Nutritional properties of plum

With the arrival of the heat, we cannot forget a simple fruit that is full of benefits and nutrients: the plum. Find out in this post.

The origin of the plum seems to go back to the areas of the Caucasus, Anatolia (area of ​​present-day Turkey) and Persia (present-day Iran). The Romans were in charge of discovering them for the western world, taking this rich fruit to all corners of the empire. The main producing countries are Argentina, Chile, South Africa, the United States and; In Spain, its cultivation stands out in Aragon, in the Mediterranean area and in the provinces of Seville and Lleida.

Plum ( Prunus domestica) is the fruit of the plum tree. Tree of the Rosaceae family and of the genus Prunus. It is a round or oval drupe with a woody bone that contains an inedible seed inside. At present, in Spain there are more than 200 varieties, and they can be classified according to their color as: yellow, red, black or green. Among the best known and most consumed varieties we have the Claudia plum, which is round, light green in color and very juicy and sweet, and the Santa Rosa, which is larger, red in color and has a sweetish taste.

Nutritional properties of plum

The main component of the plum is water , followed by carbohydrates. Its contribution in vitamins is not relevant, although its moderate content in provitamin A or beta-carotene stands out, which is transformed into vitamin A in our body, and vitamin E, both with antioxidant action.

One of the most important minerals that we can find in the plum is potassium , a mineral of enormous importance for the functions of the nervous system. In addition, potassium plays an important role in achieving a balance between cells and extracellular fluid.

The plum is very rich in anthocyanins that provide it with a characteristic color (especially noticeable in the varieties of red and purple tones) to combat infectious processes.

But what plums are actually famous for is their laxative action. They are a good remedy for constipation due to their high fiber and sorbitol content. Sorbitol is a sweet-tasting organic compound, a type of sugar, that has known laxative properties.

But what plums are actually famous for is their laxative action.

The plum in the market

The advice for its purchase and conservation do not differ much from those that should be taken into account for other fruits. We can find it on the market from the end of April to September. When buying plums you have to make sure they are firm and not spoiled. If you buy green, it should be left at room temperature to ripen. Once ripe, they do not last more than two-three days. Therefore, they should be kept in the refrigerator for a few days.

Plum in the kitchen

It is one of the most appetizing and refreshing fruits during the hot summer months. You can enjoy the plum at any time of the day: alone, peeled or with skin. Take the opportunity to make desserts, jams, cakes … even as one more ingredient in your salad, gazpacho, smoothie or juice. Try them grilled as a garnish for a main dish, they are delicious.

In addition to its flavor, the plum has important nutritional properties that make it an essential summer fruit. Take advantage of the fact that it is summer , because they are only present during this period of the year.

by Abdullah Sam
I’m a teacher, researcher and writer. I write about study subjects to improve the learning of college and university students. I write top Quality study notes Mostly, Tech, Games, Education, And Solutions/Tips and Tricks. I am a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence or virtue.

Leave a Comment