Satsuma Plum
Description
The Satsuma plum is a highly sought-after Japanese plum variety, prized for its striking appearance, sweet-tart flavor, and versatility. It is a favorite among fruit lovers for fresh eating and culinary applications.
Appearance
• Shape: Round to slightly oval, with a smooth surface.
• Size: Medium-sized, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
• Skin: Dark reddish-purple to maroon when fully ripe, often with a dusty or matte finish.
• Flesh: Bright, juicy red or crimson flesh that contrasts beautifully with the darker skin.
Texture
• Firm and Juicy: When slightly underripe, the flesh is firm and crisp.
• Tender and Melting: Fully ripened Satsuma plums have soft, juicy flesh that almost melts in the mouth.
Flavor Profile
• Sweet-Tart Balance: A delightful combination of rich sweetness and tangy tartness.
• Complex Notes: Slight floral undertones with a hint of spiced plum.
Ripening and Harvest
• Harvest Season: Typically harvested in late summer to early fall.
• Ripeness: Best picked when the fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure and emits a fragrant aroma.
Uses
• Fresh Eating: Delicious as a snack or added to fruit platters.
• Salads: Adds a sweet and tart burst to green or grain salads.
• Desserts: Perfect for pies, tarts, crumbles, and compotes.
• Jams and Preserves: Makes richly flavored plum preserves.
• Cooking: Works well in savory dishes, glazes for meats, or sauces.
Nutritional Value of Satsuma Plum (per 66g serving)
• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
Vitamins
• Vitamin C: 5 mg (6% of the Daily Value, DV)
• Vitamin A: 40 IU (1% DV)
• Vitamin K: 3 mcg (3% DV)
• Folate (Vitamin B9): 3 mcg (1% DV)
Minerals
• Potassium: 110 mg (3% DV)
• Calcium: 3 mg (1% DV)
• Magnesium: 5 mg (1% DV)
• Phosphorus: 8 mg (1% DV)
• Iron: 0.1 mg (1% DV)
Other Nutrients
• Water Content: Approximately 85-90%
• Antioxidants: Contains anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Health Benefits
1. Rich in Vitamin C: Supports immune health, promotes collagen production, and acts as an antioxidant.
2. Low in Calories and Fat: A great low-calorie, fat-free snack option.
3. High Water Content: Helps maintain hydration.
4. Potassium Source: Important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart function.
5. Antioxidant-Rich: The anthocyanins and flavonoids in Satsuma plums help fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
Santa Rosa
Description
Santa Rosa plum is a popular variety of plum known for its vibrant color, sweet-tart flavor, and versatile uses in both culinary dishes and fresh consumption. It’s particularly known for being one of the best-tasting plums, making it a favorite for fruit lovers and chefs alike.
Appearance
• Shape: Round to slightly oval, with a smooth, glossy surface.
• Size: Medium to large, typically around 2–3 inches in diameter.
• Skin: Deep red to purple skin, often with a golden or yellow patch near the stem, which is characteristic of this variety.
• Flesh: Vibrant yellow to orange flesh with a juicy texture.
Texture
• Firm and Crisp: When underripe, Santa Rosa plums are firm with a satisfying crunch.
• Soft and Juicy: When fully ripe, the flesh becomes tender and juicy, with a slightly fibrous pit.
Flavor Profile
• Sweet-Tart: Santa Rosa plums are known for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with a tangy edge.
• Complex: The flavor combines rich plum notes with citrusy undertones, often described as having a hint of tropical fruits or apricot.
Ripening and Harvest
• Harvest Season: Typically harvested in late summer, around August.
• Ripening: Best eaten when soft to the touch, but not overripe. The flavor is at its peak when the skin has deepened in color, and the fruit gives a little under gentle pressure.
Uses
• Fresh Eating: Perfect for snacking or adding to fruit salads.
• Baking: Excellent in pies, tarts, crumbles, and cakes due to its balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Preserves: Ideal for making jams, jellies, or preserves.
• Cooking: Pairs well with meats in savory dishes, particularly in sauces and glazes.
• Smoothies: Adds a fruity, slightly tangy flavor to blended beverages.
Key Characteristics
• Juicy and flavorful with a balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Popular in both fresh and cooked applications.
• Widely grown in California and other temperate regions.
Nutritional Value of Santa Rosa Plum (per 66g serving)
• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
Vitamins
• Vitamin C: 6 mg (7% of the Daily Value, DV)
• Vitamin A: 40 IU (1% DV)
• Vitamin K: 3 mcg (3% DV)
• Folate (Vitamin B9): 3 mcg (1% DV)
Minerals
• Potassium: 130 mg (4% DV)
• Calcium: 3 mg (1% DV)
• Magnesium: 5 mg (1% DV)
• Phosphorus: 8 mg (1% DV)
• Iron: 0.1 mg (1% DV)
Other Nutrients
• Water Content: Approximately 85-90%
• Antioxidants: Contains anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids, which contribute to its antioxidant properties.
Health Benefits
1. Rich in Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and supports healthy skin and collagen production.
2. Low in Calories and Fat: A healthy snack choice for weight management.
3. Fiber: Promotes digestion and supports heart health.
4. Potassium: Important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and proper muscle function.
5. Antioxidant-Rich: Contains anthocyanins and other polyphenols that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Inca Plum
Description
The Inca plum, also known as the “Caimito” or “Star Apple” (scientifically Chrysophyllum cainito), is a tropical fruit that is beloved for its unique flavor and texture. It is native to the Caribbean and Central America, but it is also grown in many tropical regions around the world.
Appearance
• Shape: Round to slightly oval, with a smooth, glossy skin.
• Size: Typically 3-4 inches in diameter.
• Skin: The skin is a deep purple to greenish color, depending on the variety. Some varieties can have a slight sheen.
• Flesh: The flesh is translucent and jelly-like, often white or light purple, and contains several small, black seeds.
Texture
• Smooth and Gelatinous: The flesh has a smooth, gelatinous texture that is very unique, almost like a custard or jelly.
• Juicy: When fully ripe, the flesh is extremely juicy and soft, making it easy to scoop out with a spoon.
Flavor Profile
• Sweet and Mild: The flavor is sweet but not overpowering, with hints of apple and grape.
• Subtle: Often described as having a delicate flavor, with slight tropical notes, similar to a mix of apples, grapes, and pears.
Ripening and Harvest
• Harvest Season: Typically harvested in late summer to early fall.
• Ripeness: The fruit is ready when the skin has turned a deep purple and yields slightly to pressure. The flesh should be soft but not mushy.
Uses
• Fresh Eating: Most commonly eaten raw, with the skin removed and the flesh scooped out with a spoon.
• Desserts: Can be used in puddings, fruit salads, or made into jams and jellies.
• Smoothies: A great addition to smoothies, adding a rich, sweet flavor and creamy texture.
• Juices and Beverages: The juicy flesh can be blended into refreshing drinks.
• Cooking: Less commonly used in cooking but can add sweetness and texture to tropical dishes.
Key Characteristics
• Known for its smooth, jelly-like flesh and unique, sweet flavor.
• Typically enjoyed fresh and widely used in tropical regions.
• The fruit’s deep purple color and glossy skin make it visually appealing.
Nutritional Value of Inca Plum (Caimito) (per 100g serving)
• Calories: 70-80 kcal
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Sugar: 14-16 g (varies by ripeness)
• Fiber: 2-3 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
Vitamins
• Vitamin C: 4 mg (5% of the Daily Value, DV)
• Vitamin A: 10 IU (less than 1% DV)
• Vitamin K: 3 mcg (3% DV)
• Folate (Vitamin B9): 5 mcg (1% DV)
Minerals
• Potassium: 150 mg (4% DV)
• Calcium: 10 mg (1% DV)
• Magnesium: 10 mg (2% DV)
• Phosphorus: 10 mg (1% DV)
• Iron: 0.3 mg (2% DV)
Other Nutrients
• Water Content: Approximately 80%
• Antioxidants: Contains polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoids and tannins, which contribute to its antioxidant properties.
Health Benefits
1. Low in Calories: A healthy, low-calorie option for those watching their caloric intake.
2. Rich in Natural Sugars: Provides a quick source of energy from its natural sugars.
3. Fiber: Promotes digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar.
4. Rich in Potassium: Supports heart health and proper muscle function.
5. Antioxidant-Rich: The polyphenols in Inca plum help fight oxidative stress and inflammation.