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Fun Facts

The plum is a pre-historic drupe, or stone fruit, and is usually classified into two different types: Japanese and European. With skin colors that range from gold to blood red, Japanese plums actually originated in China, and were brought to the U.S. in the 1870s. European varieties all have yellow to green/amber flesh and purple or blue skin. Ancient Romans feasted on wild plums, both fresh and dried. Dried plums used to be called prunes, but in 2001 U.S. plum growers officially changed the name to a more palatable dried plums.

Star Power

When your plumbing is clogged, call the plum-mer! Plums and their dried counterparts are famous for relieving constipation, thanks to copious amounts of fiber. Plums contain plenty of other good stuff, too, like vitamin C for healthy tissue and strong immune systems, potassium to protect the heart, antioxidant zeaxanthin to protect the eyes, and B-complex vitamins such as niacin, vitamin B-6, and pantothenic acid to help with a healthy metabolism. Did you know that plums with red flesh contain more sugar and taste sweeter than plums with yellow flesh?

Quick Preps

PREPARE: Wash plums well under cold running water.

• Eat plums as is for a delicious snack.
• Add sliced plums to fruit salads and green salads.
• Make chicken salad: chicken, sliced plums, basil and celery.