History of Dried Plum
The plum is one of the first fruits domesticated by humans, originating in Asia. The commercially important plum trees are medium-sized, usually pruned to 5–6 metres height. 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, in about January in Taiwan and early April in the United Kingdom.
China is the world’s leading producer of plums accounting for about half the world production Other major producers are Romania, Serbia and Iran. The plum tree was significant in Chinese mythology, and was often carved on jade and associated with wisdom.
Plum varieties that can be dried without resulting in fermentation are called prunes. Such plums have firm flesh and contain high levels of sugar, qualities that favour their being preserved by drying, which is done in dehydrators or in the sun.
Plums contain lots of nutrients and carries plenty of health benefits:
- Plums are low in calories, proteins and fats.
- Prunes and plums are rich in antioxidants, which are helpful for reducing inflammation and protecting your cells from damage by free radicals.
- Plums have benefits for improving bone health and heart health.
- Along with minerals such as potassium, fluoride, iron, calcium and magnesium, they contain lots of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin E and Vitamin B.
- In an 100-gram amount, raw plums supply 46 calories and are composed of 87% water, 11% carbohydrates, 1% proteins, and less than 1% fat.
- The fibre in plums help with the digestive system.
- Eating plums can help you control your blood sugar and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Plum Nutrition Value
| Energy kJ | 931 kJ/100g |
|---|---|
| Energy kcal | 221 kcal/100g |
| Fats | 0,10g/100g |
| Of which saturated fatty acids | 0,0g/100g |
| Carbohydrates | 45,0g/100g |
| Of which sugars | 44,9g/100g |
| Protein | 2,0g/100g |
| Salt | 0,010g/100g |
Ingredients
General Information about Plums
Plums are often eaten fresh or used in jam-making or other recipes and plum juice can be fermented into plum wine. In central England, a cider-like alcoholic beverage known as plum jerkum is made from plums. Dried, salted plums are used as a snack, sometimes known as saladito or salao.
Do you want to buy your friends or family a healthy and nutritious gift ? Walnut Tree has a variety of gift trays, boxes and baskets containing plums such as our large square reed assorted dried fruit basket and small octagonal dried fruit tray.
Walnut Tree Gifts
Read more about us, our story, the Great Taste Awards we’ve won and why we have a passion for superior tasting gifts and snacks.
Walnut Tree Gifts is one of the UK’s leading packers of superior quality dried fruit, nuts and chocolate. We’ve been working in partnership with high-quality retailers since 1995. We are privileged to supply prestigious London stores, palaces, castles, stately homes, garden centres, delicatessens, farm shops, hamper companies, department stores and gift shops with corporate or Walnut Tree custom made gifts.
We’re the only company with Great Taste Awards for marron glacé, glacé fruit, dark chocolate ginger and pate de fruit, so you’re never more than a click away from some delicious delicacies. The website is open 24/7. We will dispatch your order within 48 hours.
All gifts purchased include a complimentary gift bag and card. Choosing a meaningful gift can be difficult – we’re always happy to offer advice. Call or email us. We pride ourselves on our excellent service.
You’ll be delighted to know that as you’re buying directly from the source, you’ll be getting excellent value for your money. And if you’re not happy with your purchase, we’ll refund or replace it.
This year, Walnut Tree is supporting Future Dreams Breast Cancer Charity with dried fruit and nuts for the care packages they distribute to patients in hospitals throughout London. www.futuredreams.org.uk