Cherry plums, those delightful little stone fruits that bridge the gap between cherries and plums, are a springtime and early summer treat. But knowing exactly when they’re perfectly ripe for eating can be a bit of a puzzle. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the nuances of cherry plum ripening, ensuring you enjoy these flavorful fruits at their peak.
Understanding Cherry Plums
Cherry plums, scientifically known as Prunus cerasifera, are also often called myrobalan plums. They’re a hardy species, often used as rootstock for other plum varieties. This makes them adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions. What truly sets them apart is their size, shape, and flavor profile, which resemble a cross between a cherry and a plum.
Their skin can range in color from yellow and red to deep purple, and even almost black. The flesh inside can be yellow, amber, or red, depending on the cultivar. Their flavor can range from sweet to tart, often with a slightly acidic edge, especially when they’re not fully ripe.
The Cherry Plum Ripening Timeline
The precise timing of cherry plum ripening depends heavily on several factors. Climate, variety, and even the specific microclimate of your garden all play a role. Generally, you can expect cherry plums to start ripening in late spring or early summer, typically from May to July in most temperate regions.
However, there is no fixed date to mark as ‘cherry plum harvest day’. It’s a period of observation and understanding the signs your particular tree is giving you. This is because each cultivar and even each tree can be slightly different in its ripening schedule.
Factors Influencing Ripening Time
Several environmental factors impact when your cherry plums will be ready to eat:
- Climate: Warmer climates will generally experience earlier ripening.
- Sun Exposure: Trees receiving ample sunlight will ripen fruit faster.
- Rainfall: Excessive rainfall close to harvest can dilute the flavor and affect the sugar content.
- Variety: Different varieties have inherent differences in their maturation period.
Recognizing the Signs of Ripeness
Instead of relying solely on the calendar, learn to read the signs of ripeness your cherry plums are displaying. This is the most reliable way to ensure you’re harvesting them at the peak of their flavor.
Visual Cues
The most obvious indicator is the color of the fruit. While the exact color will vary depending on the variety, look for a deep, uniform color. For example, if you’re growing a red cherry plum, it should be a vibrant, rich red. The color should be consistent across the fruit, without large patches of green.
The skin should also appear slightly glossy and plump. Avoid fruits that look dull, shriveled, or bruised. These are likely overripe or damaged.
The Touch Test
Gently squeeze the cherry plum. A ripe cherry plum should yield slightly to gentle pressure, similar to a ripe peach. If it feels rock-hard, it’s not ready yet. If it feels mushy or overly soft, it’s likely overripe.
The stem of the fruit is another indicator. A ripe cherry plum will often detach easily from the stem with a gentle tug. If you have to pull hard, it’s probably not quite ripe.
The Taste Test
This is arguably the most reliable test. Pick a few cherry plums that appear ripe based on their color and texture. Taste them. The flavor should be sweet and slightly tart, with a pleasant aroma. If the fruit is overly tart or acidic, it needs more time to ripen. If it tastes bland or fermented, it’s likely overripe. Remember, taste varies, so what’s perfectly ripe to one person may be slightly underripe or overripe to another.
Checking the Seed
Another indicator of ripeness is the color of the seed. The seed should be brown when the cherry plum is ripe. If it’s still white or pale green, the fruit needs more time to mature.
Harvesting Cherry Plums
Once you’ve determined that your cherry plums are ripe, it’s time to harvest them. Handle them gently to avoid bruising. The easiest way to harvest is to gently twist the fruit from the branch. If the fruit is ripe, it should come off easily. If you have to tug hard, leave it on the tree for a few more days.
Harvesting gradually, as the fruit ripens, will give you the best quality fruit. Don’t try to harvest all the fruit at once, as they likely won’t all be at the same stage of ripeness.
Storing Cherry Plums
Cherry plums are best eaten fresh, soon after harvest. However, you can store them for a short period of time. To store cherry plums, place them in a single layer in a shallow container lined with paper towels. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Make sure to remove any damaged or bruised fruit before storing them, as these can spoil quickly and affect the other fruit.
Ways to Preserve Cherry Plums
If you have a large harvest of cherry plums, you may want to consider preserving them. Here are a few popular methods:
- Jam and Jelly: Cherry plum jam and jelly are delicious and a great way to use up a large harvest.
- Pickling: Pickled cherry plums can be a unique and flavorful addition to salads or charcuterie boards.
- Drying: Dried cherry plums are a chewy and sweet snack.
- Freezing: Cherry plums can be frozen whole or sliced for later use in smoothies, pies, or crumbles.
Culinary Uses of Cherry Plums
Cherry plums are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Their sweet-tart flavor makes them a great addition to a variety of dishes.
- Fresh Eating: Of course, the simplest way to enjoy cherry plums is to eat them fresh, right off the tree.
- Salads: Sliced cherry plums add a burst of flavor and color to salads.
- Desserts: They can be used in pies, crumbles, cobblers, and other desserts.
- Sauces: Cherry plum sauce is a delicious accompaniment to meats, especially pork and poultry.
- Jams and Preserves: As mentioned earlier, cherry plums make excellent jams and preserves.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Growing and harvesting cherry plums can sometimes present challenges. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
- Fruit Cracking: This can occur if there’s a sudden heavy rainfall after a period of drought. Ensure consistent watering during dry spells to prevent cracking.
- Pest and Disease: Cherry plums can be susceptible to pests such as aphids and plum curculio, and diseases like brown rot. Implement preventative measures like pruning for good air circulation and using appropriate pest control methods.
- Poor Fruit Set: Insufficient pollination can result in poor fruit set. Consider planting other plum varieties nearby to improve pollination.
- Premature Fruit Drop: This can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, lack of water, or nutrient deficiencies. Ensure your tree is properly watered and fertilized.
Cherry Plum Varieties
Numerous cherry plum varieties exist, each with unique characteristics in terms of size, color, and flavor. Some popular varieties include:
- ‘Hollywood’: Known for its dark red skin and sweet-tart flavor.
- ‘Newport’: Features purplish-red foliage and reddish-purple fruit.
- ‘Krauter Vesuvius’: Another variety with striking dark foliage and dark red fruit.
- ‘Thundercloud’: Often grown for its ornamental value due to its beautiful pink flowers and dark purple foliage.
When choosing a cherry plum variety, consider your climate, soil conditions, and desired flavor profile. Local nurseries or extension offices can offer guidance on the best varieties for your region.
Nutritional Benefits of Cherry Plums
Beyond their delightful taste, cherry plums offer a range of nutritional benefits. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Vitamins: Cherry plums contain vitamins A, C, and K, which are important for immune function, vision, and blood clotting.
- Minerals: They provide minerals like potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and manganese, which is involved in bone health.
- Antioxidants: Cherry plums are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
- Fiber: They also contain fiber, which promotes digestive health.
While not a nutritional powerhouse, cherry plums are a healthy and delicious addition to your diet.
Conclusion
Knowing when to eat cherry plums is a matter of understanding the ripening process and paying attention to the signs your tree provides. By observing the color, texture, and flavor of the fruit, you can ensure that you’re harvesting them at their peak of ripeness. Whether you enjoy them fresh, in desserts, or preserved for later, cherry plums are a delightful seasonal treat that brings a touch of springtime sweetness to your table. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and savor the unique flavor of these delightful little plums.
When is the typical cherry plum harvesting season?
Cherry plums generally ripen between late spring and mid-summer, with the precise timing depending heavily on your geographic location and the specific variety of cherry plum you’re growing or harvesting. Warmer climates will experience earlier ripening, potentially starting in late May or early June, while cooler regions might see them ready to pick closer to July. Keep a close eye on your trees as the season approaches, checking for color changes and softness to anticipate the peak harvesting time.
Factors like sunlight exposure, rainfall, and overall tree health can also influence when cherry plums are at their optimal ripeness. Consistently warm weather accelerates the ripening process. Remember that some varieties are naturally earlier or later than others. Checking with local nurseries or agricultural extension offices can provide more specific guidance for your area and the cherry plum types you’re interested in.
How do you visually determine if a cherry plum is ripe?
The color of a cherry plum is one of the most obvious indicators of ripeness. Ripe cherry plums will have transitioned from their initial green hue to a deeper, more vibrant color, which can range from yellow and orange to red or even dark purple, depending on the cultivar. Look for a consistent, even color across the fruit, as patches of green might indicate that the plum is not fully ripe.
Beyond color, observe the skin of the cherry plum for a slight sheen or gloss. A dull or matte finish could suggest that the fruit is past its prime. Also, gently check the area around the stem. A ripe cherry plum should have a subtle wrinkling or softening around where it connects to the branch, signaling that it is ready to detach easily.
What are the best ways to test cherry plum ripeness without picking them?
A gentle squeeze is a reliable way to assess ripeness. Apply light pressure to the fruit with your fingertips. A ripe cherry plum will yield slightly to the touch, feeling just a bit soft. If the fruit is rock-hard, it’s definitely not ready. If it’s mushy, it’s likely overripe. You want a firmness that gives just a little under pressure.
Another excellent method is the “lift and tug” test. Carefully grasp a cherry plum and gently tug it from the branch. If it comes away easily with minimal effort, it’s ripe. If you have to pull or twist significantly, the fruit needs more time to ripen. The ease of detachment indicates that the fruit sugars have developed and the connection to the branch has weakened.
What does an unripe cherry plum taste like?
Unripe cherry plums tend to be quite tart and astringent, making them unpleasant to eat fresh. They often have a very acidic flavor that can be puckering, similar to an underripe plum or a sour cherry. The flesh will also be quite firm and potentially bitter, lacking the sweetness that develops as the fruit ripens.
Due to their sourness, unripe cherry plums are not usually consumed raw. Their tartness can, however, be utilized in certain culinary applications. They might be used for making tart sauces, jams, or jellies, where the acidity can be balanced with sugar and other ingredients during the cooking process. It is usually best to wait until the fruit has ripened.
What does an overripe cherry plum look and taste like?
Overripe cherry plums often appear with bruised or discolored spots on their skin. The fruit may also become excessively soft to the touch, feeling almost mushy. You might notice a breakdown of the skin, possibly with small cracks or areas where the fruit is leaking juice. The overall color may become dull and less vibrant than a perfectly ripe plum.
The taste of an overripe cherry plum typically deteriorates. The sweetness can become cloying, almost fermented, and the fruit may develop an off-putting, sour, or even slightly alcoholic flavor. The texture can also be unpleasant, becoming mealy or watery. Overripe fruits are generally best avoided for fresh consumption, but they might still be salvageable for certain cooked applications if the bad spots are removed.
How should ripe cherry plums be stored after picking?
After picking, ripe cherry plums should be stored properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Place the plums in a single layer in a shallow container or bag. This prevents them from bruising each other. Gently handle the fruit to avoid damaging the delicate skin. Avoid washing them until you are ready to eat them, as excess moisture can encourage mold growth.
Store the container of cherry plums in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will slow down the ripening process and extend their shelf life. Ripe cherry plums can typically last for 3-5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Check them regularly for any signs of spoilage, such as softening or mold, and remove any affected fruits to prevent the spread to others.
Can cherry plums be frozen for later use?
Yes, cherry plums can be frozen for later use, which is a great way to preserve them if you have a large harvest or want to enjoy them out of season. First, wash and dry the plums thoroughly. Then, remove the pits. You can either halve the plums or leave them whole, depending on your preference and intended use.
For best results, consider flash-freezing the cherry plums. Spread the plum halves or whole plums in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for a few hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Flash-freezing prevents the plums from sticking together and helps them retain their shape and texture better. Frozen cherry plums can last for 8-12 months in the freezer.