Food & Receipts

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Early-Season Apricots: 5 Tips for Picking the Sweetest, Most Delicious Fruit

The plum season is upon us, and it's important to know what to look out for when buying these juicy treats to avoid ending up with sour or bitter fruits.

Administrator

5 September, 2024

Plump, juicy plums are now in season, with large, premium plums priced between 120,000 and 150,000 VND per kg, while smaller plums cost around 80,000 VND per kg. These prices are relatively high compared to the peak season.

Early-season plums tend to be on the sour side, with a less prominent sweetness compared to those during the peak season. However, with the right selection tips, you can still enjoy delicious plums. Avoid randomly picking plums, as you might end up with bitter or astringent ones, which would be a waste of money.

Here are some handy tips to ensure you pick the best plums every time, guaranteeing a sweet and crisp experience with each bite.

Color and Shape

Look for plums that are neither too big nor too small, with smooth, bright, and deep red skin.

Avoid plums with a mix of green and red colors, as these are likely underripe and will taste sour and astringent.

Firmness

Gently squeeze the plums to check their firmness. The ideal plum should be neither too hard nor too soft. If it’s too hard, it’s probably unripe, and if it’s too soft, it might be overripe or spoiled, affecting its flavor.

Weight

When holding a plum, go for the ones that feel heavier, as they tend to be juicier and crisper. Avoid plums that feel too light.

Skin

Not many people know this, but the skin of a plum can indicate its quality. Plums with tight, glossy skin are usually of better quality and haven’t been treated with chemicals.

A thin layer of white powder on the surface is a good sign—it might look dirty, but it indicates that the plum is a genuine local variety.

Aroma and Taste

Tasting is one of the best ways to determine the quality of a plum. However, sampling plums from street stalls comes with risks, as they might not be thoroughly washed, leading to stomachaches or food poisoning.

Instead, rely on external characteristics like color, shape, and weight to make your decision.

There are endless ways to enjoy plums—some like to dip them in spicy shrimp salt or shrimp paste, while others prefer the tangy spice of shaken plums. During the plum season, many people also make plum jam and syrup to enjoy this delicious fruit throughout the year.

Since plums are high in water content, they don’t last long. To keep them fresh, wash the plums and place them in a ziplock bag or an airtight container before storing them in the refrigerator. This creates an ideal environment to maintain their freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Check out this simple recipe for shaken plums below.

Ingredients

– Ripe plums: 750g

– Sugar: 100g

– Chili powder: 2-3 teaspoons (adjust according to your spice preference)

– Shrimp salt: 10g

How to Make Shaken Plums

1. Select ripe, crisp plums, wash them thoroughly, and soak them in a dilute salt solution for about 10 minutes before draining.

2. Cut the plums into halves or quarters, depending on their size.

3. Place the plums in a bowl and add the sugar, chili powder, and shrimp salt.

4. Cover the bowl and shake it well to ensure the plums are evenly coated with the seasonings.

5. Let the plums sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

These shaken plums offer a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

With these selection tips and the shaken plum recipe, you’re all set to indulge in this delicious fruit and even treat your friends and family. Happy cooking!

Frequently asked questions

Apricots are a delicious and nutritious stone fruit that has gained popularity worldwide. The best time to buy apricots is during their early season, which typically runs from May to July. This is when they are at their sweetest and most flavorful.

There are five key tips to selecting the best early-season apricots: First, look for a bright orange or yellow color with a slight blush. Second, choose firm but yielding fruits with a slight give when gently pressed. Third, ensure there are no signs of bruising or shriveling. Fourth, smell the apricots and choose those with a sweet, fragrant aroma. Finally, taste is key, so select apricots that are sweet, juicy, and have a balanced acidity.

To store apricots, place them in a single layer on a paper towel-lined tray or container. Store them in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to two weeks. For longer storage, apricots can be frozen whole or sliced, blanched or unblanched, and stored in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to six months.

Apricots are versatile and can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory dishes. They can be eaten fresh as a snack, added to yogurt or oatmeal, or used in baking. For a quick and easy dessert, try grilling halved apricots and serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream. They also pair well with meats like pork and chicken, and can be used in chutneys or salsas.

Apricots are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber. They also contain potassium, iron, and antioxidants. Consuming apricots may support eye health, boost immunity, aid digestion, and promote healthy skin.