Italian plums, also known as Italian prune plums, are a specific variety of plums that are distinct from regular plums in a few ways. While regular plums come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, Italian plums have a more uniform appearance. They are typically oval-shaped with purple-black skin and yellow-green flesh.
One notable difference between Italian plums and regular plums is their texture and juiciness. Italian plums have a firmer flesh compared to regular plums, which can be quite juicy and soft. This firmer texture makes Italian plums ideal for drying and preserving, as they hold their shape and texture well during the process.
Another difference lies in the ease of separating the flesh from the seed. Italian prune plums are known as “freestone” plums, meaning the flesh easily separates from the pit or seed. This characteristic makes them convenient for cooking and baking, as the pit can be removed effortlessly.
In terms of taste, Italian plums have a distinct sweet flavor. The combination of their yellow-green flesh and purple-black skin creates a unique balance of sweetness and tartness. Some people describe the flavor as more intense and complex compared to regular plums. This rich and sweet taste makes Italian plums a favorite for eating fresh, making jams and jellies, or even using them in desserts like tarts and pies.
Greengage plums, on the other hand, are a specific type of plum that falls under the category of regular plums. They have a yellow-green skin, similar to Italian plums, but their flesh can vary in color from pale yellow to green. Greengage plums are known for their exceptional sweetness and delicate flavor. They are often enjoyed fresh, as their juicy and tender flesh is a delight to eat.
To summarize the differences between Italian plums and regular plums:
1. Appearance: Italian plums have an oval shape with purple-black skin and yellow-green flesh, while regular plums come in various shapes, sizes, and colors.
2. Texture and Juiciness: Italian plums have a firmer flesh, making them ideal for drying and preserving, while regular plums are often softer and juicier.
3. Seed Separation: Italian plums are “freestone” plums, meaning the flesh easily separates from the seed, making them convenient for cooking and baking. Regular plums may have flesh that clings to the seed.
4. Taste: Italian plums have a sweet flavor with a balance of sweetness and tartness. Greengage plums, a type of regular plum, are exceptionally sweet and have a delicate flavor.
Italian plums, specifically Italian prune plums, have distinct characteristics that set them apart from regular plums. Their unique appearance, texture, seed separation, and sweet flavor make them a versatile fruit for various culinary uses. Regular plums, including the delightful Greengage plums, offer a wider range of shapes, sizes, colors, textures, and flavors. Both types of plums can be enjoyed in their own unique ways, whether eaten fresh, dried, preserved, or used in cooking and baking.
