Plum
A plum is the edible fruit of several trees and shrubs in the genus Prunus.
Plums are edible fruits from the genus Prunus, known for their smooth skin and single hard pit. In Canada, they appear in stores and recipes as a summer fruit.
What it is
Plums are stone fruits, or drupes, that grow on trees and shrubs in the rose family. They have smooth skin, juicy flesh, and a single hard pit. Colours range from purple and red to yellow and green, varying by variety.
Types
The two main commercial groups are European plums (Prunus domestica) and Japanese plums (Prunus salicina). European plums are denser and sweeter, often used for drying and baking. Japanese plums are larger and juicier, typically eaten fresh.
Uses
Plums are eaten fresh, dried as prunes, or cooked into jams, compotes, and pastries. They are also used in wine, brandy, and dried-fruit products. Firm, high-sugar varieties are especially suited for drying.
In short
- Plums are drupes (stone fruits) from trees in genus Prunus.
- Dried plums are called prunes.
- Two main commercial groups: European and Japanese.
- Used fresh, dried, in preserves, and baked goods.
Plums are sold and grown in Canada as a summer stone fruit, with availability varying by region and import patterns. Canadian readers may encounter both fresh plums and dried prunes in grocery stores and recipes.
Quick questions
What are plums?
What is the difference between plums and prunes?
What are the different types of plums?
Sources
- Cambridge English Dictionary — Supports: Basic definition of plum as a fruit with smooth skin, sweet flesh, and a single large seed.
- Merriam-Webster — Supports: Definition of plum as a fruit from trees and shrubs in genus Prunus; notes that dried plums are called prunes.
- Britannica — Supports: Describes plum as trees or shrubs in genus Prunus; identifies European and Japanese plums and explains prunes as dried plums.
- Instacart — Supports: Summarizes plum types, seasonality, and nutrition, including fibre and summer availability.