Plum Features
Plum (Prunus genus) is a fruit from the Rosaceae family, with a wide range of species and flavor profiles. The colors of plums can vary from green to red, purple, and yellow. With sweet, tangy, or sour varieties, plums are enjoyed throughout the year. They are generally consumed fresh with their flesh and pit, but dried, in compotes, marmalade, and jams, they are also quite popular.
Common varieties include:
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Can Plum
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Papaz Plum
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Mürdüm Plum
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Angelic Plum
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Yellow Plum
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Early Red Plum
Plums grown in Turkey, especially due to their aromatic nature and firm textures, are highly praised worldwide.
History
The history of plums dates back to 2000 BC. They are believed to have been first cultivated in the Caucasus, Iran, and Anatolia. Over time, they spread across Europe and Asia, adapting to various climates, leading to the development of numerous species. Turkey, with its geographical location and variety, is one of the leading plum producers in the world. Major plum-producing regions in Turkey include Mersin, Manisa, Amasya, Bursa, Izmir, and Istanbul.
Health Benefits
Plums are a nutrient-packed fruit containing numerous health-benefiting compounds. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, iron, calcium, potassium, antioxidants, and especially fiber. The fiber in plums is known to aid digestion, regulate bowel movements, and help relieve constipation.
Plums also help regulate blood sugar, support heart health, and contain polyphenols that protect cells from free radical damage. The anthocyanin compounds in red and purple plums offer antioxidant effects with anti-aging properties. Due to their low-calorie content and high water content, plums are commonly included in diet plans.
Plum Harvesting, Packaging, and Export Process
Plums ripen between the end of March and September, depending on the variety, and are harvested by hand. During harvest, care is taken to avoid damaging the fruit. In export-focused production, the integrity of the fruit and the condition of the skin are crucial.
The harvested plums are sorted by size, color, and quality at production facilities. After washing, drying, and packing in special packaging, they are stored in cold chain conditions. During the export process, appropriate protective methods are applied considering the fruit’s durability and shelf life.
The leading countries importing plums from Turkey include Russia, Germany, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Romania, and the United Arab Emirates. Certified production, rapid shipment, and hygienic packaging play an important role in fresh fruit exports.
Conclusion
Plums, with their refreshing taste and health benefits, have a special place on the table. With their various types, they are widely used both in the domestic market and in global cuisines.