Differences between plums & plums

Plums and damsons are among the most popular types of German fruit. But where is the difference?

Botanically, both plums and damsons belong to the rose family (Rosaceae). However, the distinction is not always easy, since these are subspecies or varieties of the species Prunus domestica acts. These can be easily crossed with each other, which is why the transitions between plum and damson are fluid.

Plum and Damson: Provenance and Origin

Prunus domestica-Cultivars have a long history of cultivation. However, the exact origin of plums and damsons has not been clearly clarified. According to experts, the plants originally came from the Caucasus and Persia, from where they spread to Asia and Europe. Other researchers, however, suspect the origin more in China. The origin of the fruits is also controversial - it is assumed, however, that the species are natural hybrids between sloes (Prunus spinosa) and cherry plums (prunus cerasifera) have arisen. Despite all this, it is certain that plums and damsons, because of their many uses and their delicious taste has played an important role in many cultures and cuisines around the world over the centuries have played.

Differences between plums and plums

Plums and damsons are two subspecies of Prunus domestica. Although they are very closely related, there are certain differences.

Appearance of damson and plum

Plums are often larger and more rounded than damsons and have a smooth skin. The color of the plum skin varies from light yellow to deep purple, depending on the variety. The pulp has a yellowish to golden color, but can also turn reddish in certain variants. In addition, the soft fruit body is usually not too easy to separate from the core. Furthermore, plums have a distinct longitudinal furrow, which is referred to as the abdominal seam.

Plums, on the other hand, are smaller and usually longer than they are wide. They have darker skin with a whitish waxy layer known in the art as scenting. Fresh plums can also have this layer, but often not as clearly as plums. Basically, the coating is formed by condensation on the tree and protects the fruit from drying out quickly. In addition, the scent is an indicator of freshness, since it diminishes with longer storage. The flesh of plums is usually firm, easier to separate from the pit and has a more intense golden color. The longitudinal furrow is less pronounced in plums.

There are many different varieties of plums and damsons, which can vary in colour, shape and size. So it is often difficult to say whether it is a plum or a damson just by looking at it.

The taste

Plums and damsons both have a sweet and juicy taste, which also depends on the variety and the degree of ripeness. However, there are subtle aroma differences between the two types of fruit:

• Plums generally have a mild and sweet flavor with a touch of acidity. The flesh of the plum is usually softer and juicier.
• Plums are predominantly - despite a higher sugar content - slightly more acidic than plums and therefore have a more intense taste. The flesh is slightly firmer and less watery.

What do plums and plums have in common?

Since plums and plums are subspecies of Prunus domestica are both basically very similar and have a lot in common:

1. Health Benefits: Both plums and damsons are high in healthy ingredients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
2. Use: Both fruits are ideal for fresh consumption or for cooking and baking. Among other things, they are often used to make jams, compotes or dried fruits.
3. Season: Plums and damsons ripen at about the same time in late summer or early fall, depending on variety and climate. The flowers tend to look very similar and appear at the same time of year in spring.
4. Storage: Both fruits should be stored with the highest possible humidity and cool temperatures above 0 °C. A refrigerator, for example, is well suited for this. If the fruits are not yet ripe, they can be stored at room temperature until they have reached the desired degree of ripeness.
5. Cultivation: Plums or damsons are cultivated in a similar way and require similar growing conditions, such as well-drained soil and regular watering. Like you one Plant plum tree, you can find out in one of our special articles.

The pulp of many prunusspecies is suitable for consumption. The blood plum (Prunus cerasifera) for example, is very tasty, but the seeds inside are poisonous and should not be swallowed. You can find out more information in our plant portrait.