What Are Green Plums?
Green plums are the unripe fruit of the plum tree. Unlike ripe plums, they are firm, intensely sour, and slightly astringent; their pits are also still soft and not fully developed.
They appear in markets in Türkiye for a short period in spring; their limited availability makes them a seasonal treat and an eagerly awaited sign of spring.
Green Plum Nutrition
100 g of green plums provides about 30 kcal; compared with ripe plums, they contain less sugar, more organic acids, and a moderate to high amount of vitamin C. Values are approximate and vary by ripeness.
How Should Green Plums Be Eaten?
Green plums are eaten in moderate amounts as fruit as part of a balanced diet.
This information is general; green plums are a food and are not a substitute for medical treatment. Because of their intense sourness, people with sensitive stomachs are advised to eat them in moderation.
How to Choose Green Plums?
Good green plums are vivid green, firm and crisp, with no bruises or blemishes. Yellowish, softened fruit has started to ripen.
- The color should be vivid green, not yellowish or pale
- The texture should be firm and should not yield when pressed
- The surface should have no bruises or rotten spots
How to Store Green Plums?
Green plums stay fresh for a few days in the refrigerator; at room temperature, they ripen quickly, soften, and lose their characteristic firmness.
Using Green Plums in the Kitchen
Green plums are most often salted and eaten raw as a snack, and are used in some regional salads and sour dishes; in some regions, they are also made into jam and pickles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between green and ripe plums?
They are the same fruit at different stages of ripeness; green plums are firm and sour and are eaten with salt, while ripe plums are soft and sweet and are eaten fresh or made into jam.
Why are green plums eaten with salt?
Salt balances the fruit’s intense sourness and brings out its flavor; this is an established traditional way of eating green plums in Türkiye.
Can you eat the pit of a green plum?
No; even though the pit is not yet hard, it is not eaten and should be removed from the flesh and discarded.