American Plums
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
American plums are small, averaging 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter, and grow in clusters on a shrub or small tree. The fruits have a round to oval appearance with curved, blunt ends and feature a prominent seam extending the length of the plum. The skin is thick, smooth, glossy, and taut, showcasing bright red-purple hues over a golden yellow base when ripe. The amount of pigmented coloring on the fruit’s surface varies between growing regions, sun exposure, and the specific type, and the skin is also covered in tiny yellow dots. The skin is notably tough, containing tannic acids that give it a bitter, tart, and astringent taste. Most consumers choose to remove the skin before eating American plums. Underneath the surface, the flesh is firm, aqueous, and slightly chewy with a crisp, succulent consistency. The flesh is typically yellow and can sometimes be tinged with bright red flushes. The flesh also envelops a central stone containing a slightly flattened seed. American plums are mainly eaten when ripe as this stage will bear the sweetest taste. The skin is discarded to remove astringency, and the flesh has a sweet, lightly fruity flavor.
Seasons/Availability
American plums are available in the summer through fall, with a peak season in August and September.
Current Facts
American plums, botanically classified as Prunus americana, are an indigenous species of North America belonging to the Rosaceae family. The small fruits grow on deciduous trees reaching 3 to 8 meters in height and are a type of drupe, meaning each fruit contains a single seed enclosed within a hard casing, called a pit or stone. American plums are an anticipated, seasonally foraged fruit in its native growing region as they are relatively easy to identify, and some trees produce abundant harvests. The fruits are smaller than commercial plums and have tarter skin, making them initially appear more tannic and astringent. If the skin is removed, the flesh is sweet and favored for fresh eating or cooking. American plums are also known as Wild plums and have been taken from the wild and planted commercially as ornamental trees in public landscapes and home gardens. The trees are valued for their showy white blossoms in the spring and colorful fruits in the summer and fall. The species has also been crossed with other plum types for improved varieties used commercially and as a rootstock. In the present day, American plums are primarily found in North America but have expanded as a cultivated species to regions worldwide.
Nutritional Value
American plums have not been extensively studied for their nutritional properties. Plums, in general, are a source of fiber to aid digestion and vitamins A, C, E, and K to maintain healthy organs, strengthen the immune system, guard the cells against free radical damage, and promote faster wound healing. Each of these vitamins appear in varying amounts. American plums also provide minerals like potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. These minerals help the body support bone and teeth health, balance fluid levels, control daily nerve functions, and produce protein for increased oxygen transport through the bloodstream. The fruit’s pigmented red-purple coloring indicates the presence of anthocyanins; organic compounds naturally found in the skin. These compounds have antioxidant properties to reduce inflammation and contribute to overall bodily health.
Applications
American plums have a sweet-tart taste suited for fresh and cooked preparations. It is recommended to remove the skin as it has a bitter, unpleasant taste that will impact recipes, even with added sweeteners. American plums are eaten out of hand when ripe and are enjoyed as a snack, discarding the stone and skin. The fruits are also popularly simmered into jams, jellies, and other preserves. Try cooking American plums into homemade chutney or glazes and sauces for meats like ribs. The fruits have even been used to flavor variations of ketchup and vinegar. American plums produce a vibrant red-pink coloring when pressed into a puree and cooked with sugar to make fruit leather. While less common, the plums are baked into various desserts like pies, crisps, or crumbles, or they are used as fillings for baked goods. American plums are also fermented into wine or dried into prunes for extended use. Prunes can be eaten as a stand-alone snack or chopped and mixed into granola, trail bars, and desserts. American plums pair well with spices like ginger, cinnamon, cumin, and nutmeg, maple syrup, brown sugar, and herbs including mint, coriander, basil, and rosemary. Whole, unwashed American plums can be ripened at room temperature and then stored in the refrigerator for a few days. It is best to consume the fruits once ripe for the maximum quality and flavor.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
American plum trees were traditionally viewed by Native American tribes as a culinary, medicinal, and spiritual species. The fruits were foraged as a food source, and decoctions of the bark and roots were made to soothe skin irritations. Various portions of the tree, including the fruits, were also used to treat coughs, mouth sores, and indigestion. The Cheyenne tribe, an indigenous people group of the Great Plains, was said to have used American plum tree branches for their Sun Dance. The annual ceremony was customarily held on the longest day of the year, also known as the summer solstice, and was a time for the community to give offerings to the creator in hopes of receiving blessings in return. The Sun Dance was traditionally a multi-day event and featured fasting, dancing, and other rituals. Branches from nearby trees, including American plum trees, were used to construct circular structures that the ceremony was held in and around.
Geography/History
American plums are native to North America and have been growing wild since ancient times. The species’ early history is unknown, but stories of the fruits and portions of the tree have been passed between generations within indigenous Native American tribes. American plums have a spreading nature, forming dense thickets in some regions, making them a favored windbreak for properties. These thickets are also homes for wildlife and can help control erosion. Over time, American plums were spread beyond their native range through migrating peoples and the use of the species for ornamental purposes in home gardens. Today, American plums are still found growing wild in North America and have also been planted in temperate regions worldwide. The species naturally thrives in pastures, woodlands, hedgerows, prairies, and along riverbanks and can sometimes be found alongside roads or on abandoned properties. In North America, the plums are primarily within regions of the Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast and are foraged from wild and naturalized trees when in season. Outside of its native range, American plums are used commercially as rootstock and for breeding purposes to create improved plum types. In Colombia, American plums are a popular cultivated species sold in fresh markets.
American Plums for sale around the world shared on the Specialty Produce App
