Asian Dried Plums: A Selection for Adventurous Palates

Whether you're nostalgic for childhood snacks or a foodie in search of new discoveries, the Asian plum is full of surprises. A world away from the familiar Western prune, this dried fruit unveils an unexpected range of flavours and textures, from sweet and tangy to even a hint of salt.

Between green plums, candied plums, peach-flavoured plums, and those with a melty or springy texture, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide is here to shed some light and help you choose the perfect Asian snack to satisfy your cravings.

How to Choose the Best Asian Dried Plums??

Finding the perfect plum is easy once you know what to look for. Follow this guide to ensure your first tasting is a memorable one.

1. The Flavour Profile: A Balancing Act

What sets the Chinese dried plum apart is its complexity. Unlike Western dried fruits, which are typically confined to the sweet category, it explores a much broader spectrum of flavours?:

• Sweet & Tangy?: The classic choice, delivering a bright, refreshing, and mouth-watering sensation.
• Sweet & Salty?: A staple of the sweet and salty dried fruit world, where a hint of salt enhances the fruit's sweetness and adds greater depth.
• Flavoured?: Some are infused with other juices (peach, lychee...) or spices like liquorice for a completely new taste experience.

2. The Texture: From Melty to "QQ"

The chew is just as crucial as the taste. There are two main categories?:

• Melty and Plump?: The plum is tender, with a generous flesh that melts in your mouth. A comforting and crowd-pleasing texture.
• Firm or "QQ"?: Highly prized in Asia, the QQ texture refers to a sensation that is firm, springy, and satisfyingly chewy. It's a more surprising, almost playful experience.

3. The Packaging: For One or for Many

Asian plums often come in thoughtfully designed formats?:

• Individual Packets?: Perfect for slipping into your bag for a snack at the office or for portion control.
• Family-Sized Bags or Buckets?: More economical, these are ideal for sharing with friends or for true fans who always want to have some on hand.

Our Selection of Asian Plums

To guide you, here are a few gems that showcase the full richness of this unique snack.

Liu Liu Prune Original Green Plum 160g

The Take?: A timeless classic. This candied green plum is all about authenticity, made with 90% fruit and a traditional recipe. The sugar-to-acid balance is perfectly mastered, resulting in a vibrant flavour and a plump texture with a slight crunch.

Pros?:

• Authentic and intense green plum taste.
• Plump texture with a light crunch.
• Individually wrapped, ideal for on-the-go.

Who is it for???: For purists seeking the true taste of traditional candied plum, with its perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

LYFEN California Dried Plums 108g

The Take?: Here, the focus is on simplicity and convenience. Made from California plums, they are pitted?: a real plus for hassle-free snacking. The texture is ultra-soft, and the taste is mild with a sweet finish that lingers pleasantly.

Pros?:

• Pitted for 100% convenient snacking.
• Ultra-soft and melty texture.
• Mild and sweet taste, perfect for all palates.

Who is it for???: For those who prefer simplicity and sweetness. It's the ideal gateway into the world of Asian plums and a sure hit with kids.

Be&Cheery King Plum Bucket 500g

The Take?: Why choose just one?? This generous bucket is a true invitation to discovery with its assortment of five varieties?: green plum, Suzhou plum, bayberry, and more. Each individual packet is a surprise, with flavours ranging from very sweet to delightfully tangy.

Pros?:

• A varied assortment so you'll never get bored.
• XXL 500g size, ideal for sharing.
• Perfect for trying different flavours all at once.

Who is it for???: For the curious, the indecisive, and anyone looking for a fun format to share with family and friends.

Liu Liu Prune Shanghai Yellow Peach QQ Prune 80g

The Take?: Calling all fans of original experiences?! This version pairs green plum with yellow peach juice for an explosive fruit cocktail. But its real secret is its famous QQ texture?: firm and springy, it turns snacking into a truly fun experience.

Pros?:

• The unique "QQ" texture is fun to chew.
• Original plum-peach flavour combination.
• Convenient and hygienic individual packets.

Who is it for???: For flavour adventurers and fans of unconventional textures. A great way to (pleasantly) shake up your taste buds.

Craving More Gourmet Discoveries??

If these plums have piqued your curiosity for international sweets, know that the adventure doesn't stop here. From melty mochi to crispy biscuits, the world of Asian snacks is a goldmine for foodies.

For even more inspiration, take a look at our complete selection of easy and delicious desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What's the difference between an Asian dried plum and a Western prune??

It's all in the preparation and taste?! The Western prune is simply dried, a process that concentrates its natural sugars for a very sweet result. The Asian plum, often a green plum, undergoes a candying process?: it's macerated in a syrup (sugar, salt, sometimes spices) before being dried. The result?: a much more complex flavour profile that plays on sweet, tangy, and even salty notes.

How should I store Chinese dried plums??

To maintain their flavour and texture, store them in a cool, dry place away from light. Once the bag is opened, be sure to reseal it tightly or transfer the plums to an airtight container. This will prevent them from drying out or, conversely, absorbing moisture.

Is candied green plum very sweet??

Not necessarily?! Although sugar is essential for the candying process, the candied green plum is famous for its balance. The fruit's natural acidity is preserved and counteracts the sweetness of the syrup. The final product is a harmonious and refreshing blend that is far from cloying.