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If plums are the king of fruits for you, then you might be enjoying eating them as much as you can. With their luscious richness and vivid colors, plums have become favorites of many. But a problem that frequently confounds many is whether or not to refrigerate them. Both ripeness and preservation of plums are equally significant, and thus, measures should be taken accordingly.
Their taste and shelf life may be greatly affected by knowing when to store them at room temperature for ripening and when to place them in the refrigerator for further preservation.
There can be complexities while storing plums, so let’s find out what are the best modes to store plum varieties and answer your query should plums be refrigerated.
Plums Preservation: Should Plums Be Refrigerated?
Whether you have a sweet tooth for fruits or prefer something sour or savory, plums take care of your tastebuds and provide you with a range of varieties as per your taste requirements. They come in various shapes or sizes, each with a significant value. But what actually sparks the debate here is whether or not plums should be refrigerated.
Well, it is actually the ripeness of the fruit that decides if they must be refrigerated. To adequately ripen the plums, the unripe plums should first be kept at room temperature throughout storage. Are you aware that plums emit ethylene gas?
Well, it is the same wonder that helps the fruit to continue to ripen even after they have been plucked from the trees. But if you store unripe plums in the refrigerator, then the taste will definitely be affected, and you won’t love it that much.
That doesn’t mean refrigerating would spoil the plums. Nope, they won’t. When plums are at the right stage of maturity or when they are ripe enough, it’s best to store them in the fridge to enhance the shelf life of the fruit. The natural enzymatic processes that lead to fruit rot are slowed down by using this cold storage method.
However, another significant thing that you must already be aware of is that even refrigerating the plums won’t keep them for long, so if you don’t want to see them getting spoiled, then eat them as soon as possible.
How to Preserve Plums in a Refrigerator?
The benefit of keeping ripe plums in the refrigerator is that it keep their nutritious content intact. Plums are an excellent source of dietary fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin K. You may ensure that you get the most health advantages from your plums by storing them in the refrigerator. This would help in slowing down the deterioration of the fruit and the significant minerals in it.
However, there are a few things to think about before you refrigerate the plums. First, it is crucial that you put them in containers that have holes for proper ventilation. You can also use perforated plastic bags for the same if you cannot arrange such containers. And when you allow a sufficient amount of airflow, it avoids the build-up of moisture that may lead to the formation of molds.
You may also consider freezing them if you have a surplus of rice plums and are worried that you won’t be able to finish them all before they start to deteriorate. The procedure for freezing the plums is quite simple. The plums must only be washed, pitted, and cut into slices before being arranged in a single layer on a sheet and frozen. Plums may be used to make smoothies or baked products, and frozen plums can be a perfect garnishing option for your ice cream, muesli, yogurt, and more.
Wrapping Up
The freshness and planned use of the plums will determine whether they should be refrigerated or not. Refrigeration helps retain the delicious flavor of ripe plums and increases their shelf life. For unripe ones, however, ripening at room temperature is essential. The fruits will stay fresh for longer if stored in a refrigerator.
Their lifetime is increased by proper storage, which also guarantees that they will continue to be a delicious and nourishing part of our diet. We may enjoy plums at their best, savoring both their inherent sweetness and their nutritional benefits, by using these preservation techniques. So use these modes and keep your plums fresh and preserved for a long to enjoy whenever you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Plums Last Longer in The Fridge or On the Counter?
Unripe plums should first be kept on the counter for a few days till they ripen at room temperature. After the plums get ripe, they should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent further decay. Plums stored in the fridge after they ripen will be preserved for a few weeks.
How Can You Tell if a Plum is Ripe?
There are various distinguishing characteristics of ripe plums. Softness should be apparent when applying modest pressure on it. There should be no green undertones, and it should possess a good color: red, purple, or yellow. The area next to the stem of a ripe plum also releases a delicious scent. If the plums are too hard and green, then let them ripe at room temperature.
How Do You Store Plums for The Winter?
To store your plums for the winter, you must first wash the plums well and then place them in a plastic bag. You can now store the bag in the freezer for further preservation. These frozen plums won’t deteriorate for a longer time, and you can save and preserve them to enjoy during the winters. You may cut the plum slices and then freeze the fruits to preserve them.
