Plums contain lutein, a carotenoid that is lacking in many people's diets. Lutein acts as an antioxidant to protect against macular degeneration in the eyes, and may prevent plaque from building up in the arteries. Its consumption may play a role in maintaining the health of the skin, as well as the breasts and cervix in women. Plums also contain beta carotene, which acts as an antioxidant and helps prevent cataracts and cancer. It also helps boost the immune system. It's not surprising that plums rank third among all fresh fruits in total antioxidant capacity, just behind blueberries and strawberries. 1 cup of sliced plums, about 12 medium fruits, is a serving. It contains 75 calories, 2.5 grams of fiber, and 26% of your daily value for vitamin C. Summer is plum season and Gelson's always has a few good varieties for you to choose from. My personal favorite is the black plum with the red flesh, sometimes called a Friar plum. It's the most nutritious of all plums since it's the deepest in color, inside and out. I also love the green plums that come a little later on in the summer-they're sweet like candy, but good for you! You may be wondering about plumcots and pluots, too. Like nectarines, they're hybrids. Plumcots are 50% plum and 50% apricot and pluots are 75% plum and 25% apricot-both are very plum-like in appearance, taste and texture. When selecting one of our many varieties of plums, look for plump, firm fruits without blemishes or cracks. Stay away from shriveled skin. They should all have a protective whitish powdery bloom on the skin. A very good plum will actually smell sweet at the stem end. Freestone varieties mean that the pit separates from the flesh easily, as opposed to clingstone, where the flesh clings to the pit. This is true for other stone fruits, like peaches and nectarines, too. Use freestone plums for cooking, especially when a recipe calls for pitting the plums. When you take your plums home, store them unwashed in the crisper. If they're still hard, place them in a sealed paper bag on the counter for a day or two. This will soften them, but not sweeten them. Eat ripe refrigerated plums within three days, but wash them first. This month, try my recipes for Sautéed Summer Fruit Salad, Chicken with Plum Relish, and Plum Compote with Vanilla Ice Cream.
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o you wake up feeling tired or feel drowsy during the day? Heartburn may be waking you up at night without you even realizing it. It's estimated that 44% of Americans suffer from nighttime heartburn at least once a month, and what they drink during the day might have something to do with it.
ate to eat your leafy greens? While I don't condone that, plums can help replace some of the nutrients you may be missing out on by avoiding your green vegetables.