Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
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Grower
Plums are small to medium-sized stone fruits, averaging 2 to 7 centimeters in diameter, and have a round, oval, ovate, to cordate shape with a prominent suture line extending from the stem’s cavity to the Plum’s base. The fruit’s skin is thin, taut, smooth, and delicate, bruising easily, and ranges in color from dark purple, almost black, ruby red, bright green to golden amber, depending on the variety. Some Plum cultivars are also covered in a waxy, pale blue to grey bloom that encases the entire surface of the fruit, locking in moisture and acting as a protective barrier. Underneath the skin, the flesh is semi-firm, aqueous, and dense with a tender and succulent consistency. Each variety of Plum will exhibit varying flesh tones, including orange, yellow, purple, red, pink, to green hues, and there is a brown pit that is either tightly adhered or easily separated from the center of the flesh. Plums, depending on the variety, will have a sweet and subacid, sweet-tart, or sour flavor with fruity, tropical, rich, and sometimes sugary nuances.
Plums are available in the summer through early fall.
Plums, botanically a part of the Prunus genus, are flavorful stone fruits belonging to the Rosaceae family. Experts believe there are two main species, known as Japanese plums, or Prunus salicina, and European plums, Prunus domestica. Both species are the main types utilized for commercial production, and species such as American plums, Prunus americana are considered minor, more localized types. There are many different varieties of Plums within each of these species that vary in flavor, appearance, and texture. Plums grow on trees that can reach 5 to 12 meters in height, and common cultivars include Santa Rosa, Greengage, Mirabelle, Moyer, Friar, Damson, El Dorado, and Elephant Heart. Plums are believed to be one of the earliest cultivated fruits in history and have been favored since antiquity for their sweet, subtly tangy flavor and firm but tender flesh.
Plums are rich in antioxidants that protect the cells against free radical damage and are a good source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, calcium to build bones and teeth, fiber to regulate the digestive tract, and potassium to balance fluid levels in the body. The fruits are also a source of vitamin K to faster wound healing, vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, and contain lower amounts of copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Plums are a versatile culinary ingredient well suited for fresh, cooked, and preserved preparations. The fruits can be eaten straight, out of hand, and the thin skin can be left intact or peeled before consumption. Plums have a sweet-tart flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes, and the flesh can be sliced into green salads, layered onto toast, chopped into grain bowls, or used as a fresh topping over pancakes, waffles, crepes, and ice cream. The fruits can also be combined into bread or blended into smoothies, shakes, and fruit juices. In Eastern Europe, Plums are popularly fermented into plum wine and are also mashed and used to make a brandy known as Slivovitz, a beverage commonly consumed during Passover. In addition to fresh preparations, Plums are frequently incorporated into desserts, including cakes, tarts, pies, and crumbles, simmered into jams, jellies, and chutney, or cooked as a natural sweetener in sauces such as barbeque and teriyaki. Plums are also stewed and roasted, and dark purple fruits will contribute a dark red-purple hue to dishes. The fruits can be poached in syrup as a healthy dessert or are grilled and served with soft cheeses as a savory appetizer. Plums pair well with meats such as lamb, poultry, or pork, fruits including peaches, nectarines, citrus, cherries, and figs, aged and fresh cheeses, cinnamon, anise, chocolate, almonds, and pistachios. Whole, unwashed Plums should be stored at room temperature to ripen. Once ripe, the fruits can be stored for one week when wrapped in plastic and kept in the refrigerator. Plums can also be frozen for 6 to 12 months or dried for extended use.
Historically, Plums have been dried to extend their shelf life, turning into a chewy, wrinkled, sticky food known as prunes. The dried fruit is traditionally made from European Plums, especially the Agen variety, and is consumed as a nutritional snack, natural sweetener, or thickener for baked goods. Prunes are not a new food, but over the past century, they have developed a reputation of being a dried fruit only consumed by the elderly for digestive laxation. To help combat this reputation, there has been a movement to rename prunes to dried plums. In the United States, over 99% of the prunes sold in the country are grown and produced in California. Within the state, there is even a California Dried Plum Board to protect prune production. The board partnered with the American government to officially recognize the name dried plum as a viable commercial title in hopes that the name change will encourage consumers to view the dried fruits differently. Marketing for dried plums has targeted a younger, health-conscious clientele, and the fruits are being touted for their nutritional properties. Today there are approximately 46,000 acres of orchards and over 800 growers cultivating Plums for dried fruit production.
Plums are native to several regions worldwide and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Japanese plums have origins in China but were first domesticated in Japan, while European plums evolved as a hybrid from wild fruits present in the Caucasus mountains and near the Caspian Sea. Over time, each species was extensively cultivated, creating a hybridization of thousands of plum subspecies and varieties, descendants of the wild fruits. European plums were also transported to the New World in the 17th century, and Japanese plums were introduced in the late 19th century, further expanding the fruit’s diversity through worldwide cultivation. Today China, Romania, Serbia, and the United States are the top producers of Plums, and the fruits, when in season, can be found through farmer’s markets, specialty distributors, grocers, and supermarkets in temperate regions.
Recipes that include Plums. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
People have shared Plums using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Plums | Listen |
| Food Fable: Plums | Listen |
Grower
| Fitzgerald Farms |
Description/Taste
Plums are small to medium-sized stone fruits, averaging 2 to 7 centimeters in diameter, and have a round, oval, ovate, to cordate shape with a prominent suture line extending from the stem’s cavity to the Plum’s base. The fruit’s skin is thin, taut, smooth, and delicate, bruising easily, and ranges in color from dark purple, almost black, ruby red, bright green to golden amber, depending on the variety. Some Plum cultivars are also covered in a waxy, pale blue to grey bloom that encases the entire surface of the fruit, locking in moisture and acting as a protective barrier. Underneath the skin, the flesh is semi-firm, aqueous, and dense with a tender and succulent consistency. Each variety of Plum will exhibit varying flesh tones, including orange, yellow, purple, red, pink, to green hues, and there is a brown pit that is either tightly adhered or easily separated from the center of the flesh. Plums, depending on the variety, will have a sweet and subacid, sweet-tart, or sour flavor with fruity, tropical, rich, and sometimes sugary nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Plums are available in the summer through early fall.
Current Facts
Plums, botanically a part of the Prunus genus, are flavorful stone fruits belonging to the Rosaceae family. Experts believe there are two main species, known as Japanese plums, or Prunus salicina, and European plums, Prunus domestica. Both species are the main types utilized for commercial production, and species such as American plums, Prunus americana are considered minor, more localized types. There are many different varieties of Plums within each of these species that vary in flavor, appearance, and texture. Plums grow on trees that can reach 5 to 12 meters in height, and common cultivars include Santa Rosa, Greengage, Mirabelle, Moyer, Friar, Damson, El Dorado, and Elephant Heart. Plums are believed to be one of the earliest cultivated fruits in history and have been favored since antiquity for their sweet, subtly tangy flavor and firm but tender flesh.
Nutritional Value
Plums are rich in antioxidants that protect the cells against free radical damage and are a good source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, calcium to build bones and teeth, fiber to regulate the digestive tract, and potassium to balance fluid levels in the body. The fruits are also a source of vitamin K to faster wound healing, vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, and contain lower amounts of copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Applications
Plums are a versatile culinary ingredient well suited for fresh, cooked, and preserved preparations. The fruits can be eaten straight, out of hand, and the thin skin can be left intact or peeled before consumption. Plums have a sweet-tart flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes, and the flesh can be sliced into green salads, layered onto toast, chopped into grain bowls, or used as a fresh topping over pancakes, waffles, crepes, and ice cream. The fruits can also be combined into bread or blended into smoothies, shakes, and fruit juices. In Eastern Europe, Plums are popularly fermented into plum wine and are also mashed and used to make a brandy known as Slivovitz, a beverage commonly consumed during Passover. In addition to fresh preparations, Plums are frequently incorporated into desserts, including cakes, tarts, pies, and crumbles, simmered into jams, jellies, and chutney, or cooked as a natural sweetener in sauces such as barbeque and teriyaki. Plums are also stewed and roasted, and dark purple fruits will contribute a dark red-purple hue to dishes. The fruits can be poached in syrup as a healthy dessert or are grilled and served with soft cheeses as a savory appetizer. Plums pair well with meats such as lamb, poultry, or pork, fruits including peaches, nectarines, citrus, cherries, and figs, aged and fresh cheeses, cinnamon, anise, chocolate, almonds, and pistachios. Whole, unwashed Plums should be stored at room temperature to ripen. Once ripe, the fruits can be stored for one week when wrapped in plastic and kept in the refrigerator. Plums can also be frozen for 6 to 12 months or dried for extended use.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Historically, Plums have been dried to extend their shelf life, turning into a chewy, wrinkled, sticky food known as prunes. The dried fruit is traditionally made from European Plums, especially the Agen variety, and is consumed as a nutritional snack, natural sweetener, or thickener for baked goods. Prunes are not a new food, but over the past century, they have developed a reputation of being a dried fruit only consumed by the elderly for digestive laxation. To help combat this reputation, there has been a movement to rename prunes to dried plums. In the United States, over 99% of the prunes sold in the country are grown and produced in California. Within the state, there is even a California Dried Plum Board to protect prune production. The board partnered with the American government to officially recognize the name dried plum as a viable commercial title in hopes that the name change will encourage consumers to view the dried fruits differently. Marketing for dried plums has targeted a younger, health-conscious clientele, and the fruits are being touted for their nutritional properties. Today there are approximately 46,000 acres of orchards and over 800 growers cultivating Plums for dried fruit production.
Geography/History
Plums are native to several regions worldwide and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Japanese plums have origins in China but were first domesticated in Japan, while European plums evolved as a hybrid from wild fruits present in the Caucasus mountains and near the Caspian Sea. Over time, each species was extensively cultivated, creating a hybridization of thousands of plum subspecies and varieties, descendants of the wild fruits. European plums were also transported to the New World in the 17th century, and Japanese plums were introduced in the late 19th century, further expanding the fruit’s diversity through worldwide cultivation. Today China, Romania, Serbia, and the United States are the top producers of Plums, and the fruits, when in season, can be found through farmer’s markets, specialty distributors, grocers, and supermarkets in temperate regions.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Plums. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Plums using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Poway Farmers Market
Smit Farms
Near Poway, California, United StatesLinden, CA About 80 days ago, 11/06/21 
Eco Fresh Market
California, United StatesМикрорайон Казахфильм, 17/1, 050023, Алматы, Казахфильм About 98 days ago, 10/19/21 Sharer's comments : Plums of South Kazakhstan grown in fertile land of Alatau foothills 
Eco Fresh Market
California, United StatesМикрорайон Казахфильм, 17/1, 050023, Алматы, Казахфильм About 108 days ago, 10/09/21 Sharer's comments : Sweet Plums of South Kazakhstan 
South Bay Certified Farmers Market
Rosales Farm
Near Bonita, California, United StatesTulare County, CA About 124 days ago, 9/22/21 
Eco fresh market
California, United StatesМикрорайон Казахфильм, 17/1, 050023, Алматы, Казахфильм About 146 days ago, 9/01/21 Sharer's comments : Seasonal Kyrgyz plums have reached Almaty 
Almagul 18a, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Magnum cash and carry
California, United StatesAlmagul 18a, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 161 days ago, 8/16/21 Sharer's comments : Tashkent plums from Uzbekistan 
Orbita micro district 3, 5B, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Orbita food market
California, United StatesOrbita micro district 3, 5B, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 166 days ago, 8/12/21 Sharer's comments : Local plums, rich in vitamins 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Scott Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 174 days ago, 8/04/21 
Central market of Athens Greece 🇬🇷
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceAbout 189 days ago, 7/20/21 Sharer's comments : Plums 🤩 
Suyunbai av. 2/8, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Magnum cash and carry
Attiki, GreeceSuyunbai av. 2/8, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 200 days ago, 7/08/21 Sharer's comments : Seasonal plums grown in South Kazakhstan 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 212 days ago, 6/27/21 Sharer's comments : Black splendor plums from Scott farms 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 222 days ago, 6/17/21 Sharer's comments : Black splendor plums from Scott farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 222 days ago, 6/17/21 Sharer's comments : Black Splendor Plum 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 229 days ago, 6/10/21 Sharer's comments : Black splendor plums from Scott farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 530 days ago, 8/13/20 Sharer's comments : Emerald Plums are in season now. 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 544 days ago, 7/30/20 Sharer's comments : Beautiful Plums are red fleshed with warm sweet spice notes 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Andy's Orchard
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 552 days ago, 7/22/20 Sharer's comments : Laroda Plums 
Zhangir Khan 102, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Convenient vegetable store
California, United StatesZhangir Khan 102, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 562 days ago, 7/12/20 Sharer's comments : Big and tasty plums imported from Uzbekistan 
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L-27 About 565 days ago, 7/09/20 Sharer's comments : Plums 🇬🇷 |
