Plum | The Ruby Jewel of Summer

These delightful plums are a burst of summer joy, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavours. Each bite delivers a juicy freshness, making them an irresistible treat. Enjoy them fresh, or get creative in the kitchen – they’re a versatile fruit for any occasion.

Hailing from the sun-drenched orchards of the USA and Chile, our plums are cultivated in regions renowned for producing some of the world's finest stone fruits. This dual origin ensures a consistent supply of premium quality plums, picked at their peak.

Visually stunning, these plums boast a deep, glossy crimson skin that practically glows. Slice one open to reveal vibrant, reddish-purple flesh that’s firm yet yielding, surrounding a single, easily removable pit. Their alluring colour is a promise of the rich flavour within.

Each plum offers a harmonious symphony of taste: a refreshing sweetness that quickly gives way to a delightful, tangy finish. The texture is wonderfully juicy, smooth, and succulent, melting in your mouth and leaving a clean, crisp sensation that makes you crave another bite.

We at Terra Fresh are dedicated to bringing you the freshest produce. Our plums are directly sourced from trusted farms in the USA and Chile, bypassing intermediaries to ensure they arrive at your door with their flavour and nutritional integrity perfectly preserved. This commitment to direct sourcing means unparalleled freshness.

These beautiful plums are a seasonal delight, typically available from June through September. This narrow window ensures you receive them when they are naturally at their most flavorful and abundant, making their arrival a true sign of summer’s bounty.

Nutrition Information

Plums are a naturally low-calorie fruit, providing a good source of dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion. They offer a notable amount of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that contributes to the normal function of the immune system, and Vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting and bone health. They also contain potassium, an essential mineral that helps maintain normal blood pressure.

How to Eat & Store

How to tell it's ripe

• A ripe plum will feel slightly soft to the touch when gently squeezed, but not mushy.
• The skin should be smooth, taut, and uniformly coloured without any major blemishes.
• Gently sniff the plum near the stem; a ripe plum will emit a sweet, fruity aroma.
• Avoid plums that are rock hard or extremely soft and wrinkled.

How to cut and eat it

1. Wash the plum thoroughly under cool running water.
2. Hold the plum firmly and run a sharp knife around the stone, from top to bottom.
3. Twist the two halves gently to separate them.
4. Remove the pit with your fingers or the tip of a spoon.
5. Slice or dice the plum flesh as desired, or simply enjoy the halves as they are.

Storage instructions

• Store unripe plums at room temperature on your kitchen counter, away from direct sunlight, until they ripen.
• Once ripe, transfer plums to the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process and extend their shelf life. Place them in a plastic bag or an airtight container in the crisper drawer.
• Ripe plums will last for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Ripening at home guide

If your plums arrive a little firm, simply place them in a paper bag on your kitchen counter. You can add a banana or apple to the bag; these fruits release ethylene gas, which helps accelerate the ripening process naturally. Check daily, and they should be perfectly ripe and ready to enjoy within 1-3 days.

Recipe Ideas

Spiced Plum & Ginger Chutney

A vibrant, flavourful chutney that pairs beautifully with Indian meals or as a spread. Method: Combine 500g chopped plums, 1 red onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 thumb-sized piece ginger (grated), 100g jaggery, 100ml apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp red chilli powder, and a pinch of salt in a heavy-bottomed pan. Simmer gently for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy. Sterilize jars and pour in the hot chutney.

Plum & Almond Galette

A rustic, free-form tart that lets the plums shine, perfect for an afternoon treat. Method: Prepare a simple pie crust or use store-bought puff pastry. Roll it into a rough circle. Spread a thin layer of almond frangipane or simply sprinkle ground almonds mixed with a little sugar in the centre, leaving a 2-inch border. Arrange thinly sliced plums over the almond layer. Fold the pastry edges over the plums. Brush the crust with an egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake at 180°C for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden and plums are tender.

Plum, Mint & Lime Cooler

A refreshing, invigorating drink perfect for hot Indian summers. Method: In a blender, combine 2-3 deseeded plums, a handful of fresh mint leaves, the juice of half a lime, and 1-2 teaspoons of sugar or jaggery (adjust to taste). Add a splash of water and blend until smooth. Strain the mixture, if desired, and pour over ice. Top with sparkling water or soda and garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wedge.

FAQ

Are plums good for my health? Yes, plums are a nutritious fruit, providing dietary fiber, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, which contribute to overall well-being.

What is the best way to eat a plum? Plums are wonderful eaten fresh, either whole or sliced. They are also versatile for cooking, baking, and making preserves.

How do I store plums to keep them fresh? Store unripe plums at room temperature. Once ripe, refrigerate them in a bag or container in the crisper drawer for up to 3-5 days.

Can I freeze plums? Yes, you can freeze plums! Wash, pit, and slice them, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to an airtight freezer bag for longer storage.

Are there different types of plums? Absolutely, there are many varieties of plums, differing in colour, size, and sweetness. Our current selection focuses on these specific sweet-tart red plums.

How long does it take for plums to ripen? If firm, plums typically ripen at room temperature within 1 to 3 days, especially if placed in a paper bag with another ripening fruit like a banana.

Do I need to wash plums before eating them? Yes, always wash plums thoroughly under cool running water before consuming them to remove any surface dirt or residues.

What dishes can I make with plums? Plums are fantastic in chutneys, tarts, crumbles, jams, smoothies, and salads, or simply stewed as a dessert topping.