background of plums

Seasonality:

  • Plums are in season May through early October.

Health Benefits of Plums:

  • Plums are an excellent source of Vitamins A, C and K, as well as fiber and folate.
  • One medium-sized fresh plum contains 113 mg of potassium that helps manage high blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke.

How to Select Plums:

  • Plums should be plump and well-colored.
  • To find a ripe plum, hold one in the palm of your hand. It should feel heavy and yield to gentle pressure.
  • Avoid plums with shriveled skin, mushy spots or breaks in the skin.

How to Store Plums:

  • Store unripened plums at room temperature to ripen. Place in paper bag to speed up the process, but check frequently because they are extremely perishable.
  • Once ripe, transfer plums to the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Prepare Plums:

  • Plums can be eaten whole, just be careful of the pit.
  • To remove the pit, use a sharp knife to cut the plum in half around the pit. Turn the halves to separate and remove the pit.

Fun Facts About Plums:

  • Plums do not sweeten after being picked, but they will soften.
  • The Japanese plum was introduced to the United States in 1870 and became very popular.
  • There are over 2,000 varieties of plums, and about 140 of them are available in the United States.
  • The Chinese believe plums symbolize good fortune.
  • Plums are the second most cultivated fruit in the world.