30+ Plums

Plums are a stone fruit that originated in China where plum blossom is considered a symbol of good fortune. The five petals of the plum blossom are said to represent the Five Blessings - longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue and a peaceful death.

There are over 2,000 varieties of plum in various shades of yellow, green, purple and red. These include the Victoria, Mirabelle, Santa Rosa, Merryweather, damson, greengage, and elephant heart.

Plums are a good source of vitamins A,C,K,B6 and folate. They are also a source of potassium, magnesium and copper. Anthocyanins make plums a red-blue-purple colour. Beta-carotenes give the yellow-orange plums their colour. These and other phytonutrients in plums are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. They can also support heart, brain and bone health. They support the digestive system and, in their dried form (prunes), can alleviate constipation.

Plums can be eaten as a snack or made into pies, puddings, crumbles, cakes, sauces, jams or drinks. They can be stewed, roasted, spiced, pickled or dried.