Where do Plums Come From
Plums are a popular fruit related to peaches, cherries and apricots (although the later is sometimes considered to be a variety of plum). There are many species and varieties of plums, but the most popular types typically grow on trees which can reach 12 m ( 39.4 ft) tall. The fruit grows to about 2.5-7.5 cm (1-3 in) in diameter and comes in a variety of colors depending on the variety. Plums usually have firm, juicy and sweet flesh, although a tart taste is also common in some varieties. Plums are commonly eaten fresh, but may also be used for making jam, jelly, wine, as well as being an ingredient in many other recipes. Dried plums are also popular and they are usually known as prunes, although this is actually a variety of plum. Let’s find out where plums come from and where they are grown today.
Where do plums originate from?
It is believed that plums were one of the first fruits that humans domesticated. This is due to the fact that the most common plum varieties are only found around areas of human settlements and not in the wild. Evidence of humans eating plums dates back many thousands of years. Of the three main varieties, known as Prunus domestica, can be traced to the Caucasian and East Asian mountains in Eurasia. The two other main varieties have been traced to Asia.
Where are plums grown today?
Plums are now grown around the world and can be found on every continent apart from Antarctica. The largest producer in the world is China at approximately 5.6 million metric tons. Romania is the second largest producer at 600,000 metric tons, followed by the United States at 500,000 metric tons. Other large plum producers include; Serbia, Chile, France, Iran, Turkey, Italy and India.
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