| Pantry | Refrigerator | Freezer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole | 2-3 Days | 3-5 Days | 12 Months |
Shelf Life of Plums:
High-quality ripened plums can last for almost a week if they are spread in a layer in a basket rather than piled up in a heap. If the plums are dried, then they can even last for a year or longer. Dehydrating plums and turning them into prunes prepares them to be used for a more extended period. You can use fresh and ripe plums for up to 3 to 4 days if kept in the fridge, while unripe plums can last for up to 5 days.
Purchasing Plums:
There is a wide range of plums available at the market. The one that is best to select for purchasing is a question we will answer for you. Always choose unwrinkled plums that have smooth skin with no blemishes present. The plum should be spotless and should not be discolored. Plums are having a grayish sheen when they have not lost any of their natural quality yet. Hence, always pick the plums that are this color first. Plums are available in other colors, as well, such as red, green, dark purple, and black. Except for the pit, everything is edible in a plum, including its pulp and skin. From May through October, the plum season is at its peak, and during this time, you can easily acquire fresh plums.
Storing Plums:
It is best to place fresh plums into a plastic bag that is not sealed. By putting them into the refrigerator, their shelf life can be increased up to 2 to 4 weeks. This will also delay their deterioration. It is essential to store them in the refrigerator, which is free of odors and heavy fragrances. It is more feasible for plums to be placed in the crisper section of the fridge. You can store them at room temperature, but you must check them on a regular basis, as they are very perishable. You can increase their ripening by placing them into paper bags and placing them at room temperature.
How to Handle Plums:
Wash the plum with water thoroughly, and allow it to dry. Take a sharp knife, and cut the plum into two halves, following the dimple line naturally present in the plum. Now, hold both parts of the plums and twist them a little. Remove the pit present in it with or without the knife. Now, you can slice it or even chop it, as its skin is edible, so there is no need to remove it. However, if it is fresh plum that you are using, or you do not like the skin, then you can remove it. To remove the skin properly, put the plums into boiling water for just 15 seconds. Next, convert them to cold water immediately. This way, it can also be used for cooking purposes.
Cooking Plums:
Plums are used in a variety of cooking cuisine. Mostly, they are used as prunes, or in their dried form, due to the long-lasting shelf life. However, fresh plums are also used. They are frequently used to make jam and jellies. Plum syrup is used for confectionaries. It is delicious, so it is used to make plum sauce, as well. These plums can be cooked with or without the skin. Plums take about 15 to 20 minutes to roast and cook them on a stove.