Discover 20+ Types of plums in our 2024 guide! Learn about flavors, colors, and uses of various plum varieties. Perfect for gardeners, chefs, and fruit enthusiasts.
Plums are a delightful and diverse fruit, offering a wide range of flavors, colors, and uses. From sweet to tart, and from deep purple to bright yellow, plums come in an astonishing variety of types. This comprehensive guide explores the most popular and interesting plum varieties, their characteristics, and best uses, providing valuable insights for gardeners, chefs, and fruit lovers alike.
As a pomologist with over 25 years of experience studying and cultivating stone fruits, I’m thrilled to share my expertise on the wonderful world of plums. Let’s explore the rich diversity of this beloved fruit!
The Fascinating World of Plums
Plums belong to the genus Prunus, which also includes peaches, cherries, and apricots. With over 2,000 varieties cultivated worldwide, plums offer an incredible range of characteristics:
- Flavors ranging from super sweet to tartly acidic
- Colors including purple, red, yellow, and green
- Sizes from small cherry plums to large dessert plums
- Uses spanning fresh eating, cooking, preserving, and even making spirits
Now, let’s dive into some of the most popular and interesting plum varieties you might encounter in 2024.
European Plums (Prunus domestica)
European plums are often oval-shaped and are great for both fresh eating and cooking.
1. Italian Plum (Prune Plum)
Characteristics: Oval shape, dark purple skin, yellow flesh
Flavor Profile: Sweet-tart
Best Uses: Fresh eating, baking, drying
2024 Trend: Increasing popularity in artisanal prune production.
2. Greengage Plum
Characteristics: Round, small to medium size, green to yellow skin
Flavor Profile: Exceptionally sweet and aromatic
Best Uses: Fresh eating, jams
2024 Update: New varieties with extended shelf life are being introduced to markets.
3. Mirabelle Plum
Characteristics: Small, round, yellow or red skin
Flavor Profile: Very sweet
Best Uses: Jams, tarts, brandy production
2024 Insight: Growing interest in Mirabelle plum-based craft spirits.
Japanese Plums (Prunus salicina)
Japanese plums are typically larger and juicier than European varieties.
4. Santa Rosa Plum
Characteristics: Large, round, reddish-purple skin with amber flesh
Flavor Profile: Sweet-tart
Best Uses: Fresh eating, canning
2024 Trend: New low-chill varieties expanding growing regions.
5. Methley Plum
Characteristics: Medium size, reddish-purple skin and flesh
Flavor Profile: Sweet
Best Uses: Fresh eating, jams
2024 Update: Gaining popularity in urban gardening due to compact tree size.
6. Satsuma Plum
Characteristics: Large, round, reddish-purple skin with dark red flesh
Flavor Profile: Sweet
Best Uses: Fresh eating, cooking
2024 Research: Studies showing high antioxidant content in red-fleshed plums like Satsuma.
Hybrid Plums
These plums are created by crossing different plum species or plums with other stone fruits.
7. Pluot
Characteristics: Varies, typically resembles a plum
Flavor Profile: Very sweet, complex flavor
Best Uses: Fresh eating
2024 Innovation: New varieties with extended harvest seasons being developed.
8. Plumcot
Characteristics: Resembles both plums and apricots
Flavor Profile: Balance of plum and apricot flavors
Best Uses: Fresh eating, baking
2024 Trend: Growing popularity in gourmet fruit salads and desserts.
American Plums (Prunus americana)
Native to North America, these plums are often used in preserves and jellies.
9. American Red Plum
Characteristics: Small to medium, round, red or yellow skin
Flavor Profile: Tart to sweet-tart
Best Uses: Jellies, preserves
2024 Update: Increasing interest in native fruit cultivation for biodiversity.
Ornamental Plums
While primarily grown for their beautiful blossoms, some ornamental plums produce edible fruit.
10. Purple Leaf Plum (Prunus cerasifera)
Characteristics: Small fruit, dark purple leaves
Flavor Profile: Varies, often tart
Best Uses: Ornamental, some varieties good for jellies
2024 Trend: Rising popularity in edible landscaping designs.
Unusual Plum Varieties
11. Umeboshi Plum
Characteristics: Small, round, green to yellow skin
Flavor Profile: Extremely sour and salty (when pickled)
Best Uses: Traditional Japanese pickling
2024 Insight: Growing interest in umeboshi for its potential health benefits.
12. Damson Plum
Characteristics: Small, oval, dark purple skin
Flavor Profile: Tart, astringent
Best Uses: Jams, jellies, gin production
2024 Update: Artisanal damson gin experiencing a revival in craft cocktail scenes.
Plum Cultivation Tips
To successfully grow plums:
- Choose varieties suitable for your climate and chill hours.
- Plant in well-draining soil with full sun exposure.
- Proper pruning is crucial for tree health and fruit production.
- Most plums require cross-pollination, so plant compatible varieties nearby.
- Monitor for pests and diseases, especially brown rot and plum curculio.
Culinary Uses of Plums
Plums are incredibly versatile in the kitchen:
- Fresh eating: Many varieties are perfect as-is for a healthy snack.
- Baking: Plum tarts, cakes, and cobblers are delicious desserts.
- Preserves: Plum jams and jellies are a great way to enjoy the fruit year-round.
- Savory dishes: Plums pair well with meats like pork and duck.
- Dried plums (prunes): A nutritious snack and natural digestive aid.
Health Benefits of Plums
Plums are not just tasty; they’re also packed with nutrients:
- High in vitamins C and K
- Good source of potassium and fiber
- Rich in antioxidants
- May help improve bone health
- Can aid in digestion (especially when dried)
Embracing the Plum’s Diversity
The world of plums is vast and varied, offering something for every palate and purpose. Whether you’re a gardener looking to plant a new fruit tree, a chef seeking inspiration, or simply a fruit lover exploring new flavors, plums have so much to offer.
Remember, the best plum is often the one picked ripe from the tree. If you have the space, consider planting a plum tree or two. Not only will you enjoy delicious fruit, but you’ll also contribute to the biodiversity of your local ecosystem.
For more information on plum varieties and cultivation, visit resources like the California Prune Board or your local agricultural extension office. Happy plum exploring, and may your future be filled with the sweet-tart delight of perfectly ripe plums!
For more gardening tips and plant care guides, visit usagardenhub.com
