Unassuming and often underestimated, plums are extremely nutritious, and their consumption can bring a wide range of health benefits because they contain many vitamins and minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of developing a variety of chronic diseases.
These late summer and autumn fruits likely originate from the Caucasus and arrived in our territory as early as the 5th century with the Slavic tribes. The best plums in our region are grown in the areas of Vizovice and the Iron Mountains.
Plums are divided into two basic groups – true plums and semi-plums. The fruits of true plums ripen in September and are dark purple, elongated, with firm, orange-yellow flesh. The fruits of semi-plums ripen as early as the end of August, are not as elongated, and their flesh is softer than that of plums. Both types of fruit are delicious and versatile.
What benefits does the consumption of plums bring?
Consuming plums facilitates bowel movements, especially for those who have problems with constipation. This is due to the high fiber content and the indigestible sugar alcohol sorbitol. Plums are a rich source of polyphenol antioxidants, which can reduce inflammation and thus reduce the risk of developing several chronic diseases, including diabetes. The preventive effect against diabetes is due to the high fiber and polyphenol content, as well as the potential to increase levels of adiponectin, a hormone that plays a role in blood sugar regulation.
Consuming plums also acts preventively in the fight against osteoporosis. Research suggests that consuming dried plums can increase levels of certain hormones involved in bone formation. Plums also potentially protect us from the risk of cardiovascular diseases due to their high fiber, potassium, and antioxidant content.
Processing of plums
Plums have the great advantage of being able to be processed and subsequently consumed in many different forms. We can consume plums raw, but also freeze or dry them. We can make jam or preserves, juice, or powder from them. And perhaps the most popular form of plums in our countries is their liquefaction and distillation.
