N/A · 1 NLEA serving
Fresh Red Plum
What it is
This is a single, ripe red plum, a stone fruit known for its smooth skin and juicy flesh. Plums come in various colors and flavors, but this red variety typically offers a balance of sweetness and tartness. Its natural sugars make it a delightful snack on its own. The flesh is tender and can be easily separated from the pit, making it convenient for eating and cooking. Plums are a seasonal fruit, best enjoyed when they are plump and slightly soft to the touch.
How people cook with it
Fresh plums are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways, both raw and cooked.
- Snack on them fresh
- Add to fruit salads
- Bake into pies and tarts
- Simmer into sauces
To enjoy a fresh plum, simply wash it under cool water. You can eat it whole, skin and all, or peel it if you prefer. The flesh can be sliced and added to breakfast cereals, yogurt, or green salads. For baking, plums can be pitted and halved or sliced, then incorporated into pies, crumbles, or muffins. They also lend themselves well to cooked applications, such as simmering into a compote or a savory sauce to accompany meats. The natural sweetness and slight acidity complement a range of flavors.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to other stone fruits like peaches or nectarines, plums often have a firmer skin and a more pronounced tartness that balances their sweetness. Their flesh can range from very soft and juicy to slightly firmer, depending on the variety and ripeness.
Who it is for
Home cooks and individuals looking for a healthy and flavorful fruit.
How to keep the rest
To store fresh plums, keep them at room temperature until ripe. Once ripe, they can be refrigerated in a plastic bag for up to a week to slow down the ripening process. Avoid washing them until you are ready to eat them.