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Inseason Produce & Ripeness SSOT
PL

Plum

PLUM • drupe

🟡 Climacteric (Ripens Off Vine) 💨 Ethylene Producer
Ripeness Checklist Storage & Ethylene Seasonal Calendar Varieties & PLU Kitchen & Pairings

How to Tell if Plum is Ripe

Store Check

Plum can continue to ripen at room temperature after harvest. Look for color changes and slight give near the stem.

👁 Visual Checks

  • Look for uniform color without green under-tones
  • Check for matte/dull skin rather than shiny plastic finish
  • Look for natural sugar spots or field marks

✋ Tactile & Aroma

  • Heft: Should feel heavy for its size (indicates juice content)
  • Give: Slight yield under gentle palm pressure, never thumb poking
  • Aroma: Fragrant sweet smell at the stem end

How to Store Plum

Optimal Spot fridge
Shelf Life (Ripe) 3–5 Days
Ethylene Sensitivity High (Isolate)

Storage Protocol: Keep on the counter at room temperature until fully ripe. Once ripe, move to the crisper drawer to slow enzymatic breakdown.

Ethylene Warning: This produce releases significant ethylene gas. Do not store in enclosed bags with leafy greens, herbs, or broccoli.

Peak Seasonality & Harvest Geography

USDA / AMS Verified

In northern temperate regions and Europe, local plum harvest usually runs from July through October. Plums remain available year-round in many major groceries, with South Africa and Chile covering the Northern Hemisphere winter and spring gap.

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Global Growing Geography: Temperate and subtropical regions, notably China, California, and Italy

Common Varieties & PLU Codes

Variety Name PLU Codes Characteristics
Santa Rosa 4040 Standard commercial supermarket cultivar
Black Splendor 4040 Standard commercial supermarket cultivar
Elephant Heart — Standard commercial supermarket cultivar
Italian Prune 4428 Standard commercial supermarket cultivar
Pluot 3278 Standard commercial supermarket cultivar
Burgundy 4040 Standard commercial supermarket cultivar
Mariposa 4040 Standard commercial supermarket cultivar
Methley — Standard commercial supermarket cultivar
French Prune 4428 Standard commercial supermarket cultivar

Kitchen Pairings & Chef Hacks

Flavor Pairings

CinnamonGingerPort WinePork TenderloinAlmond

Chef Hacks & Prep Tricks

💡 Roast Plum: Halve plums, dust with cinnamon sugar, roast at 400°F for 15 mins.
Pocket Encyclopedia

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Compare Head-to-Head

Compare sweetness, sugar content, and glycemic indicators against other fruits.

Plum vs Blueberry → Plum vs Apple → Plum vs Peach →