H-E-B
H-E-B Cherry Plums
What it is
These are small, round stone fruits that are a hybrid of cherries and plums. They have a smooth, thin skin that is typically red or dark purple, and their flesh can range from yellow to red. The flavor is often a delightful balance of sweet and tart, with a juicy texture. They are a delightful seasonal treat when they are in abundance.
How people cook with it
Cherry plums are wonderfully versatile in the kitchen. They can be enjoyed fresh or incorporated into a variety of sweet and savory dishes.
- Eaten fresh as a snack
- Baked into pies and tarts
- Simmered into compotes
- Added to salads
When using cherry plums, you can simply wash them and enjoy them whole, pit and all, as the pit is quite small and edible for some. For baking, they can be halved and pitted, or cooked down to release their juices and natural sweetness. Their tartness can cut through rich flavors, making them a good addition to glazes for meats or as a vibrant element in chutneys. Their size makes them easy to incorporate into many recipes without much preparation.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to larger plums, cherry plums are generally smaller and often have a more pronounced tartness that complements their sweetness. Their thin skin is also more tender, making them pleasant to eat without peeling, unlike some larger plum varieties.
Who it is for
Home cooks who appreciate seasonal fruits and enjoy experimenting with both sweet and savory applications will find these fruits appealing.
How to keep the rest
To keep any remaining cherry plums fresh, store them in a single layer in a breathable container in the refrigerator. Avoid washing them until you are ready to use them, as moisture can encourage spoilage. They should be consumed within a week for the best quality.