To choose sweet plums, focus on a combination of visual cues, texture, and aroma, with the most reliable indicator being the feel of the fruit.
How to Choose Sweet Plums?
Selecting a perfectly sweet plum means looking for fruit that is ripe, juicy, and flavorful. The best plums will offer a delightful balance of sweetness and a hint of tartness, along with a tender, succulent texture.
Key Indicators of Sweet Plum Ripeness
Determining if a plum is sweet and ready to eat involves a few simple checks:
1. Feel (Texture)
This is the most crucial step for identifying a sweet, ripe plum.
- Gently press the blossom end: The blossom end is the opposite side from where the stem is attached. A sweet, ripe plum will have a slight give when you gently press this area with your thumb. It should feel firm but yield slightly under pressure, indicating juicy, tender flesh inside.
- Avoid hard plums: If the plum feels hard all over, it is not yet ripe. While a hard plum can be left to soften at room temperature, perhaps in a paper bag for a day or two, its flavor will not continue to mature or sweeten significantly once picked.
- Avoid mushy or squishy plums: If the plum feels overly soft, mushy, or squishy, it is overripe. These plums might have a compromised texture, be mealy, or taste fermented. You want a plum that feels substantial yet yielding, not one at risk of splatting if it were to fall.
2. Color
The color of a plum is a good initial indicator, but it varies significantly by variety.
- Vibrant and uniform: Look for plums with deep, rich, and uniform color specific to their type. Whether it's deep red, dark purple, black, or even yellow-green, the color should be vivid and consistent across the fruit.
- No green patches (for most varieties): For many plum varieties, visible green patches indicate immaturity and a lack of sweetness.
3. Aroma
A sweet, ripe plum will often emit a delightful fragrance.
- Sweet and fruity smell: Hold the plum close to your nose. A ripe plum will have a noticeable, sweet, and fragrant aroma, typical of fresh fruit. If there's no smell, it's likely not fully ripe. An overly sweet, fermented, or sour smell might indicate spoilage.
4. Appearance
While less indicative of sweetness directly, appearance can signal overall quality.
- Smooth, unblemished skin: Choose plums with smooth, taut skin that is free from significant bruises, cuts, or shriveling. Small imperfections are normal, but large soft spots or breaks in the skin can indicate damage or spoilage.
- "Bloom" (natural powdery coating): Some plums have a natural, powdery white coating called "bloom." This is a sign of freshness and protects the fruit; it's perfectly safe to eat or rinse off.
Plum Ripeness Checklist
| Indicator | Sweet, Ripe Plum | Unripe Plum | Overripe Plum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Deep, vibrant, consistent for its variety | Dull, lighter, sometimes greenish patches | Bruised, shriveled, very dark in spots |
| Feel (Blossom End) | Slight give, firm but yielding | Hard, no give | Mushy, squishy, very soft |
| Aroma | Sweet, fragrant, distinct fruity smell | Little to no smell | Fermented, sour, or off-smell |
| Appearance | Smooth skin, natural "bloom" (optional) | Smooth skin, may have slight imperfections | Wrinkled, bruised, cracked skin |
What to Do if Your Plums Aren't Quite Ripe
If you bring home plums that aren't quite ready, you can encourage them to soften, though their flavor won't develop further.
- Room Temperature: Store slightly unripe plums at room temperature on your countertop.
- Paper Bag Method: To speed up softening, place plums in a paper bag. The ethylene gas they release will become concentrated, helping them soften more quickly. Check daily.
- Avoid Refrigeration: Do not refrigerate unripe plums, as the cold can prevent them from ripening properly and negatively impact their texture.
Popular Sweet Plum Varieties
While sweetness can vary based on ripeness and growing conditions, some plum varieties are generally known for their high sugar content.
- Santa Rosa: A classic American plum, known for its deep red skin and juicy, sweet, and tangy flesh.
- Black Plums (e.g., Black Amber, Friar): Often have dark purple to black skin and exceptionally sweet, amber flesh.
- Mirabelle: Small, golden-yellow plums famous for their intense sweetness and use in desserts and preserves.
- Damson: While often used for jams due to their tart skin, when fully ripe, their flesh is quite sweet.
For more information on plum varieties, you can explore resources like Gardening Know How's Guide to Different Types of Plums.
Storage Tips for Optimal Sweetness
Once plums are perfectly ripe, enjoy them quickly!
- Ripe Plums: Store ripe plums in the refrigerator to prolong their freshness. Place them in a single layer in the crisper drawer to avoid bruising. They will typically last for a few days to a week.
- Washing: Wash plums just before eating, not before storing, to prevent moisture accumulation which can lead to spoilage.
By following these tips, you'll be well-equipped to select delicious, sweet plums every time.
