Plum Facts

Plum facts

Learn fun plum facts and general information about plums. This page includes how plums grow, how to choose and store them, plum nutrition facts, plums compared to prunes, and easy plum recipe ideas.

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Fun Plum Facts

  • Plums grow on trees like apples and peaches.
  • There are many varieties of plums.
  • Plums can be yellow, orange, red, or purple.
  • Plums have a pit in the center.
  • They can be eaten fresh or cooked into jams, sauces, and desserts.

How Plums Grow, Buying Tips, and Storage

When Plums Are Available

Plums are commonly available from June through October.

How Do Plums Grow?

Plums grow on trees like apples or peaches. There are many different varieties of plums, and they can be yellow, orange, red, or purple.

Fresh plums

What to Look for When Buying Plums

Avoid plums with cracks or soft spots. They should give slightly when pressed.

Plum Storage Tips

If plums are ripe, store them in the refrigerator. To ripen them, leave them at room temperature.

Kid Tip: Ask an adult to help remove the pit before cutting plums for recipes.

How to Cook with Plums

How to Use Plums

  1. Wash the plums well.
  2. Cut around the plum and remove the pit.
  3. Eat plums fresh or use them in smoothies, jams, sauces, fruit salads, or desserts.
Cooking Tip: Plums can be used in both sweet recipes and fruit sauces.

Plums vs. Prunes

Plums are the fresh fruit. They are juicy, soft, and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Prunes are dried plums. They have less water, a chewier texture, and a more concentrated sweet flavor.

Both come from the same type of fruit, but drying changes the texture and how the fruit is used.

Food Science: Fresh Fruit vs. Dried Fruit

Why Are Prunes Different from Plums?

A prune starts as a plum. When the fruit is dried, much of the water is removed.

That makes prunes smaller, chewier, and sweeter-tasting than fresh plums. It also changes how they are used in recipes.

Mini Activity

Plum Pit Investigation

  1. Cut open a plum with adult help.
  2. Remove the pit and look at its size and shape.
  3. Compare the pit to the soft fruit around it.
  4. Talk about how the pit protects the seed inside.

This activity helps kids notice how fruits protect their seeds.

Plum Nutrition Facts

Plums are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin C. They may also help support digestion.

  • Plums contain vitamin A.
  • They provide vitamin K.
  • They also contain vitamin C.
  • Plums may help with digestion.

More Food Fact Resources




Plum Recipes

Plum Smoothie

A simple fruit smoothie made with plums, strawberries, and yogurt.

  • Category: Drink
  • Prep: 5 minutes
  • Cook: No cooking
  • Yield: Varies
Plum smoothie
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Ingredients

  • 2 plums, pitted
  • 5 strawberries, tops removed
  • 1/2 cup plain or fruit yogurt

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
Serving Tip: Serve cold for an easy fruit breakfast or snack.

Simple and Easy Plum Jam

A quick plum jam recipe made with chopped plums and sugar.

  • Category: Jam
  • Prep: 10 minutes
  • Cook: 5 minutes
  • Yield: Varies
Plum jam
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped plums
  • 2 cups sugar

Directions

  1. Chop the plums in a blender.
  2. Add the sugar and place in a saucepan.
  3. Bring to a boil.
  4. Boil for 5 minutes.
Note: Ask an adult to help with all stovetop cooking.

Cooking Video: Plum Jam

Plum Facts FAQ

When are plums available?

Plums are commonly available from June through October.

How do plums grow?

Plums grow on trees like apples or peaches and come in different colors such as yellow, orange, red, and purple.

What should you look for when buying plums?

Avoid plums with cracks or soft spots. They should give slightly when pressed.

How should plums be stored?

If ripe, store plums in the refrigerator. To ripen them, leave them at room temperature.

What nutrients are in plums?

Plums are a good source of vitamins A, K, and C and may help support digestion.

What is the difference between plums and prunes?

Plums are fresh fruit, while prunes are dried plums. Prunes have less water and a chewier texture.

Keep Learning About Plums

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Plum smoothie

Plum Smoothie

Use plums in an easy smoothie recipe.

Simple plum jam

Simple Plum Jam

Try plums in a simple homemade jam recipe.

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