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.
