Pluots are a type of fruit created by cross-pollinating plums with apricots. They are one of a handful of possible combinations, including apriums and plumcots, of these two fruits, each with its own slightly different flavor profile. Plumcots have been around for most of human history wherever plums and apricots grow together. They form from one plum parent and one apricot parent, for a fairly even split with slightly more plum-like characteristics. Apriums were initially created by crossing plumcots back with apricots, to enhance their apricot flavor, while pluots were made by crossing plumcots back with plums to enhance the more plum-like characteristics.
All three crosses look similar to plums, but are often lighter in color and have a tangier flavor, thanks to their apricot ancestors.
Pluots, apriums and plumcots come in a dizzying variety of cultivars, many with colorful names like Flavor Grenade, Dapple Dandy, and King Kong. They can be enjoyed fresh or incorporated into any recipe that calls for plums.
Pluots are high in fiber, vitamin C and potassium, making them an excellent choice for a mid-day snack.
Here are a few recipes to inspire you to explore these delicious and unusual fruits. (Don’t worry, if you don’t have pluots on hand, any of these can be made with plums, or with a combination of the two):
Pluot Crumble
Pluot Crumble
Pluot Jam
Pluot Salsa
Pluot Jam
Jaime McLeod is a longtime journalist who has written for a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, and websites, including MTV.com. She enjoys the outdoors, growing and eating organic food, and is interested in all aspects of natural wellness.
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