Damson Plum

What Is Damson Plum?

Damson plum is a dark purple-navy skinned, firm-fleshed, sweet plum variety (Prunus domestica). The dark color of its skin comes from anthocyanin pigments, also found in fruits like blueberries.

It ripens at the end of summer; with its firm flesh and balanced sweetness, it is very well suited both to fresh eating and to making jam, marmalade, and dried plum. Its dark color also carries over into the products it's processed into.

Nutritional Value of Damson Plum

Like other plums, damson plum contains about 46 kcal of energy and fiber per 100 grams; it is a source of vitamin C and potassium. The anthocyanins in its dark skin are its notable plant compounds. Variety-specific values are approximated based on the plum profile.

What Are the Benefits of Damson Plum?

With its fiber, vitamin C, and anthocyanin content, damson plum can be considered part of a balanced diet; research on the plant compounds in dark-colored fruits is ongoing.

This information is general; damson plum is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Damson Plum?

Good damson plums are dark purple, plump, and give slightly when pressed; the fine whitish bloom on the surface is a sign of freshness. Wrinkled and leaking fruit is past its prime.

• Skin should be dark purple, plump, and have its natural bloom
• Should give slightly when pressed; hard-as-stone fruit is unripe
• Cracked, bruised, or leaking fruit should be discarded

How to Store Damson Plum?

Ripe damson plum keeps for a few days in the refrigerator; the natural bloom being preserved indicates freshness. For long storage it is dried or made into jam-marmalade.

Using Damson Plum in the Kitchen

Damson plum is eaten fresh; it is also used in jam, marmalade, compote, and pies thanks to its firm flesh and sweetness. Some varieties are dried into prunes.

How Is Damson Jam Made?

Pitted damson plums are left with sugar until they release their juice, then simmered over low heat until they thicken; the dark color gives the jam a lovely tone, and lemon juice supports the consistency.

Is Damson Plum Dried?

Yes; due to its firm flesh and balanced sweetness, it is among the most suitable varieties for making dried plums, dried in the sun or a dehydrator.

Which Recipes Use Damson Plum?

Damson jam, damson marmalade, compote, pie, and dried plum are its best-known uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between damson plum and regular plum?

Damson plum is a dark purple-skinned, firm-fleshed, sweet variety; it is considered better suited to jam-making and drying than yellow-red table plums.

When does damson plum ripen?

It generally ripens at the end of summer, in August-September; during this period it reaches its sweetest and plumpest state.

Why is damson plum dark purple?

Anthocyanin pigments in its skin create the dark purple-navy color; these compounds also color the jams and desserts it is processed into.

Can damson plum pits be eaten?

No; the hard pit is not edible and is removed from the fruit during jam-making or drying. Only the flesh is consumed.

How is damson plum stored?

Ripe fruit keeps for a few days in the refrigerator; for long-term storage it is dried or made into jam-marmalade.