The juicy, sweet, and slightly tart flavor of a ripe plum is a true taste of summer. But are plums in season in the UK right now? This article provides a comprehensive guide to UK plum season, helping you understand when to find the freshest, most delicious plums and how to make the most of this seasonal treat. We’ll delve into the different varieties, growing regions, and tips for selecting and storing these delightful fruits.
Understanding UK Plum Season
Plum season in the UK is a relatively short but sweet affair, typically running from late July to October. The exact timing can fluctuate slightly depending on the weather conditions throughout the year. A warm spring can bring the season forward, while a cooler summer might delay it.
The Peak of Plum Perfection
The peak of the plum season, when you’ll find the widest variety and best-tasting fruits, is usually during August and September. During these months, farmers’ markets and local shops are overflowing with locally grown plums, offering a fantastic opportunity to support British growers.
Exploring Plum Varieties and Their Ripening Times
The UK boasts a diverse range of plum varieties, each with its unique flavour profile and ripening period. Knowing these differences can help you track the season’s progress and find your favourite plum to enjoy.
Early Season Plums
Some of the earliest plums to ripen include varieties like ‘Early Laxton’ and ‘Opal’. These might start appearing in late July or early August. They are often smaller and have a slightly sharper taste than later-season plums.
Mid-Season Plums
As August progresses, you’ll find a wider range of plums becoming available. ‘Victoria’ plums, arguably the most popular variety in the UK, typically ripen during this period. Others include ‘Marjorie’s Seedling’ and ‘Rivers Early Prolific’. These plums offer a balance of sweetness and acidity, making them ideal for both eating fresh and using in cooking.
Late-Season Plums
The plum season extends into September and October with late-season varieties like ‘President’ and ‘Damson’. Damsons, in particular, are known for their tart flavour and are often used in jams, jellies, and other preserves. These plums are perfect for extending the taste of summer into the cooler months.
Where Are UK Plums Grown? Key Growing Regions
Certain areas of the UK are particularly well-suited to plum cultivation, thanks to their climate and soil conditions. Knowing these regions can help you understand where your plums are coming from.
The Vale of Evesham
The Vale of Evesham, located in Worcestershire, is renowned for its fruit growing heritage. This area is often referred to as the “Garden of England” and produces a significant portion of the UK’s plum crop.
Kent
Kent, another region known as the “Garden of England,” also boasts a thriving plum growing industry. The fertile soil and relatively mild climate make it an ideal location for plum orchards.
Other Regions
While the Vale of Evesham and Kent are the major plum-growing regions, plums are also grown in other parts of the UK, including Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, and Herefordshire. Supporting local farmers in these regions can help ensure a sustainable and diverse plum supply.
Choosing the Perfect Plums: A Selection Guide
Selecting the best plums is essential to enjoying their full flavour and texture. Here are some tips to help you choose perfectly ripe plums.
Look for Plumpness and Firmness
A ripe plum should feel plump and slightly firm to the touch. Avoid plums that are overly soft or have bruises, as these may be overripe or damaged.
Check the Colour
The colour of a plum can vary depending on the variety, but generally, a ripe plum will have a deep, vibrant colour. Look for plums that are evenly coloured and free from green patches, which indicate that they are not yet ripe.
Feel the Weight
A ripe plum should feel heavy for its size. This indicates that it is full of juice and flavour.
Smell the Aroma
A ripe plum will have a sweet, fruity aroma. If a plum has no smell or a sour smell, it is likely not ripe or has gone bad.
Check for Bloom
Some plums have a powdery white coating on their skin, called bloom. This is a natural protectant and indicates that the plum has not been handled excessively. A plum with bloom is often a sign of freshness.
Storing Plums to Maintain Freshness
Proper storage is crucial for extending the shelf life of your plums and ensuring they retain their flavour and texture.
Ripening Unripe Plums
If you buy plums that are slightly underripe, you can ripen them at room temperature. Place them in a fruit bowl, away from direct sunlight, and they should ripen within a few days. You can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with a banana or apple.
Storing Ripe Plums
Once plums are ripe, they should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent them from becoming overripe. Place them in a plastic bag or container to help retain moisture. Ripe plums can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing Plums for Later Use
If you have a large quantity of plums that you want to preserve for longer, freezing is an excellent option. Wash and dry the plums, then pit them and cut them in half or quarters. Arrange the plum pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for a few hours until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Then, transfer the frozen plum pieces to a freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Enjoying Plums: Culinary Uses and Health Benefits
Plums are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from eating them fresh to using them in cooking and baking. They also offer a range of health benefits.
Fresh Eating
One of the simplest and most satisfying ways to enjoy plums is to eat them fresh. Their sweet and slightly tart flavour makes them a perfect snack or dessert.
Baking
Plums are a fantastic addition to baked goods. They can be used in cakes, pies, crumbles, and muffins, adding moisture and flavour. Plum crumble is a classic British dessert, and plum cake is a delicious way to showcase the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Jams and Preserves
Plums are ideal for making jams, jellies, and chutneys. Their high pectin content helps to create a thick, set preserve. Plum jam is a popular choice for spreading on toast or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Savoury Dishes
Plums can also be used in savoury dishes. They pair well with meats like pork and duck, adding a sweet and tangy element. Plum sauce is a popular condiment in Asian cuisine, and roasted plums can be served alongside grilled meats or vegetables.
Health Benefits
Plums are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting. Plums also contain dietary fibre, which promotes healthy digestion, and antioxidants, which protect against cell damage. The specific nutritional content can vary slightly between plum varieties.
Extending the Plum Season: Preserving Techniques
Since the UK plum season is relatively short, preserving techniques can help you enjoy the taste of plums throughout the year.
Jam Making
As previously mentioned, plum jam is a fantastic way to preserve the fruit. The high sugar content acts as a preservative, allowing you to enjoy the taste of plums for months to come.
Plum Chutney
Plum chutney is a savoury preserve that combines plums with vinegar, sugar, and spices. It’s a delicious accompaniment to cheese, cold meats, and sandwiches.
Plum Leather
Plum leather, also known as fruit leather, is a chewy snack made from pureed plums that are dried into a thin sheet. It’s a healthy and convenient way to preserve plums and enjoy their flavour on the go.
Plum Wine
For the more adventurous, plum wine is another way to preserve the taste of plums. It requires some specialized equipment and knowledge but can be a rewarding project.
Environmental Considerations: Supporting Sustainable Plum Growers
When buying plums, consider supporting sustainable growers who use environmentally friendly farming practices.
Local Sourcing
Buying locally grown plums reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. It also supports local farmers and helps to preserve traditional farming landscapes.
Organic Plums
Choosing organic plums ensures that they have been grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This is better for the environment and may also be better for your health.
Reducing Food Waste
Proper storage and preservation techniques can help to reduce food waste and ensure that you make the most of your plum harvest.
The UK plum season is a wonderful time to enjoy these delicious and versatile fruits. By understanding the different varieties, growing regions, and tips for selecting and storing plums, you can make the most of this seasonal treat and support British growers.
When are plums typically in season in the UK?
The British plum season generally runs from late July to October. However, the exact timing can vary depending on the weather conditions throughout the year. A warm spring and summer can bring the season forward slightly, while a cooler season might delay the start and shorten the overall availability of UK-grown plums.
Keep an eye out at farmers’ markets, local farm shops, and even some supermarkets from late July onwards. These are the best places to find freshly picked British plums. Remember to check the origin of the plums you are buying to ensure they are indeed British and in season.
What varieties of plums grow in the UK?
The UK boasts a wide range of plum varieties, each with its own unique flavour and texture. Some of the most popular include Victoria, known for its juicy flesh and distinctive flavour; Marjorie’s Seedling, a late-season plum with a rich, sweet taste; and Opal, an early variety that is both sweet and slightly tart.
Other notable varieties you might encounter are Czar, a reliable and flavoursome choice; Damson, which are smaller and tarter, ideal for jams and preserves; and various greengages, celebrated for their sweetness and delicate flavour. Exploring these different varieties is a great way to enjoy the British plum season to its fullest.
How can I tell if a plum is ripe?
A ripe plum should feel slightly soft to the touch, but not mushy. Gently squeeze the plum; if it gives slightly under pressure, it is likely ripe. Avoid plums that are rock hard or have bruises or blemishes on their skin. Smell is also a good indicator – a ripe plum will have a sweet, fruity aroma.
The colour of the plum depends on the variety, so colour alone isn’t always a reliable indicator. However, look for vibrant, even colour that is characteristic of the specific plum variety. If you are unsure, ask the seller for advice on choosing ripe plums.
How should I store plums to keep them fresh?
Unripe plums can be stored at room temperature to encourage them to ripen. Place them in a fruit bowl, away from direct sunlight, and check them daily for ripeness. Once ripe, plums can be stored in the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process and extend their shelf life.
To store ripe plums in the refrigerator, place them in a perforated bag or container. This will help to maintain humidity and prevent them from drying out. Ripe plums typically last for up to a week in the refrigerator. Avoid washing them until you are ready to eat them.
What are some good ways to use British plums?
British plums are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. They are delicious eaten fresh as a healthy snack or dessert. They also work well in sweet bakes such as crumbles, pies, and cakes. Their tangy sweetness adds a lovely depth of flavour to both sweet and savoury meals.
Consider using plums in jams, chutneys, and preserves to enjoy their flavour all year round. They also pair well with meats like pork and duck, adding a fruity dimension to main courses. Try grilling or roasting plums to intensify their sweetness and create a caramelized flavour.
Are there any health benefits to eating plums?
Plums are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to your diet. They are a good source of Vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and Vitamin K, which is important for bone health. Plums also contain antioxidants that help protect the body against cell damage.
Furthermore, plums are a good source of dietary fibre, which aids digestion and promotes gut health. They also have a low glycemic index, meaning they release sugar slowly into the bloodstream, helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Enjoying plums as part of a balanced diet can contribute to overall well-being.
Where can I find British plums during the season?
The best places to find British plums during the season are farmers’ markets and local farm shops. These outlets often sell freshly picked, locally grown produce. Supermarkets may also stock British plums, but it’s important to check the label to ensure they are indeed grown in the UK.
Consider visiting pick-your-own (PYO) farms if you want to experience the fun of harvesting your own plums. Many orchards open their doors to the public during the plum season, allowing you to select the ripest and freshest fruits yourself. This is a great way to support local farmers and enjoy the best of the British plum harvest.