Plums are a medium-sized fruit with juicy flesh, smooth skin, and a taste ranging from tart to sweet.
There are many different types of plums, including Japanese plums, Chinese plums, Victoria plums, Damsons, Mirabelles, Greengages, Victoria, Cherry plums, and Prune plums.
Plums were likely one of the first fruits that humans domesticated.
Some historians believe that Iran is the original source of plums.
Commercial plum trees can reach heights of 12 metres (39 feet), but are usually pruned to around 6 metres (20 feet).
Plum trees flower in early spring. All going well, around 50% of flowers will be pollinated and become plums.
Plums can develop a non-toxic fungus called brown rot.
Plum wine can be made by fermenting plum juice. Plum brandy is also popular.
Salty dried plums are a common snack in many parts of the world.
Pickled plums in Japan are known as “umeboshi”.
Prunes are dried plums.
The word “plum” can also refer to something desirable, although the reference isn’t as common as it once was.
China produces roughly half the world’s supply of plums.
Plums are made up of approximately 87% water, 11% carbohydrates, 1% protein and a very small amount of fat.
Plums contain around 10 grams of sugar per 100 grams. Roughly 16 grams per cup.
Plums contain around 46 calories per 100 grams.
Plums aren’t particularly high in essential nutrients but do contain a reasonable amount of vitamin C.
