Grocery
Fresh Plums
What it is
These are fresh plums, a type of stone fruit known for their smooth skin and juicy flesh. They come in various colors, including red, purple, and yellow, and their sweetness can range from tart to very sweet depending on the variety and ripeness. Plums are a good source of natural sugars and have a pleasant, slightly acidic flavor that makes them versatile in the kitchen. They are typically oval or round in shape and contain a single hard pit in the center.
How people cook with it
Plums are a delightful fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways, both raw and cooked.
- Eaten fresh as a snack
- Baked into pies and tarts
- Simmered into sauces and compotes
- Added to salads for a sweet and tart element
To prepare plums for cooking or eating, start by washing them thoroughly under cool running water. You can then choose to peel them or leave the skin on, depending on your preference and the recipe. To remove the pit, slice the plum in half along the natural seam and twist the halves in opposite directions. The pit should then easily pull away. For baking, plums can be halved, quartered, or sliced. When cooking them down into a sauce or compote, they will soften and break down, releasing their juices.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to peaches, plums generally have a firmer texture and a skin that is less fuzzy. Their flavor profile can also be more tart, offering a brighter contrast in dishes. While both are stone fruits, the specific sweetness and acidity levels distinguish their culinary applications.
Who it is for
Anyone looking for a fresh, flavorful fruit to enjoy or incorporate into their cooking.
How to keep the rest
To keep fresh plums at their best, store them in a single layer in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator. If they are not yet ripe, leave them at room temperature for a few days until they yield slightly to gentle pressure. Once ripe, refrigerate them to slow down the ripening process and maintain their quality.