Food of the Week: Plum Food of the Week: Plum

History Amazingly, there are over 2,000 varieties of plums originating from History Amazingly, there are over 2,000 varieties of plums originating from
different parts of the world. The most common plums seen in the United different parts of the world. The most common plums seen in the United
States are from American, European, and Japanese origins. The European States are from American, European, and Japanese origins. The European
variety was discovered more than 2,000 years ago off of the coast of the variety was discovered more than 2,000 years ago off of the coast of the
Caspian Sea. American lands were first introduced to the European plum Caspian Sea. American lands were first introduced to the European plum
during the 17th century when the European settlers brought the seeds with during the 17th century when the European settlers brought the seeds with
them. China is actually where the Japanese plums originated. However, them. China is actually where the Japanese plums originated. However,
Japan became the major cultivator of the fruit although China is now one of Japan became the major cultivator of the fruit although China is now one of
the largest plum producers in the world, along with the United States, Russia, the largest plum producers in the world, along with the United States, Russia,
and Romania. and Romania.
In addition to all of the varieties, plums also come in an array of beautiful In addition to all of the varieties, plums also come in an array of beautiful
colors ranging from bright red, deep purple, green, yellow, and orange. The colors ranging from bright red, deep purple, green, yellow, and orange. The
flesh of the fruit also comes in colors ranging from pink to yellow to orange. flesh of the fruit also comes in colors ranging from pink to yellow to orange.
Plums are actually related to the peach, nectarine, and almond. This family of Plums are actually related to the peach, nectarine, and almond. This family of
fruits goes by the name of drupes meaning they have stone-like pits fruits goes by the name of drupes meaning they have stone-like pits
surrounding their seeds. Plums can also be dried. In this case, they are surrounding their seeds. Plums can also be dried. In this case, they are
referred to as prunes which also make tasty treats! referred to as prunes which also make tasty treats!
Availability Plums are available at the grocery store from May through Availability Plums are available at the grocery store from May through
October. The Japanese plums are available first and peak in August, with the October. The Japanese plums are available first and peak in August, with the
European varieties following in the fall. European varieties following in the fall.
Selection If you are looking for ripe, ready-to-eat plums, select ones that Selection If you are looking for ripe, ready-to-eat plums, select ones that
yield to gentle pressure, particularly at their tip. You can also choose plums yield to gentle pressure, particularly at their tip. You can also choose plums
that are not yet ripe and ripen them at room temperature for one to two days. that are not yet ripe and ripen them at room temperature for one to two days.
Avoid plums that are extremely hard, as they will not ripen well and will have Avoid plums that are extremely hard, as they will not ripen well and will have
a dull taste. The skin should be a vibrant color and should have a bloom a dull taste. The skin should be a vibrant color and should have a bloom
(silvery) coating indicating that the fruit has not been over handled. (silvery) coating indicating that the fruit has not been over handled.
Storage Ripe plums should be eaten right away or stored in refrigeration Storage Ripe plums should be eaten right away or stored in refrigeration
for a few days. Plums ripen well at room temperature. They can also be for a few days. Plums ripen well at room temperature. They can also be
frozen by removing the pit and freezing. frozen by removing the pit and freezing.
Nutrition Plums have a high content of antioxidants known as phenols Nutrition Plums have a high content of antioxidants known as phenols
which function to protect against harmful free radicals that could lead to heart which function to protect against harmful free radicals that could lead to heart
disease or cancer. Plums are also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A (in disease or cancer. Plums are also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A (in
the form of beta-carotene), and fiber while being very low in calories. Studies the form of beta-carotene), and fiber while being very low in calories. Studies
have also shown that including fruit in your diet, such as plums or prunes, have also shown that including fruit in your diet, such as plums or prunes,
can help your vision! A recent study published in the Archives of can help your vision! A recent study published in the Archives of
Opthamology showed that including 3 or more servings of fruit everyday Opthamology showed that including 3 or more servings of fruit everyday
could decrease your risk of developing age related macular degeneration, could decrease your risk of developing age related macular degeneration,
the leading cause of blindness in older adults. So bite into a plum today and the leading cause of blindness in older adults. So bite into a plum today and
enjoy that sweet, juicy flavor! enjoy that sweet, juicy flavor!
 Recipe of the Week: Fresh Fruit Kebobs Recipe of the Week: Fresh Fruit Kebobs

4 Plums (fresh, ripe) halved and pitted 4 Plums (fresh, ripe) halved and pitted
4 Peaches (fresh, ripe) halved and pitted 4 Peaches (fresh, ripe) halved and pitted
4 Nectarines (fresh, ripe) halved and pitted 4 Nectarines (fresh, ripe) halved and pitted
2 Lemons, juiced 2 Lemons, juiced
1 t Cayenne pepper 1 t Cayenne pepper
Mint sprigs (optional) Mint sprigs (optional)
Cut each half of fruit into thirds. Place fruit in a medium bowl, Cut each half of fruit into thirds. Place fruit in a medium bowl,
add lemon juice and cayenne pepper; mix well. Marinate fruit add lemon juice and cayenne pepper; mix well. Marinate fruit
for 1 hour. On a skewer, alternate fruit wedges; chill. Garnish for 1 hour. On a skewer, alternate fruit wedges; chill. Garnish
with mint sprig, if desired. Makes 24 kebobs. with mint sprig, if desired. Makes 24 kebobs.

Nutrient analysis of 1 fruit kebob: calories: 25, fat: <1g, Nutrient analysis of 1 fruit kebob: calories: 25, fat: <1g,
saturated fat: 0g, carbohydrate: 6g, protein: <1g, vitamin C: saturated fat: 0g, carbohydrate: 6g, protein: <1g, vitamin C:
6mg, fiber: 1g, vitamin A: 291IU, sodium: <1mg, potassium: 6mg, fiber: 1g, vitamin A: 291IU, sodium: <1mg, potassium:
105mg 105mg
Nutrient analysis of 1 medium plum: calories: 36, fat: <1g, Nutrient analysis of 1 medium plum: calories: 36, fat: <1g,
saturated fat: <1g, carbohydrate: 9g, protein: 1g, vitamin C: saturated fat: <1g, carbohydrate: 9g, protein: 1g, vitamin C:
6mg, fiber: 1g, vitamin A: 213 IU, sodium: 0mg, potassium: 6mg, fiber: 1g, vitamin A: 213 IU, sodium: 0mg, potassium:
114mg 114mg
Recipe Source: Aboutproduce.com and Produce for Better Recipe Source: Aboutproduce.com and Produce for Better
Health Foundation Health Foundation
For more recipes, visit: www.aboutproduce.com For more recipes, visit: www.aboutproduce.com