Fruit
Cherry plums are a type of small fruit native to Asia, primarily China and Japan. They are a prolific producer of fruit that ripens in the summer. The size and color of the fruit depends on the variety, but they all tend to be similar in shape, with a light red, sometimes purplish, skin. The flesh of the cherry plum is yellow in color and the stone within the fruit is in the shape of a scaled down apricot.
Trees
Cherry plum trees typically grow 10 to 15 feet tall and have an oval shaped canopy. The tree’s bark is smooth and gray in color; its leaves are oval shaped and usually around 2.5 inches long. The cherry plum blossoms in the early spring, producing a profusion of four to five petaled white or pink flowers.
Uses
The cherry plums are primarily grown for the fruit, which can be eaten fresh, dried, or made into preserves. In addition to being an important food crop, cherry plums are also used as an ornamental and grown in home gardens. The trees can be trained to grow along a wall or fence, or they can be grown in large containers.
Growing Conditions
Cherry plums prefer full sun and grow best in well-drained soil. They are quite drought tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The trees should be pruned in winter to keep them healthy and encourage good fruit yields.
Pests and Diseases
Cherry plums are generally disease and pest free, but scale insects can sometimes infest the tree. The tree may also suffer from leafspot and blossom blight, although these conditions can usually be controlled with regular spraying.
Nutritional Value
Cherry plums are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fibre. They are also rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from disease and help to maintain good overall health. The fruit is also low in calories, making it a healthy snack.
Harvest
Cherry plums should be harvested when they are ripe and when the fruit is still somewhat firm. The fruit is usually ready to be picked late in the summer. The process of harvesting the fruit should be done carefully to avoid bruising the fruit.
Cooking
The sweet-tart flavor of cherry plums makes them ideal for cooking and baking. The fruit can be used in jams, pies, sauces and other dishes. Cherry plums can also be eaten fresh, dried or made into a syrup. The stones can be removed and the flesh can then be used in ice cream, yogurt or smoothies.
Medicinal Uses
Cherry plums have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. The seeds of the fruit have been used to treat various skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. In addition, the fruit is said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
