, Last week I went “plum” crazy! Yes, you read that right. I went to my favorite farmer's and bought a basket of their plums. These purple gems are sweet on the inside, coupled with the perfect zing of tartness in the skins. I ate many fresh plums and the others I cut, pitted and popped in the freezer for green smoothies this winter.

My husband, who by and large, does not like fruit the way I do, fell in love with these plums. He begged me not to “kill all of them in the freezer.” He is welcome to drink green smoothies that contain these plums, too, but as of yet he is unconverted to the wonderful world of raw.

I grew up knowing that prunes were dried plums, though I never liked the dried version of these wonderful fruits like I did the fresh. Prunes, especially those soaked in water and eaten for breakfast, reminded of medicine for elderly people rather than a fruit to be enjoyed.

Here is a picture of me and some of my plums.

While there may be as many as 2000 different varieties of plums, here are some nutrition facts that are common to all the plums.

Some scientists say that plums, any color or variety, are higher in antioxidants than blueberries. While some people will eat only a few blueberries, they may enjoy 2 or 3 plums, thus getting far more antioxidants.

The brightly colored skin on the plum, either black, yellow or purple, contain many important phytonutrients and antioxidants. If you don't know this already, now you will: You don't-peel-plums!

Some studies seem to indicate that plums will prevent certain types of cancer. This should come as no surprise to us raw foodists since the main reason people eat raw is for good health.

Plums are an excellent source of fiber. For only 30 fat-free calories, a singe plum will give you vitamins A, C, and K and the mineral potassium, plus assorted phytonutrients. All of these nutrients may help your eyes, heart and brains, so eat your plums for good health.

The practice of “eating a rainbow of colored foods” makes plums a perfect addition to the vast array of brightly colored fruits.

Practically speaking, since plum may match or even surpass the nutrition punch of berries, but are far less pricy then berries, plums are a great and frugal raw buy. So as much as I love my berries, hold the blueberries and pass the plums. At least, that is the way I feel right now.

Eat Well!

Mary Jane

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