bear in mind that not all plum cultivars are the same size.
There are several varieties of plum trees, with some producing more than others.
Victoria, Santa Rosa, Italian prune, Stanley grapefruit, and Mount Saint Helena are some popular kinds.
Plums’ flavors may also vary based on their variety; for example, they might be bitter or sweet.
Because of their versatility in cooking and baking, they are often used to produce jams, jellies, and wine.
You might, for example, pair them with chicken, pork chops, fish, or even sweets like cakes or tarts.
The options are limitless.
Plums’ Health and Nutritional Advantages
The plum is one of the most underappreciated fruits on the planet.
Plums are often disregarded in favor of more popular and well-known fruits and vegetables such as apples and oranges.
Plums, on the other hand, are just as healthful and nutritious as these other fruits, if not more so in certain situations.
Plums have several health advantages that make them deserving of their high acclaim.
One important advantage is their high fiber content, which has been demonstrated to aid persons with digestive disorders or who struggle to maintain weight owing to a lack of appetite.
Another benefit of plums is their high vitamin A content, which supports in visual development and immunity by increasing white blood cells in our immune system.
Since it supports the tissue underneath the skin, vitamin C also aids in collagen formation, resulting in less wrinkles.
Plums, in addition to these two vitamins, have a high potassium content, which may help decrease blood pressure and raise healthy cholesterol levels.
Finally, plums are low in sugar, so if you need something sweet but don’t want the calories, this fruit may be for you.
Plums Come in a Variety of Colors
Plums come in a variety of flavors, ranging from sweet to sour.
Some have red, tart-flavored exterior with luscious yellow meat on the inside, while others have dark purple skin with a bright amber inside.
Among the plum varieties are:
- Moyer plums have a sweet but tart taste. Its skin is purple with yellowish flesh.
- Damsons plums are more on the sour side with dark purple skin and juicy yellow-orange to greenish-cream flesh inside (known as a damson).
- Elephant Heart Plums have dark red or purplish mottled skin while its flesh is sweet and juicy. This type of fruit can also be found in Japan, which makes it popular there.
- Greengage Plums has greenish-yellow spots on the intense purple fruits with a delicious honey sweetness that makes this variety popular.
It is important to highlight that plums should be purchased during the season or as near to the season as feasible.
This is due to the fact that out-of-season plum types will not have the same nutritional content and taste quality since these traits rely on when a fruit was collected, how long it was kept before becoming mature, and where it originated from.
What Fruit Is Like a Plum?
If you appreciate the flavor of plum, it is probable that you will also enjoy the flavors of apricot or peach.
These fruits are related and share tastes such as sweetness and acidity.
There may not be much of a difference in their taste characteristics.
What Are the Flavors of Plums?
Plums are cultivated all throughout the globe, but they are most often farmed and consumed in China.
Fresh plums include vitamin C as well as vitamins A, B-complex group, and K.
The hue ranges from deep purple to pale yellowish green.
A plum’s fruit is ripe when it has become a rich shade of red, as in Santa Rosa, or when it is somewhat yielding at its peak ripeness point, as in Tommy Atkins; certain kinds will not achieve full maturity until after being plucked.
The flesh of plums is sweet and juicy, with a delicate taste that ranges from mild to sour depending on the type.
Certain types’ skins have an astringent property that makes them taste sour or bitter when raw, but when cooked in jams, pies, or other sweets, they take on a more pleasant and sweeter flavor.
They may be eaten raw or cooked into jams and other dishes.
Plum juice may be fermented to produce plum wine, a cider-like alcoholic beverage created from plums.
Plum jerk is a liquor produced in central England from roasted ripe plums and sugar.
What Is the Best Way to Eat Plums?
Find the indentation down the length of the plum and cut it into wedges.
Using a paring knife, make parallel incisions at the indentation and remove the skin, leaving as much flesh (fruit) as possible.
Depending on the size, cut each piece in half or quarters.
Combine plum chunks with any morning meal.
You may sprinkle them on top of yogurt, oatmeal, or cereal, or incorporate them into pancakes and waffles with whipped cream, peaches, or plums.
In a blender, combine plums with other fruits such as strawberries, apples, and bananas to produce a pleasant smoothie.
You may combine various fruit combinations to make interesting and healthful beverages.
To add color and taste to your fruit salad, include sliced plums with the other fruits.
Serve the plums with your favorite greens and top with your favorite vinaigrette for a delightful side dish.
A plum sauce may also be made for grilled chicken or pig.
This sauce is made by simmering plums with sugar and water until the liquid has decreased and thickened.
How Do You Keep Plums?
When winter approaches, it is time to begin preparing for the season.
You may need some assistance picking what things to keep and how to store them; continue reading.
After choosing your plums from your local market or gathering them fresh at home (if in season), check each plum individually for indications of bruising and spoiling. This will guarantee that any substandard apples are discarded beforehand.
While storing plums, provide plenty of distance between them since close contact might cause rot. Use different containers if required.
Consider utilizing dry storage options such as airtight containers, plastic wrap, or zip-lock bags to keep their crisp texture.
To aid in organizing and packing, name the sort of fruit inside as well as the date it was kept. This will make unpacking easier and guarantee that any overripe products are removed quickly.
Conclusion
Finally, plums are often sweet and sour.
Most people appreciate its tangy, puckery taste in jams or as morning fare.
Some like them for dessert because of their sweeter flavor.
Whichever time of year you choose to consume plums, keep in mind that there are several varieties available at your local grocery store.