Plums may have been one of the first fruits domesticated by humans. Plums have been traced to East Europe, the Caucasus mountains and Asia.
There are at least 125 different varieties of plums, in a wide range of colors! A dried plum is usually called a prune. Plums have a thin outer skin that sometimes tastes a bit tart, but hides sweet delicious flesh.
If you like plums, also try pluots and/or aprium —a cross between a plum and an apricot Pluots are 75% plum and 25% apricot, that look like a plum and can taste even sweeter. Apriums are 25% plum and 75% apricot that resemble apricots on the outside but can taste sweeter.
Selecting and Storing Plums:
- Choose plump plums with a solid color (red, green, yellow, purple, black) and smooth skins.
- Plums should be firm, but give slightly to gentle pressure. Avoid bruises and soft spots.
- Store plums in refrigerator for up to 5 days, or ripen too-hard plums in a bag in the room temperature for until ripe.
