Plums are a popular fruit enjoyed by many. They are versatile and can be eaten fresh, pickled in syrup, or made into jams and preserves. However, if you don’t know how to select the right ones, you might end up with bitter, astringent, or overly ripe plums that have been forced to ripen with chemicals and stimulants. Here are some tips on how to choose delicious Hanoi plums.
1 Delicious Plum Varieties in Northern Vietnam
Tam Hoa Plums
Tam Hoa Plums
Tam Hoa plums are large, with shiny, taut skin and a white waxy coating. When ripe, they turn red, with crisp, mildly sweet flesh and a characteristic astringent note without any bitterness. They typically weigh between 20 and 60 grams each.
As of April 2021, the price of Tam Hoa plums ranges from 10,000 to 20,000 VND per kilogram.
Hau Plums
Hau plums are also large, with green skin, firm and thick flesh, and small seeds. They have a sweet and crisp taste. Even when the skin is green, the plums are edible, but they will be quite sour and astringent. When the skin turns red, the flesh becomes sweeter and slightly softer. The average weight is between 20 and 30 grams.
Hau plums are typically in season during the second half of July each year. Prices can range from 110,000 to 140,000 VND per kilogram, and they can even reach 300,000 VND per kilogram (as of April 2021).
Hau Plums
Ta Van Plums
Ta Van plums come in several varieties, including the large-sized “sugar plums” with purple skin and yellow flesh that taste sweet when ripe. Another variety is the “red plums” or “blood plums,” which also have purple skin and purple flesh. When ripe, these plums are juicy, with crisp, slightly sour flesh and a delicate fragrance.
From early June to early July each year, Ta Van plums are typically priced between 80,000 and 120,000 VND per kilogram (as of August 2020).
Ta Van Plums
Thep Plums
Thep plums are small, with green skin, and are mainly found in the Red River Delta and northern mountainous regions. When ripe, the skin turns yellow, and the flesh becomes firm and crisp. They typically weigh between 10 and 29 grams each.
In the market, Thep plums are sold at a price range of 15,000 to 20,000 VND per kilogram (as of April 2021).
Thep Plums
Com Plums
Com plums are tiny, resembling small beads, and have a distinctive green skin commonly found in Lang Son province. When ripe, the skin develops small red spots, and the flesh is green with a hint of yellow. It has a crisp texture and a refreshing sour taste.
As of April 2021, Com plums are extremely affordable, with prices dropping to as low as 1,000 to 2,000 VND per kilogram, and sometimes even less than 5,000 VND per kilogram.
Com Plums
Trang Ly Plums
Trang Ly plums are large, similar in size to Hau plums, and thrive in highland environments. When ripe, the skin turns pale yellow, and the flesh is crisp, juicy, and seedless, with a more pronounced sour taste than Hau plums.
Trang Ly plums are relatively affordable compared to other plum varieties.
Trang Ly Plums
Reference: Where to buy delicious and cheap plums in Ho Chi Minh City?
2 How to Choose and Buy Delicious, Crisp, and Sweet Northern Plums
Select Fresh Plums
Look for fresh plums that still have their stems and leaves attached. Choose plums that are round, plump, shiny, and undamaged, with no signs of bruising or insect damage. Avoid plums with insect bites or fingernail marks, as these are more susceptible to bacterial contamination.
Examine the Outer Skin
A good indicator of a sweet and chemical-free Hanoi plum is its outer skin. A ripe plum will have taut, shiny skin with a white waxy coating. When gently squeezed, it should not feel too soft.
Choose Plums with a Mix of Green and Red Colors
Avoid plums that are too green or too ripe and red. Instead, opt for plums with a mix of green and red colors, as these will be both crisp and sweet.
Very green plums tend to be sour, while overly ripe red plums may have lost their crispness. If you have a sweet tooth, go for the darker red plums.
Remember to choose plums that are evenly shaped, round, and not misshapen, as these tend to be more delicious.
Further Reading:
3 How to Store Fresh Hanoi Plums
To maintain their freshness and flavor, store fresh plums in the cooler compartment of your refrigerator. Avoid keeping them in hot, humid, or high-temperature environments, as this will cause them to ripen and spoil quickly.
Before consuming, wash the plums thoroughly with water. You can enjoy them as a snack or use them in various dishes. A popular way to eat plums is to dip them in salt and chili pepper. They can also be pickled or made into jams to spread on bread.
4 Important Considerations When Buying Hanoi Plums
To ensure you are getting safe and delicious Hanoi plums, it is recommended to purchase them from reputable fruit shops or supermarkets that can guarantee the quality and origin of the fruit.
Alternatively, you can buy plums directly from orchards or from trusted friends and family, ensuring both the quality and safety of the fruit.
Further Reading: Plums are a refreshing and nutritious fruit, rich in vitamins and minerals. Check out these delicious plum recipes to enjoy this tasty treat.
When Does the Hanoi Plum Harvest Begin?
Are you curious about when Northern plums are harvested each year? Discover the harvest seasons for late plums, Tam Hoa plums, and more in this article.
