Discover the unique and delicious taste of pluots – a hybrid fruit that combines the best qualities of both plums and apricots! With its sweet-tart flavor, crunchy texture, and vibrant color, pluots are becoming increasingly popular among fruit enthusiasts. Learn more about this delectable treat and why it’s quickly becoming a favorite in homes across the country.
What are Pluots
Pluots are a hybrid fruit that is created by crossing plums with apricots. Pluot trees were first developed in the 1980s, and they are now widely grown in many countries around the world. These fruits have a unique flavor that combines the sweetness of plums with the tartness of apricots, and their vibrant color makes them stand out in a crowd. The crunchy texture of pluots make them a popular choice for snacking, and they are often used in recipes that require fruits with just the right amount of sweetness.
History and Origin of Pluots
Pluots were first developed in the 1980s by Luther Burbank, a renowned horticulturist who was widely known for his work in creating hybrid fruits. The idea behind pluots was to create a fruit that combined the sweet taste of plums with the tartness of apricots. Initially, many growers were skeptical about the idea, but Luther Burbank’s experiments led to the development of several unique pluot varieties. Today, pluots are grown in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Characteristics of Pluots
Appearance
Pluots vary in size and shape depending on the variety, but they typically range from 2 to 4 inches in diameter. They are round or oval in shape and have a smooth skin. The color of pluots can range from yellow to dark red, and they often have a mottled appearance with patches of pink or purple. Pluots are known for their juicy flesh which is often speckled with tiny edible seeds.
Flavor
Pluots have a unique flavor that combines the sweetness of plums with the tartness of apricots. The taste is often described as both sweet and tart, with a juicy texture. The sweetness of pluots can vary depending on the variety; some varieties are naturally sweeter than others. Pluots also contain a moderate amount of acidity which helps to balance out the sweetness.
Nutritional Value
Pluots are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. They contain high amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. Pluots are also a good source of many other essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and folate. Eating pluots can help to provide your body with important nutrients while also delivering a delicious and satisfying snack.
Varieties of Pluots
Dapple Dandy
One of the most popular varieties of pluots is the Dapple Dandy. This variety has an attractive mottled yellow-green skin with a pinkish-red blush. The flesh is juicy and sweet with hints of tartness. It’s typically considered to be one of the sweeter varieties of pluots, and it’s widely used in recipes that require fruits with a mild sweetness.
Flavor Granade
The Flavor Grenade pluot is another popular variety that combines the sweet flavor of a plum with the tartness of an apricot. It has a bright yellow skin with red streaks and speckles, and its flesh is juicy and crunchy. This variety is often used in recipes that require tart fruits, as it has a slightly higher acidic content than other varieties.
Candy Stripe
Candy Stripe is a variety of pluot that is known for its vibrant red and yellow skin. The flesh of the fruit has a deep pink hue and is juicy and sweet with hints of tartness. This variety is often considered to be one of the sweeter varieties, making it a popular choice for desserts and other recipes that require fruits with mild sweetness. The Candy Stripe pl uot is also known for its crunchy texture which makes it an ideal snack.
Kandy Sweet
Kandy Sweet is a variety of pluot that has an attractive mottled skin with shades of pink, yellow, and red. The flesh of this variety is incredibly juicy and sweet with a pleasant tartness. This variety is known for its crunchy texture which makes it great for snacking or baking. Kandy Sweet pluots are also high in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber.
Health Benefits of Pluots
Rich in Fiber
Pluots are a great source of dietary fiber, which is important for promoting overall health. Fiber helps to regulate digestion and can help keep you feeling full for longer periods of time, which can help with weight management. Eating more fiber-rich foods like pluots can also help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Pluots are also rich in other essential vitamins and minerals which can help to boost your overall health.
High in Vitamins and Minerals
Pluots are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. They contain high amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. Pluots are also a good source of many other essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and folate. Eating pluots can help to provide your body with important nutrients while also delivering a delicious and satisfying snack.
Good for Digestive Health
Pluots can be beneficial for digestive health due to their high fiber content. Fiber is essential for regulating digestion, as it helps your body break down food more efficiently. Eating a diet rich in fiber-rich foods like pluots can help keep your digestive system healthy and functioning properly. Eating pluots can also help reduce the risk of developing certain gastrointestinal-related diseases.
Antioxidant Properties
Pluots are a great source of antioxidants, which are important for promoting overall health and wellness. Antioxidants fight off free radicals in the body, helping to reduce inflammation and slow down the aging process. Eating more antioxidants through foods like pluots can help to protect your cells from damage and improve your overall health. Pluots also contain other important vitamins and minerals which can help to boost your immunity and keep you feeling well.
Culinary Uses of Pluots
Eating Fresh
Eating fresh pluots is a great way to get the most out of this delicious fruit. Pluots are typically eaten raw as a snack or in salads, but they can also be cooked and used in a variety of recipes. Fresh pluots can be sliced and added to breakfast bowls, used to top yogurt or oatmeal, or simply enjoyed as-is for a sweet and juicy snack.
Cooking/ Baking
Pluots can be used in a variety of cooking and baking recipes. They make a great addition to cakes, pies, crumbles, muffins, and other desserts. Pluots can also be cooked down into jams or compotes which are perfect for topping pancakes or waffles. When baking with pluots it is best to use ripe, fresh fruit for best flavor and texture.
Preserving
Preserving pluots is a great way to enjoy their sweet flavor and juicy texture all year round. Pluots can be canned, frozen, dried, or even turned into jams or jellies for long term storage. When preserving pluots it is important to use ripe fruit that has been washed thoroughly with cold water before preparing. For best results, it is recommended to use recipes from reliable sources.
How to Select and Store Pluots
Choosing Ripe Pluots
When selecting pluots, it is important to look for fruit that is ripe and ready to eat. Pluots should have a sweet aroma and feel slightly soft when gently squeezed. Avoid pluots that are bruised or overly soft as these may be overripe. It is also best to choose pluots that are free of any blemishes or discoloration.
Storing Pluots (at room temperature or in the fridge)
Pluots are best stored at room temperature out of direct sunlight. If your pluots have already been cut, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When storing whole pluots, it is best to store them at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Whole pluots can last up to a week when stored properly.
Conclusion
Pluots are a hybrid fruit, created by crossing plums and apricots. They have a sweet and tart flavor with a juicy texture that is perfect for snacking or adding to recipes. Pluots are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, folate and antioxidants. Eating pluots can help to keep you feeling full and provide important vitamins and minerals for overall health and wellbeing.
