When it comes to knowing when your plums are ready to pick, there are a few key indicators to look out for. One of the first signs is the color of the fruit. As plums ripen, they will transition from a greenish hue to a deep, vibrant color. The exact shade will depend on the variety of plum you have, but in general, look for a rich, even coloration.
Another sign of ripeness is the firmness of the fruit. Gently squeeze the plum to see if it yields slightly to pressure. If it feels too hard, it’s likely not yet ripe. However, if it feels too soft and mushy, it may be overripe. You want to find a plum that is firm yet yielding.
Additionally, the aroma of the plum can give you a clue. Ripe plums will have a sweet, fragrant smell. Take a whiff near the stem end to see if you detect a pleasant aroma. If it smells slightly sour or lacks fragrance, it may not be fully ripe.
Taste testing is perhaps the best way to determine if a plum is ready to be picked. If you have access to a tree, pluck one fruit and take a bite. Ripe plums will have a juicy, sweet flavor. If it tastes tart or lacks sweetness, it may need more time on the tree.
It’s important to note that plums will continue to ripen off the tree. If you have a tree full of plums, you can pick some when they are slightly underripe and let them ripen on the counter or in a paper bag. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from unripe to overripe quite quickly.
Once your plums are ripe and ready to eat, it’s a good idea to store them in the refrigerator. This will help to prolong their freshness and prevent them from becoming overripe. If you have a large harvest and can’t consume them all right away, consider preserving them by making jams, jellies, or drying them.
In terms of personal experiences, I recall a time when I eagerly picked a plum off my tree only to find it disappointingly sour and unripe. Since then, I’ve learned to be patient and wait for the signs of readiness before harvesting my plums. It’s always worth the wait to enjoy a perfectly ripe and juicy plum.
