Have you ever stumbled upon those vibrant, small, round fruits that look like a cross between a cherry and a plum and wondered, “Can you eat cherry plum?” The short answer is a resounding YES! These delightful fruits are not only edible but also incredibly tasty and packed with nutritional goodness. Let’s dive into the world of cherry plums and explore why they’re a must-try seasonal treat.
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What Exactly Are Cherry Plums?
Often referred to as Myrobalan plums, cherry plums are scientifically known as Prunus cerasifera. Despite their name, they’re not a true hybrid of a domestic cherry and a plum, but rather a distinct species of plum that happens to bear cherry-like fruits. They typically ripen in mid-summer, usually around July or August, depending on your region.
These charming fruits are smaller than your average plum, usually about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and come in a beautiful spectrum of colors. You might find them in shades of red, yellow, or even deep purple, often with a blush of multiple colors. Their skin is smooth and thin, encasing juicy, sweet-tart flesh that ranges from pale yellow to deep crimson. Inside, you’ll find a single, central pit, much like a traditional plum.
Packed with Goodness: Nutritional Benefits
Beyond their delightful flavor, cherry plums are a tiny powerhouse of nutrition. Incorporating them into your diet can offer a host of health benefits:
- Vitamins A and C: These essential vitamins are crucial for boosting your immune system, promoting healthy vision, and supporting skin health.
- Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and maintaining strong bones.
- Dietary Fiber: Cherry plums are a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
- Antioxidants: Like many fruits, cherry plums are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Safety First: Understanding the Pit
While the flesh and skin of cherry plums are perfectly safe and delicious to eat, the seed inside—often called the pit or stone—is where you need to exercise caution. Like many stone fruits (cherries, peaches, apricots), cherry plum pits contain a compound called amygdalin. When crushed or chewed, amygdalin can convert into hydrogen cyanide, which is toxic.
However, there’s no need to panic! Accidentally swallowing a whole cherry plum pit is generally not harmful, as it will likely pass through your digestive system undigested. The danger arises if you were to crush and consume a large quantity of pits. The good news is, for typical enjoyment, simply eat around the pit or remove it before cooking or preparing the fruit. Always discard the pits, especially if you have pets or small children who might be tempted to chew on them.
How to Identify a Cherry Plum
If you’re foraging or buying from a local market, knowing what to look for can be helpful:
- Size: They are relatively small, often compared to large cherries or small golf balls.
- Color: Look for vibrant reds, yellows, or purples.
- Skin: Smooth, thin, and often slightly glossy.
- Flesh: Juicy and ranges in color from light yellow to deep red.
- Pit: A single, free-floating pit in the center.
- Tree: Cherry plum trees (Prunus cerasifera) are typically small to medium-sized (15-25 feet tall) and are often grown as ornamental trees due to their beautiful early spring blossoms, which are usually white or pale pink.
Choosing and Storing Your Cherry Plums
To enjoy cherry plums at their best, here are some tips:
- Selection: Look for fruits that are firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating ripeness. Avoid any with blemishes, soft spots, or a dull appearance. They should also have a pleasant, fruity aroma.
- Ripening: If your cherry plums are a bit firm, you can leave them on your countertop at room temperature for a day or two until they soften slightly.
- Storage: Once ripe, store them in the refrigerator, ideally in a single layer or in a breathable bag, to keep them fresh for up to a week. Wash them just before eating to prolong their shelf life.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Cherry Plums
Cherry plums are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Their unique sweet-tart flavor makes them perfect for a variety of dishes:
- Fresh Snacking: The simplest and most delicious way to enjoy them! Just rinse, pop one in your mouth (mind the pit!), and savor the juicy explosion.
- Jams and Jellies: Their natural pectin content and balanced flavor make them ideal for creating vibrant homemade preserves.
- Baking: Add them to pies, tarts, crumbles, muffins, or scones for a tangy burst of flavor.
- Sauces and Compotes: Cook them down into a delicious sauce to accompany pork, chicken, or duck, or a compote to serve with yogurt, pancakes, or ice cream.
- Salads: Slice them up and toss them into a fresh green salad for a sweet-tart counterpoint.
- Desserts: Poach them in syrup, roast them with honey, or simply serve them with a dollop of cream for a simple yet elegant dessert.
Friendly FAQs About Cherry Plums
Are cherry plums poisonous?
The flesh and skin are perfectly safe to eat. However, the pit (seed) contains amygdalin, which can become toxic if crushed and consumed in large quantities. Always discard the pits.
What do cherry plums taste like?
They offer a wonderful balance of sweet and tart flavors, often described as a more intense, juicier version of a standard plum with a hint of cherry. The taste can vary slightly depending on ripeness and variety.
Can dogs eat cherry plums?
No, it’s best to avoid feeding cherry plums to dogs. The pits pose a choking hazard and contain cyanide precursors. While the flesh itself isn’t toxic, it’s safer to keep all parts of stone fruits away from pets.
Can you eat unripe cherry plums?
Yes, you can, but they will be significantly more tart and firm. Unripe cherry plums are often preferred for making preserves like jams or jellies, as their high acidity can be beneficial for setting.
What’s the difference between a cherry and a cherry plum?
While similar in size and sometimes appearance, cherries and cherry plums are distinct. Cherries belong to the Prunus avium or Prunus cerasus species, while cherry plums are Prunus cerasifera (a type of plum). Cherry plums typically have a more complex sweet-tart flavor profile compared to the often sweeter, simpler taste of most cherries, and their pits are flatter like a plum pit, rather than round like a cherry pit.
Embrace the Cherry Plum!
So, the next time you see these beautiful, little fruits, don’t hesitate! Cherry plums are a fantastic addition to your summer fruit repertoire. They’re easy to enjoy, full of nutrients, and incredibly versatile. Just remember to steer clear of the pit, and you’re all set to savor this sweet-tart delight!