Elephant Heart Plums: Description, Flavor, Benefits, And Uses

The Elephant Heart Plum, or Prunus salicina ‘Elephant Heart’ as it is scientifically known, is a sweet and juicy plum variety from Japan. It has an attractive heart-shaped appearance with its large center and tapered ends. The flesh of this fruit is very thick, which helps make it a great choice for preserves and baking. This variety is known for its long storage life, making it a great option on hand year-round. Here is all the information you need to know about this delicious fruit.

What is Elephant Heart Plum?

The Elephant Heart Plum is a member of the Prunus genus, which also includes peaches, nectarines, and cherries. The fruit has a large size and deep red skin with purple-red flesh that is very juicy once ripe. Its sweet flavor makes it an excellent choice for eating fresh, preserving, or baking. This variety is known for its long storage life, making it a great option on hand year-round.

History and Origin of Elephant Heart Plum

The Elephant Heart Plum (楊桃) is a summer fruit native to Japan. It is believed to have originated in the early Edo period, as botanist Kaempfer first described it in the 1700s. The fruit got its name from its peculiar shape; unlike most plums, it has a heart-like shape that resembles an elephant’s head.

The Elephant Heart Plum is prized for its sweet flavor and unique shape. Its thin and smooth skin makes it easy to eat fresh or cooked in jams and other recipes. In Japan, it has long been used to make traditional umeboshi, a salty-sour pickled plum often served as part of a bento lunch.

Description of the Elephant Heart Plum

The Elephant Heart Plum, or the Umeboshi, is a unique and flavorful Japanese fruit. This plum has a deep purple to almost black color when ripe. It is larger than other plums, with an average 4-5 cm diameter. Its texture is firm but juicy, and its taste is sweet and sour.

Cultivation of the Elephant Heart Plum

The Elephant Heart Plum is a hardy deciduous tree that grows 8-10m tall. The bark is smooth and grey, while its leaves are bright green with serrated edges. Its fragrant white flowers, which bloom in the springtime, are followed by delicious oblong fruits that can be either red or purple. The large, juicy fruits contain a single seed and are typically harvested in late summer.

The Elephant Heart Plum is easy to grow and can be cultivated in most temperate climates if given the proper care. It prefers well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter and should be in an area that receives full sun for at least six hours daily. For best results, the tree should be fertilized twice a year with an all-purpose fertilizer and watered regularly during dry spells. Pruning is also necessary to help maintain a healthy shape and size.

The Elephant Heart Plum is often used as a focal point or specimen tree in Japanese gardens. It can also be trained into an espalier or bonsai. This tree can bring years of enjoyment with its lovely flowers and tasty fruits if given the proper care. With a little effort, you, too, can grow an Elephant Heart Plum in your garden.

Harvesting of the Elephant Heart Plum

Harvesting the Elephant Heart Plum usually begins in late June or early July when the plums reach full maturity. The harvest season typically lasts from mid-July through mid-August, depending on the region and climate. After the plums are harvested, they are sorted, graded, and shipped to markets or processing facilities.

The plums must be handled carefully during the harvesting process to prevent bruising and damage. It is also important that the fruits have consistent sizes according to market standards so they can easily be packed in crates for shipment. Special tools and equipment, such as special long-handled picking bags, may be needed when harvesting Elephant Heart Plums.

What are the Health Benefits of the Elephant Heart Plum?

The Elephant Heart Plum is an excellent source of vitamin C. It also contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and iron. Plums are also a good source of dietary fiber. Eating fresh fruit regularly can help boost immunity and overall health. Aside from its nutritional benefits, the plum has been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. The plum also has antioxidant properties that help protect the body from free radical damage.

What Does Elephant Heart Plum Taste like?

Elephant Heart Plum has a unique taste – sweet and tangy with a hint of tartness. It often has honey, berry, peach, and cinnamon notes. The flesh is juicy and firm, making it ideal for eating fresh or in jams. When cooked, the Elephant Heart Plum takes on a rich flavor that can be used in pies or sauces. The plums can also be dried and used in teas or other recipes for a unique flavor profile. No matter how you enjoy it, it’s sure to add a delightful flavor to your kitchen creations.

Where Does Elephant Heart Plum Grow?

The Elephant Heart Plum is native to several regions worldwide, including Asia, Europe, and North America. In Asia, it grows in India and Malaysia. In Europe, it is found in Greece and Turkey. And in North America, it grows mainly in California, where the climate is ideal for its growth.

Where can the Best Quality Elephant Heart Plum be found?

The best quality Elephant Heart Plums are at specialty grocers and farmers’ markets. Look for plums that are firm yet slightly soft to the touch, with an intense hue of red or purple. The skin should also have a waxy sheen to it. If you buy them in bulk, store them in a cool and dry place and use them within a few days of purchase.

What are the things you need to Keep in Mind when Buying Elephant Heart Plum?

When buying Elephant Heart Plums, select plump and firm fruit with an intense red or purple hue. Avoid overly soft fruits as they may be overripe. Also, ensure the skin has a waxy sheen to it, indicating freshness. If you buy them in bulk, store them in a cool and dry place and use them within a few days of purchase. Finally, buy organic if possible to ensure you get the best quality fruit.

What are Some Delicious Recipes featuring Elephant Heart Plums?

There is no shortage of ways to enjoy Elephant Heart Plums. Here are just a few ideas for incorporating this delicious fruit into your meals:

Plum Pie: make a traditional fruit pie with just Elephant Heart Plums
Plum Sorbet: blend equal parts of plums and sugar with some water for a refreshing frozen treat
Plum Salsa: combine diced plums, onions, jalapeno, and cilantro to create a sweet and spicy appetizer or topping for tacos
Plum Jam: make your jam with Elephant Heart Plums for an extra special spread on toast or muffins
Grilled Plums: grill halved plums and top with cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter for a decadent dessert.

Conclusion

Elephant Heart Plums offer a unique and delicious flavor, making them the perfect choice for adding something special to any dish. With their gorgeous hue and waxy texture, these plums will surely add a touch of elegance to any meal. When selecting Elephant Heart Plums, buy plump and firm fruits with an intense hue of red or purple. Buy organic if possible and store them in a cool and dry place. Finally, take advantage of this versatile fruit by trying one of the delicious recipes mentioned above.

Craving something sweet? Ciruela, the Spanish Plum, might be just what you need! Dive into our article, where we uncover its delightful flavors, its background, and why it’s a must-try for any fruit lover.

Author
Recent Posts

Mitch Baylis

Mitch Baylis is a backyard gardener. His passion for nutrient dense, sustainably grown food has taken him across the globe in search for the best vegetable gardens on earth.