Plums are fruits of the genus Prunus (stone fruits). Plum may have been one of the first fruits grown by humans, along with olives, grapes, and figs.
- Plum trees grow on all continents except Antarctica. But most of all they are grown in temperate zones. The average lifespan of cultivated plums is 10-15 years.
- Most plum trees grow in gardens near residential areas.
- Flower buds on most cultivars sit on short spurs along with the shoots of the main branch. Each bud can contain one to five flowers, and often appear as dense flower clusters when the trees are in full bloom.
- The fruits have an average size of 2.5 to 7.5 cm in diameter; shape from spherical to oval. The flesh is hard and juicy. The fruit is smooth with a waxy surface. Skin color ranges from bluish-black to red, purple, green, or yellow.
- The most popular and most common is the “home plum”, which takes 90% of all plum tree plantings in the world.
- Like most fruits, plums are low in calories. There are approximately 46 calories in 100 grams of raw plums; and they consist of 87% water, 11% carbohydrates, 1% protein, and less than 1% fat.
- Plum is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin B (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9), and vitamin E.
- Minerals present in them include potassium, fluoride, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, calcium, and zinc. They are also loaded with fiber, sorbitol, and isatin.
- The antioxidant power of plums helps in the treatment of osteoporosis, obesity and slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Plums also contain anthocyanin and quercetin, which are important in preventing the breakdown of brain cells.
- Plums have a low glycemic index, so consuming plums helps control blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Numerous studies have proven that eating plums helps prevent the appearance of cancer cells, strengthens the immune system, and prolongs youth.
- Plums are widely consumed as dessert fruits. Plum fruits range in flavor from sweet to tart. Compotes and preserves are prepared from plums. They are used for baking pastries.
- In the Balkans, the plum is converted into an alcoholic drink called Slivovica (Serbian: šljivovica). Šljivovica is the national drink of Serbia in domestic production, and the plum is the national fruit.
- “Plum wine” is popular in Japan, Korea, and is also produced in China. In central England, a similar alcoholic beverage known as the plum drum is also made from plums.
- Dried plums, without fermentation, are called prunes. These plums contain a high level of sugar, the quality of which depends on the drying method (in dehydrators or the sun) and the storage method.
- The plum is heavily involved in Chinese mythology. She is often depicted carved on jade, as the Chinese associate her with wisdom.
