At the table - Plums

September - the season of the humble plum. All across South-West France, markets are filled to the gunwhales with baskets and boxes of them — deep purple, mustard yellow, something red. Their skins, that always look like they could do with a dust and a polish, cover that flesh that we covet... sweet, tangy, and the stuff of unavoidable dribbling. They're not around for long, and you can sense the hurry in everyone not only in getting them to market, but also carting them home and doing something yummy and plummy.

Plums have long been at home here. The Prune d’Ente, first cultivated in the middle ages near the town of Agen, is the ancestral patriarch of French plums. When Crusaders returned from the East, they brought back cool grafting techniques, and the softly-softly climate of the Garonne valley proved perfect to plant plum orchards in every other meadow. By the 17th century, Agen prunes were a sought-after export, ferried on flat-bottomed "Gabarres" - barges that traveled the great rivers of South West France, taking wood (for wine barrels), plums and all manner of products from the pastures, in return for salt, fish and wine. Today, their history and commercial importance is stamped with the PGI status, like buckwheat flour from Brittany and the famous pasta of Alsace.

But wait... there's more. South-West France grows a dazzling array of plums. Delicate greengages "Reine-Claude" - after a 16th century Queen of France - sweet mirabelles, tart and spicy damsons (quetsches), all pudding bound. Each has its loyal following and in village kitchens everywhere, they find their way into jam tarts, eggy clafoutis, and even fortified wines and brandies.

There is also bit of symbolic sweetness to add to the mixing bowl. In folklore, the plum tree often stood for steadiness, endurance and renewal. It would show off by flowering early brushing off the spring frosts with little bother and still bear a ton of juicy fruit. In South-West France, where you could hit succesive golf shots and never not be in a plum orchard, the plum embodies a culture of resilience. Looks modest, acts generously.

As September gets ripe and the harvest literally shakes the trees to their roots, the plum reminds us of life’s brief and perfect seasons. We very regularly "scrump" plums from the orchards of our daily dog walks, and to bite into one is a pleasure for the chops and a deep appreciation of those who came before our theiving mitts. The grafters, the growers, the merchants and the jam makers. All of the story tellers that provide that sweet mouthful of fruity deliciousness. The plum is the proof of any pudding - its flavour rooted in history and grafted on to our current lives and livelihoods.

Plums, of course they are, provide us with much more than just a feast for the memory and a sticky chin. They are certified gift to good health. Nutritionally, they are super rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, and their deep colours reveal high levels of great plant compounds. As prunes (dried plums), they deliver dietary fibre, potassium, and sorbitol, supporting digestion, heart health, and vital bone density. Some studies suggest regular consumption of prunes may even help slow age-related skeletal dementia. "Clap hands, Daddy comes, with a pocket full of plums".. as the nursery rhyme goes. If only I knew then...

The Health Power of Plums (and let's not forget Prunes...)

• Rich in Antioxidants: Plums are packed with polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins in the darker varieties, which help combat oxidative stress and protect against chronic disease.

  
  

• Vitamin C Boost: A single plum provides a notable dose of vitamin C, supporting immune health, collagen production, and iron absorption.

  
  

• Digestive Health: Fresh plums offer soluble fibre, while dried prunes contain both fibre and sorbitol — a natural compound that supports regular digestion.

  
  

• Bone Strength: Emerging research suggests prunes may help slow bone loss in postmenopausal women, supporting bone density and reducing fracture risk.

  
  

• Heart Health: Potassium in plums and prunes helps regulate blood pressure, while antioxidants support vascular function.

  
  

• Blood Sugar Balance: Despite their sweetness, plums have a low glycaemic index. Prunes release natural sugars slowly, helping manage blood sugar levels and reduce spikes.

  
  

• Weight & Satiety: Their combination of fibre, sorbitol, and natural sweetness makes plums and prunes a satisfying snack that can help with appetite control.

Disclaimer

Information shared by Platform 13 regarding food, nutrition, or wellness is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We encourage all guests and readers to consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to their diet, lifestyle, or health practices.