The sweet fruits of the cherry plum (also known as the purple-leaf plum) are a real treat for any backyard gardener. These dark red beauties offer a unique flavor profile that’s a total delight for your taste buds. However, there is one big “watch out”: the pits. They actually contain toxins! Here’s everything you need to know about enjoying this harvest safely.
Delicious and Healthy Fruits
After the blooming season wraps up in April and May, the fruit on your decorative cherry plum starts to develop. By September, these little gems are ripe and ready to go. When harvest time rolls around, just remember the golden rule: only eat the flesh.
You’ll also want to make sure the fruit is fully ripe before snacking. Unripe plums can be pretty tough on the stomach, often leading to cramps or diarrhea for both kids and adults. Patience is key here!
Always Remove the Pits Before Eating
There is one small catch—the pits can be a bit stubborn to remove. A cherry pitter or a small paring knife will be your best friend here. Once pitted, these plums are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Whether you eat them raw or cooked, they’re fantastic in cakes, jams, or juices. They even make a killer homemade liqueur!
How to Whip Up Homemade Cherry Plum Jam
Turning your fresh, juicy harvest into jam is a classic move. Start by simmering the fruit with your favorite ingredients. If you like a smoother texture, feel free to use an immersion blender to puree the mixture. Once it’s ready, pour the jam into sterilized jars. For long-term storage, I recommend processing them in a water bath canner to keep that healthy goodness fresh for months.
Here’s what you’ll need for a standard jam recipe using pectin (jam sugar):
- 2 lbs Cherry Plums
- 1 lb Jam Sugar (with pectin)
Prefer a recipe without store-bought pectin? Try this:
- 2 lbs Cherry Plums
- 2 lbs Sugar
If you want to use Agar-Agar as a thickener:
- 2 lbs Cherry Plums
- 3 tbsp Water
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 3 tsp Agar-Agar
- Honey, cinnamon, or vanilla sugar to taste
A Note of Caution Regarding Children
Just like almonds, cherry plum pits contain a compound called amygdalin. As the saying goes, “the dose makes the poison.” If a child accidentally swallows a pit while playing in the garden or snacking, you should take action immediately just to be safe.
Here’s what to do:
- Have the child drink plenty of water.
- Contact Poison Control or your pediatrician right away and follow their professional advice.
