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The plum season extends from May through October with
the Japanese varieties first on the market from May and
peaking in August followed by the European varieties in
the fall.
Plums belong to the Prunus genus of plants and are
relatives of the peach, nectarine and almond. They are
all considered "drupes," fruits that have a hard stone
pit surrounding their seeds. When plums are dried, they
are known as prunes.
The high content of unique phytonutrients called
neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid. These substances
found in plum and prune are classified as phenols, and
they are antioxidants.
Plums contributes Antioxidant Protection from Phenols,
Antioxidant Protection from Vitamin C, helps to increase
absorption of iron into the body, Protection against
Macular Degeneration
One of the unique things about plums is that there are
so many varieties available. Not only do over 2,000
varieties of plums exist, but over 100 are available in
the United States alone.
Plums are classified into six general categories such as
Japanese, American, Damson, Ornamental, Wild and
European/Garden whose size and shape and colors vary.
Although usually round, plums can also be oval or
heart-shaped. The skins of plums can be red, purple,
blue-black, red, green, yellow or amber, while their
flesh comes in hues such as yellow, green and pink and
orange.
Plums are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B2,
potassium and dietary fiber.
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