Plums are members of the rose family. There are over 200 varieties raised for food purposes, all of which are classified as either European (Prunus domestica) or Japanese plums (Prunus salicina).
Plums are rich in vitamins C and K and high in dietary fiber. The flesh of the fruit can range from light amber to a deep red that is almost black in appearance.
If you like your plums sweet, you want the darkest flesh possible. The redder the fruit on the inside, the higher the sugar content, but which plums are dark red inside?
Keep reading to find out.
In this guide, we will tell you:
- Which plums are dark red inside?
- Where can you find Red Plums?
- Are Black Plums Dark Inside?
- What Does it Mean if a Plum is Red Inside?
- What Are Red Plums Called?
Let’s jump right in.
So which plums are dark red inside?
Which plums are dark red inside can be difficult to determine unless you take a bite or know what types you are looking for. The skin of a plum rarely even hints at the color of the flesh. Light-skinned plums can have succulent red centers, and the darkest plums can have pale amber flesh.
With over 200 varieties of plums being cultivated, it would require several volumes to cover all the possible red-fleshed plums available. In the interest of privity, here are the five plum varieties with dark red insides most commonly found in American markets.
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Elephant Heart Plum
This type of Japanese plum has red to purple dappled skin and is generally available fresh in September and October. One of the sweetest plums grown, it has been said that eating its succulent flesh is akin to drinking sweetened juice. Elephant Heart Plums are a good choice for eating fresh or making unsweetened jams.
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Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa Plums have reddish-purple skin with juicy strawberry-colored flesh that many say taste like cherry fruit punch. They have hardly any tartness to them and are an excellent choice for eating fresh or using in baked goods.
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Satsuma (Blood Plum)
A small to medium-sized plum with maroon skin, Satsuma, or Blood Plums have a tart flavored skin that can border on bitter. However, the deep red flesh is exceedingly sweet, giving the fruit an overall well-balanced flavor.
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Black Splendor
Black Splendor Plums are large and have dark violet skin and a waxy coating that gives them a smokey appearance. Their flesh is a dark burgundy, similar to the color of fresh beets. The taste of a Black Splendor Plum’s skin is slightly tart, but the flesh is sugary sweet and exceedingly juicy.
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‘John W’ Plums
One of the largest plums cultivated, ‘John W’ Plums, can measure 3 inches across and weigh up to 8 ounces. A late-season variety, these plums have red to burgundy skin and deep orange to red flesh. The Appearance of ‘John W’ Plums in the market signals the end of the harvest is near.
Where can I find Red Plums?
Red plums can usually be found fresh in farmers’ markets and better groceries when in season. Plums are soft fleshed and do not travel or store well. One of the few orchard fruits that have, for the most part, resisted hybridization and modification to extend its shelf life, it is rare to find quality plums offered out of season.
Are Black Plums Dark Inside?
Black plums get their name from their dark purple skin, not the color of their flesh. Most are Japanese varieties with pale yellow to dark amber insides surrounding the stones.
One exception, commonly found in U.S. markets, is the Black Splendor Plum which has dark burgundy flesh.
What Does it Mean if a Plum is Red Inside?
If a plum is red inside, it means that it has a high level of Anthocyanin. Anthocyanin is a family of ant-oxidant flavonoids reported to have a wide range of health benefits, including the prevention of inflammation, cardiovascular illnesses, cancer, neuronal diseases, and diabetes.
In plums, as with many similar fruits, it is also indicative of high sugar content. One of its main constituents is glycogen, a natural form of glucose used for energy storage.
What Are Red Plums Called?
Red Plums (Prunus nigra), also called a Canada plum or wild plum, are any of several varieties with deep red skins and pale amber flesh. The most common types include Burbank, Methley, and Bruce.
The majority of fruits that fall under the Red Plum name are Japanese varieties, but not all. One general characteristic that distinguishes them from other plums is their tendency to have a tart, sometimes sour flavor.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
