Plums are traced back to China and have been widely used since ancient times. Sweet and tangy, plums make an excellent snack and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. Plums are a good source of vitamins A and C and are low in calories.
The Basics: There are a variety of plums, with the most common plums being red, black, and purple. Whatever type you choose, select a plum that doesn’t have any noticeable blemishes and has smooth skin. Store plums in the refrigerator if they are ripe. If you need to ripen the fruit, leave the plum(s) on the counter for a day or two. When ready to eat, rinse the fruit and prepare.
Try This: Saute some chopped plums with some onion and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Serve with chicken or pork. Plums work well in tarts, cobblers, and pastries. Consider poaching plums with a vanilla bean and serve warm over ice cream or frozen yogurt.
The Facts: An average plum contains 30 calories with 1 gram of fiber.
