Everything You Need To Know About Plums

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Damsons Plums

Everything You Need To Know About Plums

 

In this article, we’ll go over the types of plums, their most common uses, and their shelf life. Plus, we’ll talk about their health benefits. If you’re not familiar with plums, read on for some information on plums!

It’s time you knew everything you needed to know about plums. Now, you can use plums in your cooking, too!

There are a lot of good things for your body that comes from eating plums. You probably already know that plums are tasty, but did you know that eating plums also confers several incredible benefits to your health?

Although plums, apricots, peaches, and nectarines all come from the same family, the similarities between these different types of stone fruits stop there.

Plums offer a greater diversity of flavors and textures than any of the other stone fruits that are members of their family tree. Plums can range from little to huge and can be any of the colors purple, yellow, orange, or red. Plums can also be any of those colors.

In China, plums were cultivated for the first time thousands of years ago. After that, they were finally transported to the United States, Japan, and several regions across Europe.

Now fast forward to the present day, and there are over 2,000 different plum types that are farmed all over the world.

Now that you are familiar with some of the history surrounding plums, let’s discuss the positive effects that eating plums can have on your body (spoiler alert: there are many of them!).


Consuming plums is Beneficial To Your Health.

Plums are a good source of vitamin C, which helps your body recuperate from exercise, produce new blood vessels, and build muscle.

plums

Vitamin C is also good for your eyes. The following is a list of additional health advantages that are related to plums:


1). Maintain A Healthy Blood Pressure

According to the findings of a study that was conducted in 2010, participants who consumed prunes and prune juice had lower blood pressure than the control group who did not consume prunes.


2). Protection Against Cancer And Other Forms Of Cell Damage

Plums contain a pigment called anthocyanin, which has a reddish-blue color and is known to help eliminate dangerous free radicals.

In turn, this serves to protect your body from cancer as well as damage to the cells in your body.


3). Ideal For The Loss Of Weight

Are you interested in reducing your waist size and shedding some pounds? One hundred obese people were split into two groups for the study by researchers at the University of Liverpool.

One of the groups consumed prunes daily for twelve weeks, while the other group did not. The prune group saw an average weight loss of 4.4 pounds and a reduction in waist circumference of one inch.


4). Lowering Of Calories

A tiny plum has only 30 calories, so in addition to being a delicious snack, it can also help satisfy your want for something sweet.

As a result of this, plums can be an excellent choice for people who are trying to reduce the number of calories they consume or who are already following a diet.


5). Excellent For The Health Of Bones

According to the findings of a study that was carried out by researchers at the universities of Oklahoma State and Florida State, subjects who consumed prunes in addition to taking vitamin D and calcium supplements had significantly improved bone density in their spines and forearms when compared to the group that consumed dried apples in addition to taking the same supplements.

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6). Helpful For Providing Relief From Constipation

Prunes, which are produced when plums are dried and then ground into a powder, contain a lot of dietary fiber and are widely renowned for their ability to relieve constipation.

A recent study discovered that a group of 51 people who were all experiencing constipation received relief from their symptoms after eating plums. All of the participants in the study were adults.


7). It’s Good For Your Brain And Your Memory

Antioxidants may impede the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, according to research conducted at the University of Harvard Health.

Plums are an excellent source of antioxidants, and they also include anthocyanin and quercetin, two other important compounds that contribute to maintaining a healthy brain.


8). Improves The Health Of The Heart

Because there are 113 milligrams of potassium-packed into a fresh plum of medium size, including plums in your diet is an excellent method to lower the chance of having a stroke and better manage high blood pressure.


9). Help Prevent Diabetes

Plums have a low glycaemic index, which experts say can help control blood sugar levels and contribute to a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Plums are available year-round.


10). Eliminate Cells That Cause Breast Cancer

Studies in their early stages suggest that treating cancer cells with plum extract may be successful in eliminating the aggressive cancer cells while keeping the healthy cells in the surrounding area undamaged by the therapy.


A Look At Plums Nutritional Values 

Plums have a low-calorie content (only 30 calories per 100 grams), are mostly composed of carbohydrates (9.6g per 100 grams), have almost little fat (less than 0.1g per 100 grams), and provide only about 1 gram of protein per 100 grams.

In addition to this, they include an optimal balance of vitamins and minerals, all of which contribute to the normal coagulation of blood, the management of stress, the reduction of weariness, the production of healthy red blood cells, and the general support of the immune system.


Sugar Is High

Plums have a naturally high concentration of fruit sugars, which the body can swiftly convert into usable energy. However, this transformation can be slowed down if the plums are consumed alongside protein, which also helps to reduce the release of sugars.


Preparing Plums

From May until October, farmer’s markets and grocery shops are stocked with plums, with the peak season occurring in July and August. Plums that have just the right amount of “give” when they are lightly pressed are ideal for eating right away.

Put your plums in the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process so you can enjoy their deliciousness for a little bit longer. You can’t seem to find perfectly ripe plums, can you?

Find plums that are close to being ready to eat but not quite there yet, place them in a paper bag, and leave them at room temperature for up to three days before eating them.

Plums should be frozen thoroughly, although it is recommended that you remove the pits first.

The health advantages that come from eating plums are not limited to only eating raw plums. In addition to that, they work wonderfully in a wide number of other recipes.


Can Someone Be Allergic To Plums?

Plums, along with celery and apples, are foods that belong to the category of allergies known as birch pollen. Because of this, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to plums that causes swelling of the mouth or throat along with itching.

Symptoms of an allergy typically appear suddenly, and if you do end up having a negative reaction to plums, you need to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

In the case that a severe anaphylactic reaction occurs, it is imperative to seek medical aid and an ambulance very away.


Purchasing Only The Ripe Plums

Check that the plums you buy are ripe before you commit to purchasing them. When lightly rubbed on the skin, they should feel weighty and have a small amount of giving in them.

Examine the surface of the skin for any bruises or discolorations. Plums have reached their peak ripeness when they become very pliable.


The Importance Of The Plum Color 

Plums are available in a variety of hues. Plums come in a variety of colors, but the most frequent ones are black and red. Plums, on the other hand, can also be found in green, yellow, and even white varieties.

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Although some health benefits are shared by all plums, depending on the hue of the plum you eat can result in slightly different benefits for your health.

These distinctions are more modest. If you are aware of these distinctions, you may be better able to tailor the health advantages of including plums in your diet to meet your specific needs.


The Dark Plums

These plums have a dark coloration and a purplish-blue hue, and they may be found at food stores. Unless you acquire Damson plums, which have a very sour flavor, they have a sweet flavor.

dark plums

Some of the advantages of eating black plums are as follows:

  • Used to alleviate discomfort in the stomach.
  • Reduce symptoms of urinary and intestinal disorders.
  • Works against conditions that affect the heart and lungs.
  • Gallic acid, which inhibits the growth of HIV and protects cells from harm caused by free radicals, is present.
  • Contribute to the fight against cancer in some way.
  • Magnesium is a macromineral that has an important role in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, migraines, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
  • Phosphorus is a mineral that helps maintain healthy bones and teeth, improves the body’s ability to use carbs and fats, and enables the body to produce protein, which is necessary for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues.
  • Vitamin B6, which helps improve the immune system, is included in this food.

Red Plums

Plums with a reddish tinge to their skins can get extremely dark, but the color always has a distinct red hue to it, in contrast to the blue or purple hue of black plums.

red plums

These plums have darker flesh than black plums. The flavor of red plums can be described as sweet and sour, with a hint of tartness.

Some of the advantages of eating red plums are as follows:

  • Used for the treatment of digestive disorders as well as constipation.
  • The high content of the antioxidant vitamin E promotes healthy eyes as well as a functioning immune system and has anti-inflammatory qualities.
  • Anthocyanins are present in them.
  • Contains zinc, a vital element that has been shown to hasten the healing of wounds, strengthen the immune system, and maybe lower the chance of developing certain diseases associated with aging.
  • Contains manganese, a trace mineral that is required for appropriate brain, nervous system, and enzyme system function. Manganese can be found in foods.
  • Contains Copper, a mineral that plays an important role in the production of both collagen and red blood cells.

Green Plums

Green plums also have a naturally sweet flavor (the exception being Persian Sour Plums, which are harvested when they are still unripe for the tart, sour flavor they have at that stage).

green plums

Some of the advantages of eating green plums are as follows:

  • Contains the antioxidant lutein, which is a member of the carotenoid group and plays a significant role in promoting healthy eyes.
  • Include folate, which is also known as vitamin B9 or folic acid. Folate is a vital component that is required for the growth and operation of healthy cells, as well as the formation of red blood cells.
  • Slows aging (likely due to the amount of vitamin C).
  • Fight against the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Prevent anemia.

Yellow Plums

Some types of yellow plums lean more toward the sweet side of the flavor range. Some of the advantages of eating yellow plums are as follows:

yellow plums

  • Contains vitamin A, also known as retinol or retinoic acid, which is a nutrient that promotes reproductive health, may lower the incidence of acne, and has a significant role in preserving eye health. Vitamin A is also known as retinol.
  • contain the mineral potassium, which has a role in controlling how muscles and nerves work.
  • The high content of fiber facilitates digestion, controls blood sugar levels, and keeps you feeling full for a longer period.

Uncommon White Plum

There is a white plum variety, but it only appears to be grown in one region in Serbia at this time; hence, it is highly doubtful that you will come across any in the United States.

The fact that there is no easily available information about the specific health advantages of eating the white plum may indicate that it has not been subjected to a significant amount of research.


Common varieties of plums

While the process of planting plums can be tricky and time-consuming, it is definitely worth it. Using a nursery is an excellent way to start your fruiting plum tree.

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They can help you determine the best planting method for your area. The distance between seedlings depends on the variety, and the spacing should be three meters.

The three most common types of plums are Californian, American, and Chinese. Those grown in the United States are considered “home” plums.

Each variety is distinguished by its growing environment, yield, and price.

The most popular varieties of plums are often divided by their growth cycle and are usually winter-hardy, drought-resistant, moisture-loving, and self-fertile. This article covers the basic growing conditions of each type.


Common Uses For plums

The late summer season brings an abundance of fresh plums into the market. These juicy fruits vary in flavor from tart to sweet, so before using them in a recipe, taste one to check for sweetness and add the desired sweeteners.

Here are some ideas for using plums in recipes: If you want to use the plums in baking, simply place them on the counter and leave them there until soft and ripe.

To remove the skin, boil them for a few seconds or dunk them in ice water. Afterward, you can use the fruit in your favorite dessert or recipe that calls for plums. They are also great in sauces, preserves, and wine. In addition, plums are a great choice for baking!


More Health Benefits Of Plums

Plums are delicious stone fruits with a seed in the middle. They are related to apricots, nectarines, and peaches, and are edible fresh, and dried. Native to China, plums are now grown in parts of Europe, America, and Asia.

They are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids and have a number of health benefits. In addition to being delicious, plums help prevent obesity, diabetes, and macular degeneration.

The flesh of plums is extremely low in calories and is rich in fiber. The skin contains antioxidant pigments and can be removed, as with apples. Plums are often baked, but you can also stew them or add them to salads. The pit is edible, too.

These sweet fruits can also be added to pies and jams, but are commonly eaten or baked. These sweet, tangy fruits also provide health benefits for the heart.


Shelf Life Of Plums

The shelf life of plums is very short, largely due to their need for long cold storage and rapid commercialization.

The Angeleno and Larry Ann varieties, which are grown commercially in India, were found to maintain initial firmness, although the firmness of the fruit was reduced by 16% and 20%, respectively, at four and eight weeks, respectively.

This suggests that these varieties have a good aptitude for postharvest storage. However, a comparison between Larry Ann and Angeleno plums is not possible, due to their distinct maturation processes.

Larry Ann plums, on the other hand, showed typical climacteric ripening behavior. Chilling injury (CI) limits low-temperature conservation and results in rejection by consumers.

Chilling injury in plums is characterized in this study by identifying and characterizing biotic and non-biotic mechanisms causing deterioration.

Larry Ann plums and Angeleno plums were stored at 1.0+0.5degC at 90% RH for four to eight weeks and subsequently at 20°C for three or six days.


Ways To Preserve Plums

There are several ways to freeze and store plums. Before freezing, wash and dry the plums. Remove the pit, if necessary, and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes. After the fruit is frozen, you can slice it and store it in an airtight container.

Place them in reusable containers or freeze them whole in a zip-top bag. When frozen, they will last at least six months in the freezer. You can also make a simple syrup for preserving plums. To make plum syrup, combine two cups of sugar and 3 cups of water.

Pour the syrup over the plums and cover the rim with about 1/2 inch of air. Seal the jars with sterilized lids. The syrup will keep the plums from discoloring. Once the plums are ready, they’ll be delicious in the winter.

Conclusion


It has been discovered that eating plums not only confers a great number of health advantages but that some of these advantages are particularly noteworthy.

These advantages include maintaining healthy eyes, skin, brain, and immune systems, to name just a few.

Plums span the spectrum of flavors, from extremely sweet to very tart, and come in a wide range of hues; as a result, there is a kind of plum that will appeal to virtually everyone.

Visit the Recipes part of our website to peruse the various recipes that have been developed and tried by our skilled group of recipe developers to get some inspiration for ways to incorporate plums into more of your meals.

You also have the option of using plums as a replacement in a dish that called for a different sort of fruit the first time around.


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