Can Plums Help with Constipation? And More Fun Plum Facts

Even before I was an official FruitGuy, I had a fruit nickname. My dad called me “Plumbody” as a kid because I ate an inordinate amount of plums.

I still have vague memories of pulling open a door below our stove that I used as a table/seat and sitting there to eat my fill—but I don’t remember why I liked plums so much. I mean, they’re delicious, but it’s been years since I considered them my favorite summer fruit.

Then, a few days ago, I bit into a deep black plum with firm-but-juicy red flesh and thought, “Oh, this is why I loved plums!” It’s funny how smells and tastes can transport you back in time. With a single bite of sweet fruit, I was back in my parents’ kitchen, my sneakered feet on the linoleum floor and my hand dripping with sticky plum juice.

Black vs. Red Plums—What’s the Difference?

The plum I ate was a classic black plum, not to be confused with the popular red plum. What’s the difference between the two types, you ask? Well, mostly their appearance. Our farm partners at Kingsburg Orchards told us that red plums turn red when they’re fully ripe, and black plums turn black. You can harvest a black plum when it’s still red, but eventually it will show its true color.

In my experience, black plums often have red flesh while red plums have yellow flesh. Black plums also tend to be sweeter than red plums. I find that red plums are more tangy, and they stay firm and crisp longer. But every plum variety is different! There are yellow-fleshed black plums, and there are also green and yellow-skinned plums.

It’s important to eat both black and red plums before they get too mushy. Super-ripe plums can get mealy, and personally, I don’t enjoy that texture. I err on the side of eating black plums with just a little give, and I think red plums are just as delicious super-firm as they are slightly soft. Try it for yourself and let me know if you agree.

Can Plums Help with Constipation?

You’ve probably heard that eating dried plums (aka prunes) can help keep your digestion running smoothly, and it’s true. Fresh plums are full of antioxidants, fiber, and a natural sugar alcohol called sorbitol that makes them extra helpful for digestion. Prunes pack those benefits into a smaller, less filling package. If you want to learn more about just how effective prunes can be at keeping you regular, check out this study comparing them to another constipation solution. Spoiler alert: Prunes are more effective by a mile.

Celebrate Plum Season While It Lasts

Plums are usually the last of the summer fruit to fade away. You can find some varieties in our fruit mixes as late as October. I’m excited to eat them all month long and, every so often, hit on the taste, flavor, and smell of my childhood.

Looking for other ways to use plums besides eating them fresh? You can find plenty of recipes on our blog. Just search “plum” or “stone fruit” for some fresh ideas.