Whether you're looking to rediscover the taste of an Asian snack from your childhood or are simply curious about new flavours, the Chinese plum is an experience all its own. Forget simple dried fruit: we're talking about a small flavour bomb, oscillating between sweet, salty, and sour. But with the jungle of options online, how do you make the right choice?
Our guide is here to help you navigate the options and find the perfect treat to delight your palate.
How to Choose Your Chinese Plums
To ensure you make the right choice, here are three essential criteria to check before filling your cart at an online Chinese grocery store.
1. Identify the Flavour Profile
The term "Chinese plums" actually covers a galaxy of flavours.
- Sweet, Salty, and Sour: This is the most iconic combination. The salty Chinese plum is often prepared with salt, sugar, and liquorice for a complex, multi-layered flavour. Perfect as an appetiser or a gourmet pick-me-up.
- Sweet and Fruity: Closer to Western prunes, some varieties highlight the natural sweetness of the fruit with a much more subtle hint of salt.
- Added Flavours: The more adventurous can opt for modern versions that incorporate milk, mint, or spice flavours, adding an original twist to this traditional Chinese candy.
2. Spot the Classics
Certain names come up time and again. Knowing them gives you a good idea of what to expect. For example, Ban Bian Mei (伴边梅), which translates to "companion plum," is a classic preparation. It's renowned for its perfect balance of salt, acidity, and a slightly sweet finish. A great benchmark for getting it right.
3. Check the Ingredients
A quick glance at the ingredients list is often very revealing. Look for the presence of additives like sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose), preservatives (potassium sorbate), or flavour enhancers (monosodium glutamate). These details, along with the nutritional information, will help you choose a product that truly matches your preferences and standards.
Top Chinese Plum Recommendations
To help you make your choice, here is our selection of products that caught our eye, each with its own distinct character.
Jiajianchengchu Companion Plum 180g
- Why it stands out: This is the archetypal Ban Bian Mei plum. The blend of plum, salt, sugar, liquorice, and a hint of chilli offers a complexity that awakens the palate. It's the ideal gateway into the world of Chinese preserved fruit.
- Key strengths:
- Traditional and complex flavour profile (sweet, sour, salty).
- Fleshy and pleasant texture.
- Perfect with a cup of tea or as a refreshing snack.
- Who is it for?: Lovers of authentic flavours and anyone seeking the nostalgic taste of traditional salty plums.
Lai Yifen Fresh Milk Flavour Plum 108g
- Why it stands out: Lai Yifen makes a bold move by pairing the tartness of green plum with the sweetness of a milky flavour. The result is explosive: a sharp, sour start, immediately softened by a smooth, gentle finish.
- Key strengths:
- Original and modern flavour combination.
- Thick and soft fruit flesh.
- Individually wrapped for on-the-go convenience.
- Who is it for?: Adventurous palates and foodies looking for new experiences, as well as those who enjoy snacks with sweet and creamy flavours.
Liu Liu Prune Plum 160g
- Why it stands out: Its unique feature? A base of California prunes (90.6%!). The addition of plum juice enhances the taste for a fruitier experience that's closer to the raw product, while still retaining a sweet and sour touch.
- Key strengths:
- High-quality California prune base.
- Rich, fruit-forward taste.
- Versatile: enjoy on its own or add to yoghurt.
- Who is it for?: Those looking for a dried prune with a more natural and less salty taste, without giving up the Asian twist.
Be&Cheery Assorted Plum Bucket 500g
- Why it stands out: The ideal format for the indecisive or for large gatherings! This generous bucket contains an assortment of five varieties, allowing you to explore the full spectrum of flavours in a single order.
- Key strengths:
- Assortment of 5 types of plums (Snow Plum, Yangmei, Suzhou-style, etc.).
- Large 500g format (approx. 70 individual packets), perfect for sharing.
- Lets you discover your personal favourites.
- Who is it for?: Families, gatherings with friends, or simply the curious who want to explore before picking a favourite.
Explore Other Asian Sweets
Chinese plums are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to gourmet Asian snacks. Want to broaden your horizons or still not convinced? Dozens of other hidden gems are waiting for you.
? Discover our complete collection of Sweets & Cakes for even more options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Plums
What's the difference between Chinese plums and classic prunes?
It's all in the preparation! Western prunes are typically just dried plums. The Asian dried plum, however, follows a completely different process: it is first macerated in a brine before being coated with sugar, salt, liquorice, or other spices. This is what gives it its unique taste, somewhere between a preserved fruit and a Chinese candy.
How should I store Asian dried plums?
To maintain their full flavour and soft texture, store them in a cool, dry place away from light. Once a bag is opened, seal it tightly to prevent them from drying out or becoming soft from air exposure. In this regard, individual packets are unbeatable for long-lasting freshness.
Where can I find Chinese plums online?
There's no need to look for them at your local supermarket; authentic varieties are rare there. The easiest way is to turn to an online Chinese grocery store like Joybuy. These specialised platforms import directly from Asia and provide access to a catalogue of brands and flavours that are unavailable elsewhere.
