General information

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Plum has a variety of different cultivars from different origins. It is believed that the European plum was discovered in a region close to Caspian sea, 2000 years ago. Plums are a diverse group of species. The commercially important plum trees are medium-sized, usually pruned to 5–6 metres height. The tree is of medium hardiness, while without pruning, the trees can reach 12 metres in height and spread across 10 metres. They blossom in different months in different parts of the world; for example, about January in Taiwan,early April in the United Kingdom and end of March in Greece. Fruits are usually of medium size, between 1 and 3 inches in diameter, globose to oval. The flesh is firm and juicy. The fruit's peel is smooth, with a natural waxy surface that adheres to the flesh.

The taste of the plum fruit is sweet and they are typically consumed fresh or dry.  Many jams are made by plums as well.

Nutrient and vitamin content

Raw plums are 87% water, 11% carbohydrates, 1% protein, and less than 1% fat. In a 100 gram amount, raw plums supply 46 calories and are a moderate source of vitamic C (12%). The vitamin C is destroyed when plums are dried, but they become significantly higher in other antioxidants and contain significantly higher concentrations of most of the other nutrients found in the fresh fruit. Just one cup of dried plums (also known as prunes) provides 87% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K, more than 20% of most B vitamins, 8% of calcium and 27% of potassium.

Health benefits

• Improves vision: dry plums (also known as prunes) are a great source of vitamin A that is essential for healthy vision. One prune delivers 3% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. People who are deficient in vitamin A are prone to night blindness, dry eyes, macular degeneration and cataracts.
• Powerhouse of antioxidants: dry plums contain manganese, iron and plant phenolics that function as antioxidants and help to protect the cell membranes from free radical damage.
• Healthy heart: dry plums are high in potassium, an important mineral that ensures proper functioning of the heart and nerve response throughout the body. Daily intake of potassium helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of problems such as dizziness,  heart disease, heart attack and stroke
• Did you know that just 1 dry plum (prune) provides 3% of the recommended daily intake of fiber? Plums (fresh or dry) have been sold as a popular digestive remedy for years together. And when it comes to laxatives, prunes are more effective than even psyllium. Prunes help the body in digesting food properly, to relieve constipation and have regular bowel movement. This is because prunes are high in fiber and sorbitol.
• Protection against Osteoporosis: a single serving of 100 grams of dry plums fulfills the daily requirement for boron, and the potassium present in prunes helps support bone health.