A Plum Good Quest: Finding Plums in the Concrete Jungle
So, you've got a hankering for plums, huh? Well, you've come to the right place (or at least, the right place to start your search). Let's embark on this fruity adventure together.
The Great Plum Pursuit
New York City, a concrete jungle where dreams are made (and bagels are consumed in alarming quantities), might not be the first place you'd think to find a bounty of plums. But fear not, plumaholic! There are indeed ways to get your plum fix in this bustling metropolis.
Your Local Grocery Store: Let's start with the obvious: your friendly neighborhood grocery store. While the selection might vary depending on the time of year and specific location, most decent grocery stores will carry plums, especially during their peak season. Think Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, or even your corner bodega (you never know, right?).
Farmers Markets: Now, this is where things get interesting. Farmers markets are like treasure troves of fresh produce, and plums are no exception. You'll find a wider variety of plums here, and you can often chat with the farmers to learn about different types and how to pick the perfect plum.
Asian Grocery Stores: If you're looking for something a bit more exotic, head to your nearest Asian grocery store. They often carry a wider range of plum varieties, including Japanese plums, which can be a real treat.
Online Delivery: If you're feeling lazy (or just really busy), you can always order your plums online. Services like Instacart and FreshDirect can deliver fresh produce right to your doorstep.
Plum Perfect: Tips for Choosing the Best Plums
- Color: This is a big one. The color of a plum can give you clues about its ripeness. Generally, red and blue plums should be deep in color, while yellow plums should have a golden hue.
- Feel: A ripe plum should give slightly when gently squeezed, but not be mushy.
- Smell: A sweet, fruity aroma is a good sign.
How to... Plum Questions
- How to ripen plums? If your plums are a bit too firm, place them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.
- How to store plums? Once ripe, store plums in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- How to freeze plums? To freeze plums, remove the pits and cut them into chunks. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container.
- How to can plums? Canning plums is a great way to preserve them. There are many recipes and methods available online.
- How to grow plums in a small space? While growing your own plums is challenging in a small space, you might consider container gardening with dwarf plum varieties.
Happy plum hunting!