Tag: Plum

Botanically, a plum is a drupe, which is a type of stone fruit. This juicy, sweet-tart fruit is a member of the genus *Prunus*, placing it in the same family as peaches, cherries, and almonds. With thousands of varieties grown around the world, understanding what type of food a plum is reveals its rich history, diverse culinary uses, and impressive health benefits.

Did you know that peaches and plums, along with apples and cherries, are all part of the Rosaceae, or rose family? We often think of them simply as stone fruits, but their botanical classification reveals deeper connections. This article will explain what are peaches and plums considered and their place in the plant kingdom.

Developed by plant breeder Floyd Zaiger in the 1980s, the pluot is a hybrid fruit that is predominantly plum with a hint of apricot. While many assume it's a modern genetic modification, it is a product of natural cross-pollination. But what exactly is a pluot fruit, and how does it differ from its parent fruits and other hybrids?

With a pH level ranging from 2.8 to 4.6, raw plums are classified as an acidic fruit. However, the key to understanding if a plum is acidic or alkaline in terms of its effect on your body lies in its metabolic process, not its initial taste.

Plums are known for their sweet and tart flavor, but with a pH level ranging from 2.8 to 4.3, they are definitively acidic. This may be surprising, as many people assume all fruits have a neutral or alkaline effect, but the true story of how plums affect the body is more complex than a simple taste test might suggest.

While plums are low in purines, a major source of uric acid, some sources advise caution due to their natural fructose content. This raises the critical question for those with hyperuricemia or gout: does plum cause uric acid to increase despite its low purine count?

The Kakadu plum contains the highest natural concentration of Vitamin C on the planet, with levels up to 100 times higher than an orange. This remarkable fact is just one key detail revealing the significant difference between a plum and a Kakadu plum, a comparison that goes far beyond appearance and taste.

Plums are botanically classified as a fruit, specifically a drupe, which is a fleshy fruit with a single pit or 'stone' at its center. This places it firmly in the Rosaceae family, not among the category of herbs.

While some exotic varieties like the Kakadu plum contain extreme levels of vitamin C, a standard common plum provides only a modest amount, contributing around 7-10% of the recommended daily intake. Is plum good for vitamin C, or are there better sources for this nutrient?

Studies show that plums and their extracts contain potent antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which can help mitigate oxidative stress in the liver. This vital research helps answer the question, what does plum fruit do for the liver, by highlighting its potential role in supporting liver function and protecting against damage.