Yes, cherry plums do have pits.
Cherry plums, like many other members of the Prunus genus, are classified as stone fruits or drupes, meaning they contain a single, hard seed in their center. This hard seed is commonly referred to as a pit or a stone.
What is a Fruit Pit?
A fruit pit is the hard, woody endocarp that encloses the seed of certain fruits. Its primary function is to protect the embryo inside. While the fleshy part of the fruit is edible, the pit itself is not and should be discarded.
Removing Cherry Plum Pits
When cherry plums are ripe, their flesh becomes soft and succulent, which makes the pits relatively easy to remove. This is particularly beneficial when preparing them for culinary uses such as jams, jellies, or preserves. There are a couple of effective methods for extracting the pits:
- Using a Cherry Pitter: A specialized tool known as a cherry pitter can efficiently push the pits out of the fruit. This method is quick and clean, especially when processing larger quantities.
- Knife Method: For smaller batches or if a pitter isn't available, a sharp knife can be used. Carefully cut down around the pit, gently twist the fruit halves apart, and then use the knife tip or your fingers to force the stone out. The softness of ripe cherry plums makes this process quite manageable.
Cherry Plums in the Stone Fruit Family
Cherry plums share this characteristic with other popular stone fruits. Understanding their place within this family highlights their typical structure.
| Fruit | Pit/Stone Presence | Typical Size of Pit | Ease of Pit Removal (Ripe) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Plum | Yes | Small | Easy |
| Cherry | Yes | Small | Easy |
| Peach | Yes | Large | Varies (freestone/clingstone) |
| Plum | Yes | Medium | Moderate |
| Apricot | Yes | Medium | Easy |
Culinary Considerations
The presence of a pit means that for most culinary applications, particularly those where the fruit is puréed or eaten directly, pitting the cherry plums is a necessary step. Their sweet-tart flavor and juicy flesh make them excellent for:
- Jams and Preserves: The ease of pit removal in ripe fruit simplifies the process of making smooth, delicious spreads.
- Desserts: Pitted cherry plums are perfect for pies, tarts, crumbles, and cobblers.
- Sauces and Compotes: They can be cooked down into flavorful sauces to accompany both sweet and savory dishes.
- Fresh Eating: Always remove the pit before consuming cherry plums whole.
Safety Note
While the pit itself is not edible, the seeds inside the pits of many stone fruits, including cherry plums, contain compounds that can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Therefore, always discard the pits safely and avoid ingesting them.
