Produce Briefs...
Maui Onions
Two characteristics set the Maui onion apart from other yellow onions: the high sugar and high moisture content of its flesh.
Fingerling Russian Banana Potatoes
Although very petit in size, fingerlings are fully mature when harvested, thus they should not to be confused with new potatoes, potatoes that are harvested when immature.
Seasons/Availability
Elephant Heart plums are available mid to late summer.
Current Facts
The Elephant Heart plum, AKA blood plum, is a freestone fruit that is often referred to as the King of Japanese plums, though it was originally cultivated in the United States. It requires pollination from other cultivars as it is not self-fertile.
Description/Taste
Elephant Heart plum's given name is a direct reference to its shape, heft and its coloring. It, indeed has a heart shape and when ripe, is heavy in the hand, full of juice and the flesh, a consistent deep ruby red throughout. The Elephant Heart plum has a pistachio and purple skin, deepening to purple red with a powdery finish, when ripe. Its flesh is tender firm, succulent and sweet with just a hint of acid. Elephant Heart plums yield a short shelf-life when ripe.
Applications
Plums pair well with pork, lamb and crudo-style fish and shellfish. They make delicious compotes, ice creams and syrups. Complimentary flavors are vanilla, nutmeg, tropical fruits, citrus and chile. To store fresh plums, refrigerate ripe fruit only a few days.
Geography/History
The Elephant Heart plum was developed by horticulturist and pioneer of agriculture science, Luther Burbank in the early 20th Century in Sonoma County, CA. The late 19th century and early 20th century brought the introduction of Asian varieties of familiar fruits, specifically apricots, cherries and plums. Burbank drew upon the genetic diversity of these new species to develop new varieties that would thrive in the growing regions of California. Through the method of hand pollination, the Elephant Heart plum was created from a Japanese plum variety. It is considered a boutique variety, as today it is still grown by a limited amount of small farms as it requires being hand picked and hand packed.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Elephant Heart Plums. One
is easiest, three is harder.
Elephant Heart plums are available mid to late summer.
Current Facts
The Elephant Heart plum, AKA blood plum, is a freestone fruit that is often referred to as the King of Japanese plums, though it was originally cultivated in the United States. It requires pollination from other cultivars as it is not self-fertile.
Description/Taste
Elephant Heart plum's given name is a direct reference to its shape, heft and its coloring. It, indeed has a heart shape and when ripe, is heavy in the hand, full of juice and the flesh, a consistent deep ruby red throughout. The Elephant Heart plum has a pistachio and purple skin, deepening to purple red with a powdery finish, when ripe. Its flesh is tender firm, succulent and sweet with just a hint of acid. Elephant Heart plums yield a short shelf-life when ripe.
Applications
Plums pair well with pork, lamb and crudo-style fish and shellfish. They make delicious compotes, ice creams and syrups. Complimentary flavors are vanilla, nutmeg, tropical fruits, citrus and chile. To store fresh plums, refrigerate ripe fruit only a few days.
Geography/History
The Elephant Heart plum was developed by horticulturist and pioneer of agriculture science, Luther Burbank in the early 20th Century in Sonoma County, CA. The late 19th century and early 20th century brought the introduction of Asian varieties of familiar fruits, specifically apricots, cherries and plums. Burbank drew upon the genetic diversity of these new species to develop new varieties that would thrive in the growing regions of California. Through the method of hand pollination, the Elephant Heart plum was created from a Japanese plum variety. It is considered a boutique variety, as today it is still grown by a limited amount of small farms as it requires being hand picked and hand packed.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Elephant Heart Plums. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Whisk: a food blog |
|
Dimply Plum Cakes in Pasion Fruit Cups |
| Dessert First |
|
Plum Cornmeal Cake |
| Dessert First |
|
Plum Sorbet |
| Foodliker |
|
Elephant Heart Plum Martinis with Basil |
