The plum is a food highly appreciated for its properties.
The fruit of the plum tree is called plum . The term has its etymological origin in the Latin word cereŏla .
The plum tree is a fruit tree that is part of the Rosaceae family group. It can reach a height of about seven meters, has pointed leaves with teeth and has white flowers .
Plum characteristics
As we already indicated, the fruit of the plum tree is called plum. It is a drupe since it has a single seed , its endocarp is woody and its mesocarp is fleshy.
Before moving forward, it is important to mention that the pericarp is the part of the fruits that surrounds the seed. Three layers can be recognized in the pericarp: the endocarp (the inner layer), the mesocarp (the middle layer) and the epicarp (the outer layer).
In the case of the plum, the middle layer (that is, the mesocarp) stands out for its juicy and generally sweet flesh , while its inner layer (the endocarp) is very hard. Another peculiarity is that the outer layer (the epicarp) can be easily separated from the middle layer.
In any case, it must be taken into account that there are multiple types of plums due to the varieties of plum trees. That is why plums can have different sizes, colors and shapes.
The flesh of the plum, in this framework, can be red, white, yellow or green. Flavors and textures also vary. The damson plum , for example, is sour, while the claudia plum is sweet. The friar plum , the Genoa plum , the heart plum , the yolk plum and the pernigón plum are other of these fruits .
There are multiple types of plums.
Its properties
The consumption of plums favors intestinal transit . Due to its laxative effect, its intake is recommended to prevent or relieve constipation.
In addition to a high level of fiber , plums provide vitamins K, C and A and minerals such as zinc , phosphorus , potassium , iron and calcium .
Thanks to their components, plums help strengthen the immune system, help fight anemia , relieve hypertension and improve blood circulation. Of course, these benefits are not achieved only by eating plums, but by including this fruit in a balanced diet and combining its consumption with other actions (such as frequent physical activity). In any case, a doctor is the specialist who must indicate how to develop the prevention and treatment of health disorders, while a nutritionist is the professional capable of suggesting eating habits.
prunes
Dried plums are known as prunes . To obtain prunes, the plum is subjected to a drying process , thus becoming a dried fruit or dried fruit.
Dehydrating the plum aims to enhance its flavor and, above all, to extend its conservation. In the past, sun rays were used to achieve drying, but today it is common to resort to other methods (such as the use of ovens).
Although plums are used as a laxative, prunes are even more effective. This is because they concentrate sorbitol (a carbohydrate ) and fiber .