How to Select & Store Plums

Plums, plumcots, apriums, cherry and plum mixes and all of the other variations are so, so good, and they are even better when they are enjoyed at their peak ripeness! Below, are tips for how to select and store plums and all of the variations of plums!

(Note: This post includes excerpts from The Produce Nerd’s Grocery Guide, which covers this information for 55 different produce items, with input from 26 crop-specific companies. Chelsea McClarty Ketelsen from HMC Farms provided input for the plum and plumcot section.)

How to pick the best quality plums?

“Plums and plumcots have more variability between varieties. Some are firm and crunchy when ripe, some are softer,” shares Chelsea McClarty Ketelsen of HMC Farms.

Even if you pick a plum that is hard or “too hard” to eat, you can always leave it on the counter to ripen and soften. That is how it works with traditional plums. For all of the other plum mixes, you will need to do a little bit of trial and error testing or review the product labeling or the grower website. In general, a little soft to the touch is good to eat.

Common issues to avoid when selecting plums?

One common issue to note is if there is damage to the fruit caused by the stems of the other fruit. This can happen to fruit that is sold individually at the store or in bulk packs at bulk retailers, like Costco. In all cases, the plums are packed together at some point and the stems can directly affect the other fruit, by either leaving an indentation, or creating a wound in the fruit. If there is a wound/opening, pick a different piece of fruit.

Will plums ripen on the counter?

Yes. Plums and plumcots are climacteric and do continue ripening after harvest. If you buy them and they are still too firm for your eating preference, leave them on the counter for a few days to soften (and also sweeten).

Make sure to monitor the ripening fruit on the counter, as it can ripen quickly and if you aren’t going to eat it right away, you will want to put it in the fridge before it gets too soft/ripe.

What is the best way to store plums at home?

“They should be set on the counter, with the stem end (shoulders) on the counter to promote even softening of the fruit. Once the fruit has reached its desired softness, enjoy or place in the fridge until you are ready to consume.  Whenever possible, try to avoid the fridge. Tree fruit tastes best at room temperature and if left in the fridge for too long, the interior texture will become less desirable,” states Ketelsen.

Please note: it is better to place your fruit in the fridge before it gets too soft instead of letting it go to waste.  

Are there any common things that consumers should look for not mentioned above?

“Please keep in mind that in California alone there are over 100 different peach varieties, over 90 nectarine varieties, and over 70 plum and plumcot varieties grown throughout the summer season,” states Ketelsen.

To give you an idea of this, here is a look at all of the different plum varieties I encountered during my trip to the Wolfskill Experimental Orchards.