Plum Day

June 15. A day to remember the wrinkled, dark, sticky fruit that many undervalue. Plum Day is an unofficial holiday created by dietitians and dried fruit producers. The goal is to promote this healthy product. In 2026, when healthy eating became a trend, plums experienced a second rebirth. They are added to salads, smoothies, meat dishes, and baked goods. But many still remember only its laxative effect. It's time to dispel myths and show plums from an unexpected side.

What is Plum

Plum is a dried plum (usually varieties of Hungarian and Renklod). The drying process: the fruits are blanched, cooled, then dried in ovens or in the sun. The result is a dark purple, almost black fruit with a pit or without. Taste - sweet, with a slight tartness. Aroma - smoky (if smoked). Plums are popular in cuisines around the world: in the US, they are put in pies, in Europe - in meat, in Russia - in compotes and fillings for kuliches.

Health Benefits

Plum is a champion in fiber content (7 g per 100 g). It normalizes peristalsis of the intestines, helping with constipation (gentle laxative). It contains sorbitol, which enhances the effect. Antioxidants (flavonoids, carotenoids) fight aging and cancer. Potassium (732 mg) - for the heart and blood pressure. Vitamin K - for bones (prevention of osteoporosis). Vitamin B6 - for the nervous system. Boron strengthens bones and joints. Iron - for hemoglobin. Plums are beneficial for anemia, hypertension, avitaminosis. Of course, there is a lot of sugar (38 g per 100 g), but it is fructose, and it is not as harmful as refined sugar.

Who Should Not Eat Plums

Diabetics (in large quantities). People with irritable bowel syndrome (may cause gas formation). With obesity (calorific: 240 kcal per 100 g). With allergy to plums (rarely). Pregnant women - can, but not more than 5-6 plums a day to avoid diarrhea.

How to Choose Quality Plums

Color: evenly dark, without light spots. Gloss - there is, but not oily (treated with glycerin). Flesh - firm, not dry. Taste - sweet, without bitterness. Pit - easily separates. Cheap plums are often treated with sulfur dioxide (E220) for color and preservation - it is better to avoid such. Buy organic plums with the label "without sulfites".

Storing Plums

In a cool dark place in a sealed container - up to 6 months. In the refrigerator - up to a year. You can freeze. Before consumption, wash and soak in warm water for 10 minutes.

Culinary Ideas for Plum Day

Classic: plums with walnuts, wrapped in bacon, baked in the oven. Salad: chicken, plums, cucumber, sour cream. Compote: plums, dried apricots, raisins. Smoothie: banana, plums, kefir. Baking: pie with plums and apples. Meat: beef or pork, stewed with plums and onions. Dessert: plums soaked in yogurt. Try plums as a filling for tarts. Don't be afraid to experiment.

How to Celebrate Plum Day

Buy a pack of quality plums. Soak, eat a few pieces. Prepare a dish according to the recipe. Treat colleagues at work. Post a photo of plums on social media and tell about their benefits. Give friends a jar of chocolate-covered plums (recipe is simple: melt chocolate, dip the dried fruit, freeze). Conduct a tasting of different varieties.

Myths About Plums

Myth 1: plums cause strong laxative effects. Reality: mild, not like castor oil. Myth 2: plums cannot be eaten when losing weight. Reality: you can, in moderate amounts (replacing sugar). Myth 3: plums are just dried plums, there is no difference. Reality: there are different varieties, and the taste differs. Myth 4: plums are smoked with chemicals. Reality: natural plums are smoked with smoke, but there are also chemical substitutes. Choose a trusted manufacturer.

Plum Day is a great reason to pay attention to this superfood. It is affordable, cheap, and healthy. Don't ignore it. Buy a pack of plums today. And don't forget to wash fruits before eating.

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