Plums

Plums are a stone fruit with very smooth, shiny skin and an indent running down one side. While native to Asia, Europe and America, most US production is in the Japanese varieties which are red and yellow. European varieties are blue and purple.

Source(s): Purdue University, Produce Oasis

Cultivation, Storage & Packaging

Pre-harvest

Some plum cultivars are capable of self- pollinating and will produce fruit even if grown in isolation. Other plum varieties require cross pollination, which means at least two cultivars with overlapping bloom periods must be planted. The typical standard plum tree usually begins to bear fruit in three to five years and comes into full production in about 10 years. The average useful life of a plum tree is 15 to 20 years. Trees should be planted in early spring at least 20 feet apart in fertile, well-drained soil.

Post-harvest

To determine a maximum maturity index (the stage at which fruit can be harvested without suffering bruising damage during postharvest handling) flesh firmness is measured with a penetrometer with an 8 mm-tip. Plums are less susceptible to bruising than most peach and nectarine cultivars at comparable firmness. Ideally plums should be stored at a temperature of 31-32oF with a 90- 95% relative humidity. Typical storage life is two to four weeks.

Source(s): Ohio State University Extension and UC Davis Postharvest website

Good Arrival Guidelines/Tolerances

Good Arrival Guidelines in the United States permit

15% total average defects,

8% serious and 3% decay upon arrival at contract destination after five-days in transit.

Good Arrival Guidelines in Canada permit

15% total defects allowed by grade,

10% total permanent defects,

5% maximum for any single permanent grade,

10% maximum for any single condition defect and

3% maximum decay.

Recommended transit temp is 32oF.

Source(s): PACA, DRC and USDA

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 fruit (2-1/8" dia)

Amount Per Serving

Calories from Fat 2Calories 30

% Daily Values*

Total Fat 0.18g 0%

Saturated Fat 0.011g 0%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.029g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.088g

Cholesterol 0mg 0%

Sodium 0mg 0%

Potassium 104mg

Total Carbohydrate 7.54g 3%

Dietary Fiber 0.9g 4%

Sugars 6.55g

Protein 0.46g

Vitamin A 5% Vitamin C 10%

Calcium 0% Iron 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Nutrition Values are based on USDA Nutrient Database SR18

Century Farms International, Inc.

10957 NW 123rd Street Medley, FL 33178

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