When buying, it is advisable to choose slightly firmer fruits. The shell's natural wax layer should still be visible. These plums can be kept in the fridge for about a week if you follow a few tips.
Tips for buying
In order for plums to be storable, it is advisable to choose shiny fruits with a smooth skin and a dark colour. Avoid buying overripe specimens. A bulging style approach also indicates a favorable stage of maturity.
Storage in the refrigerator
Only wash the fruit just before eating. In this way, the protective wax layer keeps the fruit fresh. Paper bags or perforated plastic bags are suitable for storage in the refrigerator. If the surface of the plum shows bruises or wrinkles, the fruit is no longer suitable for storage. Alternatively, mus or sauces can be prepared.
Notice:
Harder plums ripen within 2 to 3 days at room temperature (about 20 to 25 degrees Celsius). The aroma differs from the natural ripening on the tree. Avoid storing plum varieties that are still unripe in a cool place. These become floury and lose their sweet taste.
The ripening gas ethylene
Plums give off large amounts of the ripening gas. Do not store them with broccoli, tomatoes, cucumbers or cauliflower. The vegetables will spoil faster.
However, storing plums together with bananas can result in faster ripening. Ripening is slower in a fruit bowl.
Identifying features of ripe fruit:
- Skin: slightly dusty or misty
- lower end is softer than the rest of the pulp
finger test:
- immature: firm pulp
- ripe: When touched, a small indentation remains.
- overripe: The slightest touch leaves clear traces.
tips and tricks
The late plum varieties are harvested after the first frost. The fruit tips are usually a little shriveled at this point. These fruits are primarily suitable for preserving or freezing.
The garden journal freshness ABC
How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?
The garden journal freshness ABC as a poster:
- as a free PDF file to print out yourself