In general, kind Prunus includes cherries, apricots, cherry plums, and even almonds and bird cherry. Belongs to the Plum subfamily of the Rosaceae family. And what we call by this name is actually one of the 254 species of the genus Prunus.
In the botanical description, the genus Prunus called bush cherry, but if you ask any kid what a plum, a tree or a bush is, the answer will be clear - a tree. And the child will be right. Because the most common species in home gardening is a tree.
And the fruit of this tree, although it can be called a fruit (since fruit is not a botanical definition, but any fruit in general), is actually a single-drupe pointed at both ends and slightly flattened. The weight of the fruit ranges from 6 to 100 g.
Breed Features
The plum tree can reach 15-16 meters in height and in nature has a narrow ovoid crown. Of course, this shape can be changed with special pruning, although pruning this fruit tree is not an easy task. It blooms with white flowers not exceeding 2 cm in diameter. Productivity can vary greatly, but the following pattern is noted - if there are several in the garden different varieties, the yield will be significantly higher.
The living conditions of a tree can vary greatly. There are trees that successfully live up to 25, and some specimens even up to 60 years, although they usually stop bearing fruit after 10-15 years. A plum tree usually begins to bear fruit a year or two after planting (early fruiting varieties). More late varieties They begin to bear fruit after 5-6 years. Root system- rod-shaped, its main mass is located at a depth not exceeding 40 cm.
Some features of agricultural technology
Most plum varieties are classified as self-sterile trees, bearing fruit only if there are other varieties nearby. But it is interesting that self-fertile trees also produce greater yields when adjacent to a pollinating variety. This is the specificity of growing plum trees. Trees are propagated by grafting and shoots, less often green cuttings. Budding is carried out using the “eye”.
Where does the plum tree grow? The tree is quite frost-resistant; in any case, many varieties winter quietly in central Russia. But too severe frosts can damage the plant. However, today residents of the Urals, Moscow region and Siberia can easily select varieties that will grow and bear fruit in their area. Today this fruit is widespread throughout the world - in Asia, Europe (in temperate latitudes), North America.
For good fruiting, the plum tree needs moist, fertile soil and enough light. Planting it is not much different from. Pruning is usually reduced to rejuvenation. Formative pruning depends on the variety and can be sparsely layered, improved layered or without layers. A cup-shaped crown is also found. Perform pruning in early spring, in March-April.
The varietal diversity of plums is great - the fruits differ in both shape (oval, round, broadly spindle-shaped) and weight (some large-fruited varieties up to 100 g), and color (from bright yellow to amaranth and purple). Based on the type of fruiting, this fruit is divided into three different groups.
According to the time of fruiting, plum trees are divided into early, middle and late varieties.
Early breeds
- Variety Golden Ball. The fruit is round yellow with green tint and peach flavor. grows in different regions.
- Variety Zarechnaya early. The fruit is dark purple, up to 45 g. It grows well in the Moscow region, and is perfect for preservation because the pulp is easy to separate from the stone.
- Variety Skoroplodnaya. The fruit is a rich amaranth color. The first harvest takes place in 2-3 years. Fruit weight 35-40 g.
Mid-season
- Variety Souvenir of the East. The fruit is purple with a slight bloom, very sweet.
- Romain variety. A bright yellow fruit, small in size, but very tasty with unusual reddish pulp.
Late
- Variety Renklod Svetlana. Bright yellow large fruit of excellent taste qualities. True, if you want to get a harvest faster, this variety is unlikely to be suitable.
It is also worth paying attention to several more varieties of the crop: Vengerka, Duche, Primorskaya, Stanley, Red Hard, Oda, Amers, Promise, Sinichka, Kubanskaya, Diamant, Gilberd, Verity, California, Valor and others...
What is healthy about a sweet and tasty fruit?
Plum delicacy is eaten in fresh– some varieties are so sweet and juicy that they simply melt in your mouth. They make excellent jams, marmalades, sauces and drinks. Roasted fruits and leaves can be used to brew fruit tea. The fruits are used to make liqueurs and tinctures, and they are in no way inferior in taste.
The fruit contains mass useful substances, including minerals, vitamins and other elements. A large amount of riboflavin (vitamin B2) strengthens the nervous system and improves protein metabolism. Thanks to vitamin P, blood vessels become stronger. Pectin removes many carcinogens from the body, including radionuclides and salts of heavy metals. Prunes (dried fruits of special varieties) are of particular value; they are used in diets for weight loss. Tender juicy fruits have long been recognized as beneficial for health not only by homeopathy, but also by official medicine.
Syn.: Prunus, Hungarian.
Home plum - fruit crop tree plant with whites fragrant flowers and edible, spherical or oval fruits. The bark, leaves and flowers of the plant are used in medicinal purposes. Dried plum fruits (prunes) are used in cooking, as well as for the treatment and prevention of many diseases.
Ask the experts a question
Flower formula
Home plum flower formula: *Х5Л5Т∞П1.
In medicine
House plum (Prunus domestica L.) is not used in official medicine, but is widely used in homeopathy and folk medicine as a laxative and diuretic. Plum fruits are part of many biologically active additives. For example, the combination drugs Kafiol (Cafiolum), Normolax are used as a laxative for chronic constipation. The dietary supplement Fitomucil, which contains plum fruits and psyllium husks, has an identical effect and improves intestinal motility.
The fruits of the domestic plum stimulate appetite, improve digestion, disinfect the intestines and enhance peristalsis, and have a gentle laxative and diuretic effect. Particularly popular in folk medicine are prunes - dried plum fruits, which, due to their high fiber content, can enhance intestinal motility. Prunes are an excellent product that is included in many modern diets. However, it is important to remember that, unlike fresh fruits plums prunes are high in calories. Due to the presence of pectins, plums have the ability to remove radionuclides from the body. The fruits of the plant are popularly used in the treatment of anemia, hypertension, rheumatism, chronic constipation, and diseases of the excretory system. Freshly squeezed plum juice is also dietary product, improving work gastrointestinal tract.
Contraindications and side effects
Despite their beneficial properties, plums may cause harm to those suffering from diabetes mellitus, gastritis. It is also undesirable to eat prunes if you are obese, since dried plums are 6 times higher in calories than fresh plums. Contraindications to eating plums apply to women during lactation and children younger age, since taking this fruit can cause digestive upset: children may experience stomach pain, rumbling, and diarrhea. You should not eat plum fruits if you have an individual intolerance or allergic manifestations.
In cooking
Plum fruits are widely used in cooking. They are used to make compotes, liqueurs, jam, jam, juice, marshmallows, marmalade, confectionery, filling for all kinds of pies, pies and puff pastries. Plum fruits are consumed fresh or dried (prunes). The beneficial properties of home plums are also preserved when frozen.
In cosmetology
Plum pulp is often used in cosmetology. The active substances in the fruit can have a lifting effect and tighten pores. In combination with the pulp or juice of various fruits, yogurt and other products, plum fruits are actively used in cosmetic masks for oily and combination skin. Home plum masks also have a whitening effect, smooth out fine wrinkles, as they are rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus and other micro- and macroelements. Plum pulp not only tightens pores, but also fights acne and is effective for facial eczema.
In gardening
There are approximately 1,500 types of plums in the world, but no more than 300 are used in breeding and cultivation. In Russia, of all stone fruits the plum tree takes second place. Home plum is found everywhere in personal plots and in the gardens. The plum tree begins to bear fruit approximately 3-4 years after planting. With proper care, the average yield of plums is about 10-20 kg per tree, some varieties can produce up to 40 kg.
Within the species of Prunus domestica, there are subspecies: green plum, damson plum, European mirabelle, Italian Hungarian. Italian plum or renclod - subspecies homemade plum with yellow-green fruits spherical and elastic pulp. Common varieties: Cambridge Gage, Willingham gage, Eurasia 21, Coe's Golden Drop, Golden Transparent, Laxton's Supreme, Graf Althanns Reneklode. Among the ancient European varieties with fruits of yellow, red-yellow, and purple shades, the most famous are: Victoria (Queen Victoria), Pershore, Marjorie’s Seedling, Tsar, President (Great Britain), Swan. Mirabelle is a popular variety in northeastern France with small, spherical plums. The fruits have bright yellow or reddish skin and juicy yellow flesh. Mirabelle is widely cultivated in central as well as southern Europe. Prunes are dried from the fruits of the Hungarian plant.
Classification
Home plum (lat. Prúnus domestica) - cultivated fruit bush or a low tree, a species of the genus Prunus. Belongs to the Plum subfamily (lat. Prunoideae), the Pink family. There are up to 1,500 species in the genus, of which about 300 are popular in culture.
Botanical description
House plum is a deciduous fruit tree, the height of which reaches from 2 to 6 m in height. The tree is of hybrid origin, and its relatives are cherry plum and thorn. The bark of the trunk is grayish-whitish, cracked, the branches are reddish, forming an ovoid crown. Plum leaves are elliptical, dark green above and grayish-green below, alternate, with a serrated or crenate edge. Plum blossoms occur in April - May, simultaneously with the blossoming of foliage. The flowers are greenish-white, fragrant, single or semi-double, developing 1-2 on old shoots. The formula of home plum flower is *CH5L5T∞P1. Plum fruits are flattened and pointed drupes of purple, yellow, green or red color with a bluish bloom. The tree bears fruit in July-August. The plant is propagated by sowing seeds, root suckers, grafting, and rarely by cuttings.
The lifespan of domestic plum depends on the variety; it can reach 25 years. The tree begins to bloom and bear fruit from 8-10 years of age. Early-fruiting varieties enter the fruiting phase in the second - third year after planting, late-fruiting varieties - approximately in the sixth - seventh year.
Spreading
The domestic plum is not found in the wild; it was introduced into cultivation in the Caucasus as a result of the natural hybridization of sloe with cherry plum. In the territory Russian Federation domestic plum is grown in the south of Siberia, Far East, south of the territorial line St. Petersburg - Vologda - Kirov - Ufa. The plant is also widely cultivated in Ukraine and in the countries Central Asia.
Regions of distribution on the map of Russia.
Procurement of raw materials
The fruits, flowers, and leaves of plums are used for medicinal purposes. The beneficial properties of dried plums are almost identical to the fresh fruits of the plant. The fruits of the domestic plum are collected in the summer (July-August). To obtain high-quality prunes, the fruits are dried in special dryers or ovens. Using the second drying method, the plums are blanched to speed up the process of turning juicy fruits into prunes, then gradually dried at a temperature of 40-50 °C. The leaves and flowers are harvested in the spring, before the beginning of the first summer month. The leaves are dried on racks in well-ventilated areas, turning over from time to time, or in special dryers at a temperature of about 50 ° C. The raw material is considered dried if the petioles break and do not bend when bent. Store dried leaves in a closed container for no more than 1 year.
Chemical composition
Plum fruits contain sugars (up to 11%), coloring matter (0.06-0.31%), hemicellulose (0.2%), starch (0.1%), fiber (0.5%), pectin ( 0.9%), organic acids (malic, citric, oxalic, salicylic), tannins. The fruit contains many vitamins and microelements: beta-carotene (0.1 mg%), tocopherol (0.63 mg%), vitamin C (10 mg%), B vitamins (B1 - 0.06 mg%, B9 - 0.08 mg%, B6 -0.04 mg%, B15 - 0.15 mg%), PP, K; potassium (214 mg%), calcium (28 mg%), phosphorus (27 mg%), magnesium (17 mg%), sodium (18 mg%), iron (550 mg%), iodine, fluorine, cobalt, chromium.
The kernels of the seeds contain: up to 40% fat, amygdalin glycoside, emulsin enzyme. Plum leaves are rich in acylated flavonol glycosides, quercetin, myricetin, myricetin 3-O-4-acetyl-L-rhamnopyranoside, esterase, triterpenoids, tannins and galloyl carboxylase.
Pharmacological properties
According to clinical studies by European scientists, the contents of plum leaves active substances have antidiabetic properties and can be used as an effective means in the fight against radiation. The tree bark, its fruits and seeds are also endowed with powerful pharmacological activity. The protective abilities of plum fruits for organs have been studied digestive system. The plant has antiulcerogenic, antibacterial, radioprotective and antifungal properties. It has been established that dried plum fruits help maintain the freshness of meat and reduce the growth of staphylococcus, salmonella and E. coli by up to 90%.
The laxative properties of prunes have been known for a long time, but the first clinical study appeared only in 2011. It has been established that the active substances diphenylisatin and sorbitol in the fruit have a laxative effect on the body. (“Food pharmacology and therapy”, 2011, No. 7, Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics).
Dried fruit has a detrimental effect on bacteria leading to oral diseases. This conclusion was reached by a doctor from Mexico, head of the Department of Pharmacy National University Jose Fausto Rivero. Since ancient times, Mexican cooks have used prunes to preserve meat products, since their active substances protected perishable foods from rotting. This feature of the plum fruit was tested by Rivero. As a result of laboratory research and testing on dental tissue, the scientist was able to isolate a component from the dried fruit that actively fights pathogenic bacteria. This substance also helps get rid of gum inflammation, caries and tartar formation.
According to the results of numerous laboratory tests by American scientists, prunes are the leader in antioxidant content when compared with raisins, dates and figs. Antioxidants can protect cells human body from defeat in response to an attack by chemical and infectious factors. In addition, the antioxidants in prunes have a detoxifying effect against heavy metal salts and absorb free radicals. The latter are the cause of aging of the body and the occurrence of many degenerative diseases. It has been proven that prunes can fight the symptoms of hypertension, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke, being a rich source of potassium. The latter maintains water-salt balance in the body and promotes the normal functioning of cells, including nerve cells.
In the course of research, American scientists from the University of North Carolina and Texas A&M University discovered an important property of prunes - dried plum fruits help reduce the risk of developing colon cancer by preventing the growth of cancer cells.
Use in folk medicine
Medicinal properties plums are widely used in folk medicine. Leaves, flowers, fruits, and plant bark are used for preventive and therapeutic purposes. The flowers of the plant have a mild laxative effect, regulating intestinal motility. Decoctions of plum flowers are effective for constipation, stomach colic, nausea, belching, liver diseases, skin dermatoses, furunculosis, and neuralgia. The beneficial properties of plum leaves are also known among people. Infusion of leaves and flowers of home plum treats inflammatory processes of the kidneys and Bladder. An infusion of leaves has a diuretic and laxative effect, regulates metabolism, and is used to treat stomatitis. Plum leaf tea is beneficial for those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. Steamed dry or fresh plum leaves are used externally for ulcers and wounds. A decoction of the tree bark is used for malaria, diarrhea, externally used for erysipelas, and also in gynecological practice for douching for leucorrhoea. The juice of the fruit has antibacterial effect in relation to Giardia.
Prunes are not only a delicious dried plum product, but also a rich source of potassium, iron and many vitamins. Therefore, doctors often recommend using dried plums for vitamin deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Prunes have a beneficial effect on the functionality of the gastrointestinal tract due to the presence of ballast substances. Regular consumption of 5-6 prunes a day helps strengthen and heal the body, as well as get rid of unnecessary pounds. Including plum fruits in the diet increases performance, normalizes blood pressure, improves the appearance of the skin and the general condition of the body. Plum fruits have proven themselves in Chinese folk medicine as an effective antibacterial, expectorant and antipyretic remedy for colds. Also have beneficial properties domestic plum seeds. The kernels of the kernels are used for ascariasis. Plums stimulate the appetite, so fresh fruit juice or prune decoction are useful for small children who do not want to eat. Pitted prunes are used externally for calluses, making applications to the affected area.
Tajik medicine has confirmed the cleansing properties of plums and its ability to reduce slagging in the body. Decoctions of dried plums and plum juice are used for lesions of the gallbladder and atherosclerosis, since the fruits of the domestic plum can remove harmful cholesterol.
Historical reference
Scientists believe that home plum fruit crop appeared in the Caucasus as a result of natural hybridization of cherry plum (Prunus divaricata Ledeb) and thorn (Prunus spinosa L.). These plants are quite common in wildlife this area. The usefulness of plums has been known for a very long time. It is known that the ancient Romans successfully consumed its fruits as food. During times Kievan Rus this tree has become especially popular. The plum spread from the Caucasus to the Mediterranean countries and Central Asia, then during the reign of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, several trees were brought to Russia from Europe. Today plum grows everywhere, excluding the northern regions.
The ancient healers Avicenna and Abu Mansur knew about the beneficial properties of home plum, using the fruits, leaves, and gum of the plant for medicinal purposes. Plum fruits were recommended as a laxative, choleretic, and tonic. Stomatitis and conjunctivitis were treated with plum gum. Muhammad Hussein Sherazi recommended sour and sweet and sour varieties of plums for fever, palpitations, as a thirst quencher and antiemetic.
Literature
- Zvonarev N. Plum, sloe, cherry plum... Varieties, cultivation, calendar gardening work. - Litres, 2013. – 288 p.
- Kalyuzhnaya T. Frost-resistant garden. - Litres, 2015. – 449 p.
- Encyclopedia medicinal plants traditional medicine. - OLMA Media Group, 2003 – 270 p.
Despite the fact that new fruits are constantly appearing on sale, those that grow in our gardens do not lose their popularity. One of these favorites is the plum, the fruits of which are famous not only for their original taste, but also for their large quantity. useful qualities- we’ll talk about them in the article.
Cultural history
The plum has been known for many years, but the exact version of the appearance of this plant has not yet been established. Archaeological excavations in Switzerland have revealed plum pits among other finds, suggesting that even prehistoric people had a source of food from these fruits. History claims that these fruits have long been exquisite products that were constantly on the tables of kings and other rich people.
Some scientists believe that the plum appeared in Ancient Rome. Already before the start new era The Syrians made prunes, which they traded with other countries. In Russia, the fruit was the favorite of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. There is a theory according to which these fruits came to Europe thanks to the Crusades. 
Did you know? The plant first appeared in the Caucasus. There is an opinion that the tree is the result of hybridization of sloe and cherry plum. Later, through selection, it was obtained a large number of different varieties.
Berry or fruit?
Recently, some people have begun to call the plum a berry, although before that it was always a fruit. Let's look at why these changes were made. According to botany, berries are originally multi-seeded fruits, which ripen on bushes and plants. The plum has one seed, and the fruit ripens on the tree, which means calling it a berry with scientific point vision is not possible. However, there are enough varieties small sizes, which grow on bush-shaped trees and have very small fruits. In this regard, differences arose in the qualification - berry or fruit.
Let's consider what a fruit is: according to the classification in botany - edible fruit with a large amount of sap, growing on a tree, shrub, appearing instead of a pollinated flower, has a certain amount of seeds, which, after ripening, fall into the soil and sprout. It follows that if a fruit grows on a bush and has one seed, it means it is a fruit.
Despite all this, few people in everyday life pay attention to such scientific information Therefore, it cannot be considered a mistake when this fruit is called either a berry or a fruit.
Why berry?
The scientifically incorrect interpretation that plums are berries is due to the fact that today low-growing hybrids - shrub-shaped plants with small fruits - are very popular. At the beginning of the last century, scientific research was carried out, as a result of which it was precisely established that the plum is fruit tree. As described earlier, these fruits are called berries only in everyday life; from a scientific point of view, this definition is not correct.
Why fruit?
Since the plum tree is tall, stone fruit, and bears fruits with one seed in a hard shell, growing on a small stalk, scientists are sure that this is a fruit. Everyone knows that berries have a lot of juicy pulp and small seeds located in the pericarp, and they grow on bushes.
What are the benefits and where are plum fruits used?
The unique taste and huge amount of vitamins and minerals that are important for humans, which are found in plums, make this fruit not only one of the most beloved, but also healthy desserts. Besides all this, it is also endowed with many beneficial qualities that are used in different areas. 
Those who constantly eat plums never have problems with appetite, since the fruit activates the intestines and improves digestion. also in medical purposes The leaves are used to prepare decoctions for external and internal use. Various masks and decoctions for skin and hair are made based on plums. And of course, a large number of delicious and healthy dishes and blanks.
Important! The fruit seed contains the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin. In the body, it decomposes with the release of hydrocyanic acid - it is very harmful to health. It is important that when heat treatment this substance is destroyed.
In medicine
Fresh and dried fruits, compotes and plum juice have a beneficial effect on the body as a whole. In folk medicine, there are many recipes based on this product. Tinctures, decoctions, and poultices are prepared from plums to treat skin lesions. The fruit is characterized by the following positive properties:
- An excellent laxative that is prescribed to both children and the elderly.
- Used to cleanse the intestines during inflammation, when other means cannot be used.
- The unsweetened fruit is good for obesity and diabetes.
- This fruit is prescribed for non-infectious hepatitis.
- Helps eliminate cholesterol.
- They act as radioprotectors, removing radioactive substances from the body.
Cosmetic properties
Plum is useful to use not only internally, but also as cosmetic preparations. The main thing is to first make sure that you are not allergic to this product. Most often, masks and body oil are prepared based on the fruit.
The benefits of plum are as follows:
- Is an antioxidant.
- Nourishes and moisturizes the skin, making it soft and velvety.
- Combats dryness and brittleness of hair.
- Has a beneficial effect on the skin around the eye area.
- Used as a flavoring agent in cosmetics.
- Used as an emulsifier to combine various components.
- Takes care of nails and cuticles.
Plum belongs to the almond subfamily and is native to Asia. The tree has a height of up to five meters.
It blooms with pink or white flowers, which consist of five petals.
The plum fruit is a drupe with a rather large stone, different different colors and high density.
Today it can be found not only in Asian countries, but also in our area, because this tree is unpretentious in cultivation and adapts to different soil and climate, bears fruit well.
There are many varieties of plums, they originate from the following botanical species: Usuri, domestic, damson, sloe, Chinese-American hybrids.
This plant received wide use in cooking, medicine and cosmetology.
Calorie content of plum and its composition
Plum is an excellent source of minerals and vitamins. Among the microelements that are present in these fruits are magnesium, iron, copper, calcium, zinc, manganese, boron, nickel and chromium, potassium, phosphorus. Plum contains the following vitamins: C, A, B1, B2, P.
These fruits saturate the human body with sucrose, fructose, and glucose. The total sugar content in them is 9-12%. Plums also contain organic acids: oxalic, malic, citric, salicylic. Beneficial pectin, nitrogen, and tannins can be found in the fruits.
Fatty oils are obtained from plum seeds, which are used along with almond oils. The seeds contain up to 42% oil, as well as flavonoids and amino acids. Plum fruits are dried, resulting in an excellent delicacy that is classified as dried fruit - prunes.
Both fruits and leaves of this tree contain special specific substances - coumarins, which are known for their beneficial properties in the prevention and treatment of thrombosis, and are also capable of dilating the blood vessels of the heart.
Plum leaves contain a large amount of carotenoids, vitamin C and phytoncides. They also contain scopoletin, a coumarin-like substance. Bark resin of this plant contains rhamnose, arabinose, galactose and xylose.
The calorie content of plums is 43 kilocalories per 100 grams!
Plum fruits are used both fresh and dried. They increase appetite and the activity of the motor-secretory function of the stomach. The fruits are also known for their mild diuretic and laxative properties. Prunes are used as an antipyretic.
Plums are also used for diseases of blood vessels, heart and anemia. Compotes or jelly made from fruits are recommended for use by people who suffer from rheumatism, kidney disease, atherosclerosis, and gout.
Fresh fruits and prunes are excellent for intestinal atony and constipation. of various origins. Plum juice with pulp and compote have a similar effect. In fresh and dried form, plums reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines and promote its further release from the body.
The fruits of this tree have a positive effect on kidney diseases and hypertension. Since plums contain potassium compounds, which are diuretics, its consumption helps remove excess water and table salt from the human body.
If we consider the benefits for the body, it does not matter in what form the fruits are consumed: fresh or dried. It is important to remember that prunes have a high calorie content, so diabetics and obese people should limit their consumption.
It should also not be eaten by nursing mothers, as it does not have the most beneficial effect on the digestion of infants and can cause rumbling in their stomach, diarrhea and colic.
Eating plums has an excellent effect on the composition of the blood - these fruits have a good hematopoietic effect, enhance the processes of blood purification and the removal of toxic substances from the body. They strengthen the liver, cleanse the stomach, and are used in the treatment of diseases associated with excessive bile production.
In order to prepare a laxative from plums, you need to pour boiling water over them. There is no need to boil them or add sugar, since such use will not be very effective.
An alternative option is to eat several fruits in the morning on an empty stomach and then throughout the day. To get rid of constant constipation, you need to cook oats and plums for a long time, then drink the resulting liquid.
In steamed or crushed form, dried plum leaves are used to heal ulcers and wounds when they are applied to the affected areas of the skin. For the treatment of stomatitis, a decoction is prepared from the leaves. It is boiled for an hour, then filtered and boiled water is added to the initial volume.
For cosmetic purposes, masks are prepared from plum fruits, which have a rejuvenating effect and restore elasticity to the skin. For dry and normal skin, sour cream or thick cream is added to the plum pulp. For oily skin this ingredient is replaced with pre-whipped egg white chicken egg
. In order to get the desired effect, you need to make fifteen to twenty masks.
Plum: harm
In addition to benefits, plum fruits can cause harm. It is worth noting that their consumption leads to an increase in the acidity of gastric juice. Therefore, this fruit is contraindicated for people who suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract accompanied by high acidity.
The choleretic property of the fruit can also be harmful to people who have gallstones. In this case, eating plums can lead to a sudden exacerbation of the disease.
A high concentration of sugar can be harmful to people who have diabetes, so if this pathological condition is present, the fruit should not be consumed. For the same reason, eating plums and prunes is not recommended for obese people.
The diuretic effect of fruits can increase the manifestations of rheumatism and gout.
Video about the properties of plum
Personal trainer, sports doctor, physical therapy doctor
Draws up and conducts personal training programs for body correction. Specializes in sports traumatology and physiotherapy. Conducts classical medical and sports massage sessions. Conducts medical and biological monitoring.
Plum - fruit plant from the extensive Rose family (Rosaceae). Refers to the same systematic group many fruit and berry crops well known to children and adults: apple, cherry, sweet cherry, apricot, peach, strawberry, raspberry. Let’s look at the question that most often sounds like this: “Is a plum a berry or a fruit?” It is not surprising that many people are confused about the concepts.
Is plum a berry or a fruit?
They occupy a place of honor among plums, because since ancient times people have been growing them for harvest. Sweet dishes, sauces and alcoholic drinks are prepared from the fruits of plums, sloe, cherry plum. Plum is a tree or shrub with a height of 1 to 6 m. All groups of varieties and wild species- high-yielding plants.
The fruit, a single-stone drupe, is formed in place of the flower after fertilization. Before ripening, the pericarp remains hard for some time, colored green color. As you accumulate nutrients the fruit becomes more juicy, and inside it, in a special nest, a hard stone with a seed is formed.
What are the fruits?
The term “fruit” came into Russian a long time ago, but has not taken root in scientific use. But in medicine, dietetics, cooking and in everyday life this word is very popular, although not everyone can interpret it correctly. What is the difference between a fruit and a berry? Plum belongs to which of these two groups?
It is generally accepted that fruit is the same as fruit, because that is how the word fructus is translated from Latin. Other edible parts of plants, and the plants themselves, may also belong to such economic groups as vegetables, grains, and nuts. Among fruits, two groups are distinguished: drupes and berries. They differ in the number of seeds and a number of other characteristics.
Let's understand it thoroughly: plum is actually a fruit or berry. It is necessary to distinguish between scientific terms and economic definitions. Types in botany differ in the consistency of the pericarp and the number of seeds. There are 4 main groups - dry and juicy, single-seeded and multi-seeded.
What type of fruit does a plum have?
Drupes - plums, cherries, apricots - are juicy and contain one seed. Berries are also juicy, but multi-seeded fruits. They arise from one or more carpels. There are completely fleshy berries with a thin skin, like a grape, and a leathery berry, whose pericarp is thick, like an orange. So, is a plum a berry or a fruit? The second concept is more extensive and includes the first, that is, berries are a type of fruit (fruit).
Representatives of botanical science, without hesitation, will determine: a plum is a berry or a fruit. Seeing juicy fruits plums and grapes, they will say that in front of them is a drupe and a berry. A nutritionist, a sales worker, an ordinary person will explain that both are fruits. Everyone will be right in their reasoning and conclusions. Thus, a plum is not a berry. Here it should be recalled that berries can also be classified as fruits, which economic activity, everyday life is not considered a mistake. After all, all these are fruits (lat. fructus).
Is plum a tree or shrub?
By appearance plants can be classified into different life forms. The main groups are considered to be the following: trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, lianas. Life forms are a kind of adaptation to the conditions of existence.
After we have easily understood the problem indicated above - a plum is a berry or a fruit - answer the question about life form it will be more difficult. In appearance, plants belonging to the Plum genus are low trees and shrubs. The most common type is the home garden plum. The tree is found in the wild in the Caucasus.
Diversity of species of the subgenus Prunus
To this day, wild plums can be found in forests, along ravines and ravines, but most species belonging to this subgenus have long been domesticated. They give rich harvests of medium and different color with a characteristic flat bone inside. Their length usually exceeds the thickness by 1.5 times, the diameter is from 1-3 cm. New varieties have been bred that give large fruits up to 8 cm in size, sweet or sour in taste. Species common in Eurasia:
Home garden - normal look for central Russia.
- Prickly, thorn, blackthorn - small, very thorny bush with blue fruits.
- Spreading cherry plum is a tree reaching a height of 8 m. It grows wild in the Caucasus and Central Asia.
- Ussuri - lives wild in Primorye and is cultivated for its fruits in Eastern Siberia.
- Chinese - grown in China, Japan, Korea. The fruits are sweet and sour and are widely used in cooking and winemaking.
- Pissardi - decorative tree with beautiful pink petals and dark red foliage. Used in landscape design.
When you see a thorn bush, you are perplexed: is it really a plum? Berry or fruit - its dark blue small fruit? Cherry plum also surprises with its fruiting. Although this tree looks like a plum, the color of its rich harvest is unusual - red and yellow (purple and blue fruits are less common).
Useful qualities of plum
People use the fruits of wild and cultivated plants for food, for processing into juices, jams, jams, liqueurs, as a filling for baked goods, as medicinal raw materials. The domestic plum has long been grown for its juicy drupes with a bluish coating. Home plum fruits contain:
- carbohydrates (fructose, glucose);
- vitamins C, A, P, group B;
- organic acids;
- tannins;
- microelements;
- pectins.
Preparations from the pulp of plum fruits and seeds are used in folk and official medicine. Prunes are used in dietary nutrition, confectionery production. early and abundantly, even before the leaves fully bloom. Trees and shrubs look very elegant and are valued in landscape design.
Traditionally, in the 20th century, two groups of varieties were distinguished within the species - Hungarians and Renclods. The first are represented by trees and shrubs with blue-violet round or elongated fruits. Renclods often have spherical fruits of a greenish color. Now the main direction is the breeding of undersized subspecies, interspecific crossing and obtaining hybrids, for example, plum and apricot.
