I understand we’ve hardly had a taste of spring yet, but I want to talk about something that’s always been a part of our summer. Plums.


When our kiddos were little, we lived in a rural subdivision surrounded by an asparagus field and cherry and plum orchards. After the harvest was complete, we were allowed to go into the orchards and glean all the plums we could find. Hunting for ripe plums was one of the kids’ favorite adventures. We later planted our own plum trees and life got even better.

So why all the hoopla around the plum? This unassuming fruit, which is related to the peach and cherry family, is RICH in dietary fiber (meaning it’s the digestive system’s best friend). And besides being high in fiber, just look at the health benefits of this tasty and versatile fruit:

• Plums, as well as their dried form (aka ‘prunes’), are high in unique phytonutrients called neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid. These function as powerful antioxidants.
• Since plums are rich in antioxidants, they provide protection from superoxides and also prevent damage to your neurons; they offer superb protection to your cell membranes.
• They also help in the production and absorption of iron, leading to better blood circulation and growth of healthy tissue.
• Regular consumption of plums (fresh or dried) can prevent macular degeneration and other eye maladies. Research shows they help keep eyesight sharp.
• Plums contain anti-cancer agents that help prevent the growth of cancerous cells and tumors.
• More research shows that a plum- or prune-eating habit reduces the chances of contracting a heart disease. They can prevent heart complications because they have cleansing agents that act as blood purifiers.
• Recent studies show that plum juice concentrate can effectively protect you from human influenza A.
• Plums have HIGH content of Vitamin C; they’re a powerful protector against asthma, colon cancer, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Thought to have first originated in Asia, there are thousands of varieties of plums that are available throughout the world, ranging in colors like red, blue-black, purple, yellow, green or amber. So naturally plum recipes abound, and I bet you have a favorite.

I mentioned above that the plum is not just healthy, but versatile. Back in the day, I made plum preserves, plum syrup, and plum sauce (rather than apple sauce) by the caseload. I also canned them whole, complete with pit. In the winter we’d heat up a jar or two in a pot. Hot, stewed plums with toasted homemade bread was a standard night-time snack. And spooning hot plums over vanilla ice cream or into warm tapioca pudding were family favorite desserts.


But one use for plums focuses on a recipe I’m absolutely in love with. This is Aunt Annie’s easy and incredibly good plum pie. It was a staple at family and neighborhood gatherings. She had a corny sense of humor and always presented it with “OK folks, here’s something for ya that’s just plum good!” See if you don’t agree with her:


Ingredients:
FILLING
4 cups sliced, fresh plums
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 9-inch, deep dish

TOPPING
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 tablespoons cold butter


Directions:


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    Alice Osborne
    Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2006
    Email the author! alice@dvo.com