In fact, the bloom on the skin is one of the reasons that plums naturally ferment so well. It’s just the naturally occurring microbiome that includes bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. They include plums like:Įuropean-type plums typically have a dusty ‘bloom’ on the skin. There are dozens of European plums, including lots of others in the ‘gage’ and ‘prune’ families. While Greengage are more rounded, Presidents have the classic “egg” shape that many people associate with the most common European-type plums. Prune d’Agen plums (above) are a common teardrop European shape.īut the Greengage and President plums (below) are also European-type plums. Prune d’Agen plums – a sweet plum that is easily preserved by drying European-type plumsĮuropean plums are the more familiar and “old fashioned” looking plums that were common in early Australian gardens. Our colonial past means that many of our delicious and nutritious native foods are under valued. This is typical of the way we’ve learned how to grow food in Australia. Oorays are not very well known or often planted in Australian gardens. There are two main types of plum trees you may be familiar with – European-type plums and Japanese-type plums.īut have you heard of any native Australian plums, like the Davidson Plum? Their native name is Ooray, and they are a great tree to consider for your garden if you live in the right climate. Ooray, or Davidson’s plums (photo John Moss) Native Australian plums It will also give you more variety in your diet and more scope to preserve and cook them in different ways. This will spread your harvest and give you access to home grown fresh fruit for longer. While they have a lot in common, they are so different to each other that most gardens deserve a number of plum trees of different types. There are hundreds of different varieties of plum.

Prune d’agen plums – perfect for drying Which plum tree will suit you best? Today, we’re celebrating the plum tree, and looking at some of the varieties you might like to add to your garden. Maybe it’s because they’re so easy to grow. Plum trees are often a bit looked down on, and don’t get the attention they deserve. Do you want reminders about simple jobs to keep your fruit trees healthy? CLICK HERE to sign up for our free Weekly Fruit Tips newsletter.

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