June Plum
Let’s go all the way back! This is for my Caribbean people- especially, Jamaicans. Remember when you use to leave school and the vendors outside use to sell June plums?
You had the option to get ripe or half-ripe versions and of course don’t forget those ‘toppings’- a dash of sugar or salt. Takes you back right? For some of you, this fruit is nothing new. But for those who never had even seen this fruit before, don’t worry let’s get you well acquainted.
What Is June plum?
June plum grows on a tree (June plum tree) that is seasonal with a high harvest yield in the summer. The season starts from mid-June to mid-January so it can withstand cold but to only a certain degree and not too much of it. Hence, though native to Southeast Asia it is grown widely in tropical climates and survives for a longer period in those regions too.
Aliases
June plum is otherwise popularly known as Jew Plum, Ambarella (in Sri Lanka), Golden Apple, Hog Plum, or Yellow Egg. Cool names, right? Tell us what is the name of June plum in your country!
What Does June Plum Taste Like?
The pulp is very juicy when eaten ripe but still is tasty in its half-ripe form- in Jamaican terms when “it turns”. It has a sweet and succulent taste when ripe that dances the meringue across your taste buds. Its flesh/pulp is soft in its ripe form which makes it easier to eat or bite into but if you prefer a crunchier taste that’s chewier then the half-ripe form is more your style.
In this form, it has a sweet-sour taste. You can eat June plum when it’s green but when it’s ‘fit’ meaning it’s mature and has developed. In this form, the taste is sour and slightly sweet with a slight starchy flavor. Many have used this version for June plum juice and the pulp is the hardest in this form.
How To Eat June Plum
Wash the June plum then use a knife and peel the skin. Once the skin is peeled then you can start taking bites into the pulp. A good way sometimes to decipher whether the fruit is green, half-ripe, or ripe then you can use the skin to determine that.
When the fruit is green or fits it will have green skin, when it is half-ripe then about ¼ of the fruit’s skin is yellow while the rest is green. While when it’s ripe it has a yellow-green skin where most of the skin is yellow. However, when it is becoming over-ripe then it is fully yellow and the pulp starts to get extremely soft until it is rotten. Apart from consuming the fruit raw, many cook it for dessert or in meals, or for juices.
Storage
You can peel June plums and slice them, then place them in a resealable plastic zipper bag. After this, you should store them in the freezer, which should last up to about 5 months. If whole and unpeeled then you can store them in the crisper of your refrigerator but they won’t last for long- which is about two weeks before getting rotten.
Top 5 June Plum Health Benefits
Now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of the matter. I know that most of you are excited about what the fruit can do to your body, in other words health-wise. Without further ado let’s dive in! Read More
- A good antioxidant
June plum has a good source of Vitamin A, C, and K which are good natural antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce or neutralize free radicals that may damage the eye lens which leads to vision loss, arthritis (inflammation of the joints), damage to nerve cells in the brain, activate cancer cells, and more.
- Reduces hypertension
A good benefit of June plum in recent studies has shown that it can reduce hypertension (high blood pressure). This is due to nutrients and minerals like vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and calcium present along with other compounds.
- Improves the Immune system
As stated earlier, June plum has a high source of Vitamin C. This boosts the immune system and helps with wound healing, and slows down aging. A good immune system helps the body to fight against bacteria, viruses, and diseases that damage the functionality of a fully healthy operating body.
- Antibiotic properties
Having this property helps the body to fight against bacteria and infections caused by bacteria.
- Good source of iron
June plum contains iron and traces of Vitamin B1 which are important components for the formation of red blood cells that increases the flow of oxygen. Hence, this prevents anemia from occurring. Iron is also vital for regulating body temperature, helps to improve the immune system, and helps to produce energy. Read More.
Other Health Benefits
Just amazing right? But we have more! That’s right, below are some other benefits of June plum. But before that, aren’t you curious as to ‘what are the nutrients in June plum?’. Then let’s go! June plum contains the following nutrients, minerals, and compounds but is not limited to:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Protein (mostly when unripe)
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
Now let’s head on to the other benefits! These include:
- Improves vision.
- May helps to regulate high blood sugar levels. Read More.
- Helps to reduce cholesterol levels.
- May help diabetics.
- Helps with constipation.
- Helps to build strong bones.
Other Exotic Fruits
- Mangosteen
- Barbados Cherry
- Loquat
- Florida Pomelo
- Naseberry
- Noni
- Egg Fruit
- Tuna Fruit
- Mango
- White Guava
- Calamansi
- Black Sapote
- Golden Kiwi
Want to try it out? Fantastic! Try it and let us know your experience. I want you to enjoy it- p.s I’m about to eat one right now myself. But a key thing to note is that you should always consult your doctor, especially if you are suffering from any ailment before trying new food. Like I always say Bon Appétit! And see you, until next time- or in Jamaican terms ‘big up urself!’
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