Fresh green plums

Types of fresh green plums

• Greengage Plums

  Greengage plums are small to medium-sized fruit that belongs to the European gage family. They have green skin and golden-green flesh that is sweet and juicy. They were initially developed in France and are believed to have been brought to England by a 14th-century monk named Sir Nicholas Greengage. Because of their deliciously sweet flavor, they are popular in fresh markets and for making jams and jellies. Some common types of greengage plums include Ideal Greengage, Purple Greengage, and Druid Greengage.

• Stanley Plums

  Stanley plums are a type of European-Amercian hybrid plum that belongs to the yellowish-brown Pacific coast family. They are medium-sized, oval-shaped fruits with deep purple skin and yellowish-green flesh. Their firm texture makes it amenable to fresh eating, canning, and making prunes. They ripen in late summer to early fall and were developed in the United States around the 1800s. Their popularity was boosted by their use in making prunes.

• Mirabelle Plums

  Mirabelle plums are small, round, and sweet fruits with yellow or red skin that belong to the European plum family. They have a rich history in the Lorraine region of France but are also grown in other parts of Europe. They have a bright yellow or occasionally red skin with a small pit and a tender, juicy, and sweet-tart flesh. Some popular varieties of mirabelle plums include Mirabelle de Nancy (yellow) and Mirabelle Rouge (red). They are the choice fruit for making high-quality plum brandy (slivovitz).

• Italian Plums

  Italian plums are egg-shaped and oval fruits that have dark purple or yellow skin with a smooth texture. They were believed to have originated in Italy and have since been grown in many other regions. They are a smaller variety of plums, measuring about 2-3 inches in length. They are commonly used in baking and making jams, jellies, and sauces due to their rich flavor.

• Shiro Plum

  The Shiro plum is a yellow variety of the Japanese plum cultivar. It has a bright yellow skin and a yellow flesh with a sweet flavor. It’s a medium-sized round to oval fruit that grows on small to medium-sized plum trees. It’s believed to have originated in Japan but was later developed further in the United States. The name “Shiro” means “white” in Japanese and refers to the fruit’s pale color.”

How to use fresh green plums

• Fresh Eating

  Fresh green plums can be eaten raw, unlike some fruits, which are only consumable when cooked. Green plum varieties like greengage and mirabelle are sweet and juicy with a slightly tart flavor and are thus great for a refreshing snack. Use green plums to add a crispy and tangy note to fruit salads, combine them with other fruits to make smoothies, and enjoy their refreshing taste with the health benefits they offer.

• Baking and Cooking

  Ripe green plums can be used in pies, tarts, and crumbles to create a deliciously tart contrast to sweet pastry or cake. Use green plum chunks in savory dishes such as stir-fries, to add a unique tart flavor that balances rich meats and other veggies. Cook green plums into sauces or preserves that can be used on pastries, bread, or as a condiment for meats.

• Beverages

  Green plums can be blended with other fruits, yogurt, or liquids to produce refreshing smoothies that are enjoyable for breakfast or as a healthy snack. They can be used to make juice by blending the fruit with other juicy fruits or vegetables and straining the mixture. The flavor will be tart and refreshing. They can be also be used to make flavored waters by adding sliced green plums to water or sparkling water for a fruity and hydrating drink.

• Pickling

  Green plums also make a tasty Asian-style pickled fruit that’s a great condiment for savory dishes. Use green plums to make a quick refrigerator pickle by marinating in vinegar, sugar, and spices for a crunchy and tangy snack. They can be added to charcuterie boards as a tangy counterpoint to meats and cheeses.

• Desserts

  Fresh or cooked green plums can be added to cakes and muffins for a fruity twist and moisture. Mirabelle plums in particular can be used to make tarts that are popular in French cuisine and are characterized by a sweet pastry crust filled with jam or fresh plums. They can be used to make sorbet or ice cream by blending ripe green plums with sugar and freezing the mixture for a refreshing dessert.

Benefits of fresh green plums

• High Nutritional Value

  Fresh green plums are low in calories and high in antioxidants. This makes them a great snack, as they keep one fuller, offer fewer calories than most snacks, and are rich in antioxidants to fight free radical damage in the body. They are high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and helps prevent constipation. Many varieties offer a good source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system, promotes skin health, and aids in wound healing.

• Hydration and Detoxification

  Fresh green plums have a high water content that helps keep the body hydrated, especially during hot weather. They also support kidney function and help the body eliminate toxins, which may help with detoxification.

• Weight Management

  The high fiber content in fresh green plums helps one feel fuller for longer, reducing the tendency to snack between meals. This makes green plums ideal for those trying to manage or reduce weight. Their natural sweetness also provides a healthy alternative to sugary desserts and snacks, which could help reduce sugar cravings and overall sugar intake.

• Antioxidant Properties

  Fresh green plums are rich in antioxidants like phenols and carotenoids that help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The antioxidants also protect skin cells from damage caused by UV rays and pollution and may help keep the skin looking youthful and healthy.

• Heart Health

  Fresh green plums contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure by balancing sodium levels in the body and reducing the risk of hypertension. Plums have been associated with lowering cholesterol levels, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.

How to store fresh green plums

• Refrigeration

  If the green plums are still firm and unripe, leave them at room temperature and away from direct sunlight to ripen. This will take a couple of days. If they are already ripe, store them in the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process and prevent spoilage. Keep them in the crisper drawer for a slightly higher humidity environment.

• Avoiding Bruising

  Green plums can bruise easily when handled a lot, so avoid stacking them on top of each other or forcing them into tight spaces. This will help minimize the chances of one having a bruised or damaged variant. To avoid heavy contact during storage and transportation, use shallow containers or baskets that are large enough to hold the fruits.

• Keeping Dry

  Avoid storing fresh green plums in the fridge while still wet from washing, as excess moisture can promote mold and decay. Always wash green plums just before eating or using them to prolong their shelf life. If the plums are slightly ripe and soft, consider placing them in between layers of paper towel in shallow containers to prevent them from squashing each other.

• Monitoring Storage

  Fresh green plums can typically last in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days if they are ripe and possibly a week or two if they are still unripe. Regularly check on the fruits and remove any that show signs of spoilage or ripeness going past them. This will help ensure others have a longer storage time.

• Freezing

  Growing green plums can also be frozen after washing and pitting them, then cutting them into halves or slices. Place the fruit on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. This method helps preserve the taste and nutritional content and makes a great way to store excess green plums for future use.

Quality and safety considerations for fresh green plums

• Ripeness Check

  One has to check the plum’s firmness to determine if the fruit is ripe enough for consuming fresh green plums. Ripe green plums should give slightly under pressure but feel firm. Fully ripe fruits can sometimes be softer, so handle them with care to avoid bruising. The skin color of ripe green plums can vary depending on the variety but should show slight color change from their original hue and have a pleasant fruity aroma. Unripe green plums will be hard and have no aroma.

• Avoiding Bad Fruits

  Stay away from green plums with bruised or damaged skin, as this indicates rough handling or overripe fruit that may spoil quickly. Shiny skin on plums has usually been waxed to enhance its appeal, so avoid plums with dull skin, as this could be a sign of age or poor quality. Overripe green plums are more susceptible to pest invasions, which may go unnoticed if the fruit is not carefully examined for what it was intended for.

• Shelf Life

  Substandard storage conditions can significantly reduce the freshness and quality of fresh green plums. Washing the plums before storage and leaving them wet can promote mold and decay, so always ensure the fruit is dry before storing it away. High temperatures and humidity greatly increase the spoilage rate as they ripen the fruit faster or promote mold growth, so keep the fruits in a cool and dry place.

• Food Safety

  Consume fresh green plums that are ripe and of good quality to avoid foodborne illnesses that may be caused by spoiled or overripe fruit. Always wash green plums thoroughly under running water before consuming or using them in food preparation to remove pesticides, dirt, and bacteria. It’s also important to check for bruises or blemishes that may indicate the fruit is beginning to rot and remove any spoiled areas before consumption and discard any fruit that is rotten or has an off smell.

• Organic vs. Conventional

  Organic green plums may have a few defects on the skin, but they tend to be more flavorful and have a better texture due to the way they were grown. Various types of plums have different skin colors and flavors, so get familiar with the varieties so one knows what to expect regarding taste and quality. Handle the plums gently to avoid bruising and damage to the skin, as this can affect their aesthetic quality and make them more susceptible to spoilage.

Q&A

Q1: What are green plums good for?

A1: Green plums are good for canning, sauces, pickles, and preserves. They are commonly used to make chutneys, which are flavorful condiments that pair well with meats and cheeses. Sour varieties can be used for making alcoholic beverages like plum wine and slivovitz.

Q2: Are green plums healthy?

A2: Yes, green plums are healthy, as they are low in calories and high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes regular bowel movements. They also have high water content, which helps with hydration, and antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress.

Q3: How does one know when green plums are ripe?

A3: Ripe green plums will give a little when gently pressed, indicating they are soft but not mushy. The skin might also show slight color variations depending on the variety, from deep green to slightly yellowish-green. Ripe plums will have a sweet and slightly floral aroma, which will be more pronounced at the stem end of the fruit.

Q4: Can green plums ripen after being picked?

A4: Yes, green plums can ripen after being picked, especially if they are still firm and have not reached full maturity. They should be placed at room temperature and away from direct sunlight until they soften and develop more color and flavor.

Q5: Do green plums need to be refrigerated?

A5: Refrigeration can slow the ripening process and help extend the shelf life of ripe green plums, but they should be kept in a slightly humid environment to prevent them from drying out.