Plums are a versatile and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed in various ways, from snacking fresh to baking, cooking, and making jams. With their sweet and tangy flavor, plums pair well with a wide range of ingredients, making them a great addition to many recipes. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of plums and explore what goes well with this delicious fruit.
Pairing Plums with Cheese and Charcuterie
Plums and cheese are a match made in heaven. The sweetness of the plums complements the richness of the cheese, creating a delightful flavor combination. Here are some popular cheese and charcuterie pairings that feature plums:
Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and Feta are perfect for pairing with plums. The creamy texture of these cheeses provides a nice contrast to the firmness of the plums.
Brie and Plum Tartine
- 1 ripe plum, sliced
- 1/4 cup Brie cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 baguette slice, toasted
Spread the Brie cheese on the toasted baguette slice, top with sliced plums, and drizzle with honey.
Hard Cheeses
Hard cheeses like Parmesan, Cheddar, and Gouda also pair well with plums. The nutty flavor of these cheeses complements the sweetness of the plums.
Plum and Parmesan Salad
- 2 ripe plums, sliced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
- 1/4 cup mixed greens
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinaigrette
Combine the sliced plums, Parmesan cheese, mixed greens, and chopped walnuts in a bowl. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and serve.
Cooking with Plums
Plums are a great addition to many savory dishes, adding natural sweetness and flavor. Here are some popular recipes that feature plums:
Plum BBQ Sauce
- 2 cups plums, chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Combine the chopped plums, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Use as a BBQ sauce for grilled meats.
Plum Chutney
- 2 cups plums, chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
Combine the chopped plums, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, and ground coriander in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Use as a condiment for grilled meats or as a dip for snacks.
Baking with Plums
Plums are a great addition to many baked goods, adding natural sweetness and flavor. Here are some popular recipes that feature plums:
Plum Upside-Down Cake
- 2 cups plums, sliced
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 10-inch tube pan and set aside. Combine the sliced plums, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Arrange the plum mixture in the prepared pan. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour the batter over the plum mixture and bake for 45 minutes.
Plum Crisp
- 2 cups plums, sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine the sliced plums, granulated sugar, and flour in a bowl. Transfer the plum mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, brown sugar, chopped nuts, and melted butter. Spread the oat mixture evenly over the plum mixture and bake for 35 minutes.
Plum and Poultry Pairings
Plums pair well with poultry, especially duck and chicken. The sweetness of the plums complements the richness of the meat, creating a delightful flavor combination. Here are some popular plum and poultry pairings:
Grilled Duck Breast with Plum BBQ Sauce
- 4 duck breasts
- 1 cup plum BBQ sauce (see recipe above)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Grill the duck breasts until cooked through. Brush with plum BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve.
Chicken and Plum Salad
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup mixed greens
- 1/2 cup sliced plums
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinaigrette
Combine the diced chicken, mixed greens, sliced plums, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped walnuts in a bowl. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and serve.
Plum and Pork Pairings
Plums also pair well with pork, especially pork chops and pork belly. The sweetness of the plums complements the richness of the meat, creating a delightful flavor combination. Here are some popular plum and pork pairings:
Grilled Pork Chops with Plum Chutney
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup plum chutney (see recipe above)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Grill the pork chops until cooked through. Serve with plum chutney and garnish with chopped cilantro.
Pork Belly with Plum Glaze
- 2 pounds pork belly
- 1 cup plum glaze (see recipe below)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Preheat oven to 400°F. Score the pork belly and roast for 20 minutes. Brush with plum glaze during the last 10 minutes of roasting. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve.
Plum Glaze
- 1 cup plums, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
Combine the chopped plums, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and grated ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the glaze and use as a topping for pork belly.
Conclusion
Plums are a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways. From pairing with cheese and charcuterie to cooking and baking, plums add natural sweetness and flavor to many dishes. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a savory meal, plums are a great addition to any recipe. So next time you’re at the market, be sure to pick up some plums and explore the delicious world of plum pairings.
What are some popular varieties of plums that I can use in cooking and baking?
There are numerous varieties of plums that can be used in cooking and baking, each with its unique flavor profile and texture. Some popular varieties include Santa Rosa, Methley, and Italian Prune. Santa Rosa plums are known for their sweet flavor and firm texture, making them ideal for baking and cooking. Methley plums, on the other hand, have a sweet-tart flavor and a soft texture, making them perfect for desserts and salads. Italian Prune plums are known for their sweet flavor and dense texture, making them ideal for baking and drying.
Other popular varieties of plums include Greengage, Damson, and Victoria. Greengage plums have a sweet flavor and a soft texture, making them perfect for desserts and salads. Damson plums have a sweet-tart flavor and a firm texture, making them ideal for baking and cooking. Victoria plums are known for their sweet flavor and firm texture, making them perfect for eating fresh and using in desserts.
What are some traditional pairings for plums in savory dishes?
Plums can be paired with a variety of ingredients in savory dishes to create delicious and unique flavor combinations. One traditional pairing for plums is with pork, particularly in Asian-inspired dishes. The sweetness of the plums pairs perfectly with the richness of the pork, creating a balanced and flavorful dish. Plums can also be paired with chicken, particularly in salads and stir-fries. The sweetness of the plums complements the smokiness of the chicken, creating a delicious and refreshing flavor combination.
Plums can also be paired with cheese, particularly in salads and as a topping for crackers. The sweetness of the plums pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the cheese, creating a balanced and flavorful snack. Other traditional pairings for plums include with prosciutto and arugula, and with grilled meats and vegetables. The sweetness of the plums adds a unique and delicious twist to these classic flavor combinations.
How can I incorporate plums into my breakfast routine?
Plums can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your breakfast routine. One way to incorporate plums into your breakfast is to add them to your oatmeal or yogurt. The sweetness of the plums pairs perfectly with the earthiness of the oatmeal or the tanginess of the yogurt, creating a delicious and filling breakfast. Plums can also be added to smoothies, providing a boost of antioxidants and fiber.
Plums can also be used to make a delicious breakfast compote. Simply cook down fresh or frozen plums with a little sugar and water to create a sweet and tangy sauce. This compote can be served over pancakes, waffles, or French toast, adding a delicious and fruity twist to your breakfast. Plums can also be used to make a delicious breakfast crumble, simply mix sliced plums with sugar, flour, and spices, and top with a crumbly oat mixture and bake until golden brown.
What are some tips for baking with plums?
Baking with plums can be a delicious and rewarding experience, but it does require some special considerations. One tip for baking with plums is to choose the right variety. Some plum varieties, such as Santa Rosa and Methley, hold their shape well when baked, while others, such as Italian Prune, become soft and jam-like. Choosing the right variety will depend on the desired texture of your final product.
Another tip for baking with plums is to not overmix the batter. Plums can release a lot of juice when baked, which can make the batter soggy and difficult to work with. To avoid this, gently fold the plums into the batter and avoid overmixing. Additionally, be sure to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe according to the sweetness of the plums. Some plum varieties are very sweet and may require less sugar, while others may be more tart and require more sugar.
Can I use plums in place of other fruits in recipes?
Plums can be used in place of other fruits in some recipes, but it will depend on the desired texture and flavor of the final product. Plums have a unique flavor and texture that can add a delicious twist to many recipes. For example, plums can be used in place of apples in pies and crisps, adding a sweet and tangy flavor. Plums can also be used in place of berries in salads and smoothies, adding a sweet and refreshing flavor.
However, plums may not be the best substitute for other fruits in all recipes. For example, plums are much softer than apples and may not hold their shape as well in recipes like pies and crisps. Additionally, plums have a stronger flavor than some other fruits and may overpower the other ingredients in the recipe. When substituting plums for other fruits, be sure to adjust the amount of sugar and spices in the recipe accordingly.
How can I preserve plums to enjoy them year-round?
There are several ways to preserve plums to enjoy them year-round. One way is to can them. Plums can be canned in a sugar syrup or in a spicy brine, making them perfect for topping yogurt or oatmeal. Plums can also be frozen, either whole or as a puree. Frozen plums are perfect for adding to smoothies or baked goods.
Plums can also be dried to make a delicious and healthy snack. Dried plums, also known as prunes, are a good source of fiber and antioxidants. They can be enjoyed on their own or added to oatmeal or yogurt. Plums can also be made into jam or jelly, which can be canned or frozen for later use. This is a great way to preserve the flavor and texture of the plums and enjoy them year-round.
What are some health benefits of eating plums?
Plums are a nutritious and delicious addition to a healthy diet. They are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C. The fiber in plums can help to promote digestive health and support healthy blood sugar levels. The antioxidants in plums can help to protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation.
Plums have also been shown to have several potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. The fiber and antioxidants in plums may also help to support healthy bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, plums are low in calories and high in water content, making them a nutritious and filling snack for those looking to manage their weight.